On This Day in History
The latest news, updates and opinions on On This Day in History from the expert team here at MoneyWeek
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8 February 1971: Nasdaq begins trading
Features On this day in 1971, America’s “National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations” – or Nasdaq exchange – began trading.
By Ben Judge Last updated
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6 February 1918: (some) British women get the vote
Features With the passing of the Fourth Reform Act on this day in 1918, certain British women over the age of 30 were given the right to vote.
By Dr Matthew Partridge Last updated
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5 February 1869: World's biggest gold nugget is found
Features On this day in 1869, the world's biggest gold nugget – the 71kg “Welcome Stranger” – was unearthed in Australia by two Cornish tin hunters.
By MoneyWeek Last updated
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4 February 1194: Richard the Lionheart is ransomed
Features Having fallen into the hands of the Duke of Austria and the Holy Roman Emperor, King Richard I of England was freed from captivity on this day in 1194.
By Chris Carter Last updated
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4 February 1818: Sir Walter Scott finds the Honours of Scotland
Features Romantic poet and novelist Sir Walter Scott discovered the Honours of Scotland – Scotland's crown jewels – on this day in 1818, after they had been missing for over a century.
By Chris Carter Last updated
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3 February 1690: America’s first paper money is issued
Features On this day in 1690, the Massachusetts colony began circulating the first paper money on North America, printed to finance England’s war against France.
By Ben Judge Last updated
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3 February 1960: Macmillan’s “wind of change” speech
Features Harold Macmillan gave his famous “wind of change” speech on his visit to Africa on this day in 1960, marking a change in Britain's colonial policy.
By Ben Judge Last updated
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2 February 1709: Alexander Selkirk is rescued
Features After four years and four months marooned on a desert island, Alexander Selkirk – the inspiration for Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe – was rescued on this day in 1709.
By Chris Carter Last updated
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2 February 1901: Queen Victoria’s funeral procession
Features Britain mourned the death of Queen Victoria by holding a grand state funeral for Britain's then longest-reigning monarch, on this day in 1901.
By Chris Carter Last updated
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