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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23 December 1913: The US Federal Reserve is created
Features After much debate, Woodrow Wilson finally signed the bill that would create the US Federal Reserve on this day in 1913.
By Chris Carter Last updated
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23 December 1834: Joseph Hansom patents the Hansom cab
Features The 19th-century forerunner of the London black cab, architect Joseph Aloysius Hansom patented his Hansom cab on this day in 1834.
By Chris Carter Last updated
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22 December 1965: 70mph speed limit introduced
Features On this day in 1965, a “temporary” 70mph speed limit was introduced on all unregulated roads in Britain by the Minister of Transport. The limit was soon made permanent.
By Ben Judge Last updated
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22 December 1973: Opec more than doubles the price of oil
Features On this day in 1973 Opec, the oil price cartel, more than doubled the price of oil from $5.12 a barrel to $11.65.
By moneyweek Last updated
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21 December 1844: The Rochdale Pioneers open for business
Features On this day in 1844, the Rochdale Pioneers opened a little shop on Toad Lane in Rochdale, Lancashire, which became a model for co-operatives around the world.
By Chris Carter Last updated
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19 December 1932: BBC World Service begins
Features The first royal Christmas message by George V gave the fledgling World Service an early boost six days after it was founded in 1932.
By Dr Matthew Partridge Last updated
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18 December 1878: the end of the Molly Maguires
Features On this day in 1878, the Molly Maguires – a secret society formed in Ireland – ceased to exist with the hanging of the last of 20 condemned members of the group in the United States.
By Dr Matthew Partridge Last updated
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17 December 1900: The Guzman Prize is announced
Features On this day in 1900, Clara Guzman stumped up 100,000 francs prize money for the first person to communicate with and receive a response from another planet.
By Chris Carter Last updated
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17 December 2003: the first powered flight of SpaceShipOne
Features The privately funded and built space plane, SpaceShipOne, witnessed its first powered flight on this day in 2003 – a crucial step towards winning the $10m Ansari XPrize.
By Chris Carter Last updated
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