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2 January 1980: National steelworkers' strike
Features For the first time in over 50 years, Britain’s steelmaking industry saw the start of a national strike on this day in 1980, as unions demanded a 20% pay rise.
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24 December 1955: Norad begins tracking Santa
Features On this day in 1955, the North American Aerospace Defense Command began tracking Santa Claus as he sped around the world delivering presents.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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