In History, Today on December 18

Kublai Khan renames his empire 'Yuan', marking the beginning of the Yuan Dynasty in China.

The English ship Anne and Little James set sail from London to join the Plymouth Colony in America.

New Jersey becomes the third state to ratify the United States Constitution.

The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is declared ratified, abolishing slavery.

The first performance of Tchaikovsky's ballet 'The Nutcracker' takes place at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia.

The Battle of Verdun ends in World War I with a French victory over German forces.

Japan is admitted to the United Nations.

The world's first communications satellite, SCORE, is launched by the United States, broadcasting a Christmas message from President Eisenhower.

Saturn's moon Epimetheus is discovered by astronomer Richard Walker.

The United States begins Operation Linebacker II, a massive bombing campaign against North Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

The Kyoto Protocol is adopted by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The first democratic parliamentary elections were held in Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein, marking a significant step in the country's political transition.

The United Arab Emirates announced the establishment of a nuclear energy program, becoming the first country in the Gulf Cooperation Council to do so.

The United States Senate voted to repeal the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, allowing openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals to serve in the military.

The last convoy of U.S. troops left Iraq, marking the official end of the U.S. military mission in the country after nearly nine years of war.

The United States and Cuba announced the beginning of the process to normalize diplomatic relations after more than 50 years of hostility.

The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2254, endorsing a road map for a peace process in Syria and setting a timetable for talks between the Syrian government and opposition groups.

The United States National Security Strategy was released, emphasizing 'America First' and identifying China and Russia as competitors.

The United States House of Representatives impeached President Donald Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, making him the third U.S. president to be impeached.