1940
9 to 5 begins
The 40-hour work week went into effect under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.
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1648
The treaties for the Peace of Westphalia were signed, ending the Thirty Years War, ultimately destroying the Holy Roman Empire, and ushering in the modern European state system.
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1901
Anna Edson Taylor became the first person to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel.
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1931
The George Washington Bridge, connecting New York and New Jersey, opened to traffic.
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1939
Nylon stockings were sold publicly for the first time, in Wilmington, Del.
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1945
The United Nations officially came into being as its charter took effect.
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1992
The Toronto Blue Jays became the first non-U.S. team to win the World Series.
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2003
The last Concordes landed in London, ending supersonic air travel.
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2005
Civil rights activist Rosa Parks, 92, died.
