December 1st, 2009

Today in History

1998:
Exxon announces a US$73.7 billion deal to buy Mobil, thus creating Exxon-Mobil, the largest company on the planet.

1991:
Cold War: Ukrainian voters overwhelmingly approve a referendum for independence from the Soviet Union.

1941:
World War II: Mayor of New York City, Fiorello LaGuardia, and the director of the Office of Civilian Defense, sign an order creating the Civil Air Patrol.

1919:
Lady Astor becomes first female member of the British Parliament to take her seat (she had been elected to that position on November 28).

1640:
Portugal regains its independence from Spain and João IV of Portugal becomes king.