July 26

Friday 26, 1963:

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development votes to admit Japan.

Saturday 26, 1947:

Cold War: U.S. President Harry S. Truman signs the National Security Act into United States law creating the Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the National Security Council.

Sunday 26, 1936:

The Axis Powers decide to intervene in the Spanish Civil War

Friday 26, 1861:

American Civil War: George McClellan assumes command of the Army of the Potomac following a disastrous Union defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run.

Sunday 26, 1581:

Plakkaat van Verlatinghe (Oath of Abjuration). The declaration of independence of the northern Low Countries from the Spanish king, Philip II.