November 30th, 2009

Today in History

1981:
Cold War: In Geneva, representatives from the United States and the Soviet Union begin to negotiate intermediate-range nuclear weapon reductions in Europe (the meetings ended inconclusively on December 17).

1966:
Barbados becomes independent.

1960:
Production of the De Soto automobile brand ceases.

1853:
Crimean War: The Russian fleet destroys the Turkish fleet at the Battle of Sinope.

1803:
At the Cabildo building in New Orleans, Spanish representatives Governor Manuel de Salcedo and the Marqués de Casa Calvo, officially transfer Louisiana Territory to French representative Prefect Pierre Clément de Laussat. Just 20 days later, France transfers the same land to the United States as the Louisiana Purchase.