December 1st, 2008

Today in History

1987:
NASA announces the names of four companies who were awarded contracts to help build Space Station Freedom.

1969:
Vietnam War: The first draft lottery in the United States is held since World War II.

1952:
The New York Daily News reports the first successful sexual reassignment operation.

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.