July 25th

1759: In the French and Indian War, British forces capture Fort Niagara from the French, who subsequently abandon Fort Rouillé... and haven't stopped surrendering since.


1909: Louis Blériot makes the first flight across the English Channel in 37 minutes. We've come a long way since then; it now takes at least 37 minutes just to get your baggage at the airport.


1920: The first transatlantic two-way radio broadcast takes place... the roaming charges are astronomical.


1943: Benito Mussolini is forced out of office... no one has been able to make any sense of the Italian government since.