Suez Canal seized
On this day in 1956, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser seized control of the Suez Canal and nationalized it, sparking a crisis that later resulted in French, British, and Israeli forces briefly occupying parts of Egypt. 1956.
American photographer Diane Arbus—who was best known for her compelling, often disturbing, portraits of people from the edges of society—died by suicide at age 48. 1971
The Republic of Maldives gained its independence from Britain. 1965.
American actress Sandra Bullock—known for her charismatic energy and wit on-screen, especially as girl-next-door characters in romantic comedies—was born. 1964.
Fidel Castro attacked the Moncada military fortress in Santiago de Cuba, and, although unsuccessful, the event later inspired the 26th of July Movement, which culminated in the overthrow of Fulgencio Batista’s regime in Cuba. 1953.
U.S. President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981, which abolished racial segregation in the U.S. military. 1948.
The U.S. Postal Service was established by the Second Continental Congress, and Benjamin Franklin was named the first postmaster general. 1775.
