On this day in 1854, Japan ended more than 200 years of isolation when it signed a treaty with the U.S. Navy. Japan agreed to open two ports to U.S. traders.
On this day in 1889, the Eiffel Tower was opened in Paris by France's premier.
On this day in 1901, German inventor Gottlieb Daimler named his latest 53 mph four-cylinder creation after his daughter, Mercedes.
On this day in 1918, daylight saving time went into effect throughout the United States for the first time.
On this day in 1959, the Dalai Lama, the ruler and spiritual leader of Tibet, fled to safety in India after the Chinese communist military occupation of Tibet.