18 June in history
5 events that happened on 18 June, from 618 to 1979.
✦ Anniversary of the day
618 CE 1,408 years ago
Li Yuan proclaims himself emperor, founding the Tang dynasty
After the fall of the Sui, Li Yuan took the throne at Chang'an as Emperor Gaozu. The Tang dynasty presided over one of the most brilliant periods of Chinese culture.
1812 CE 214 years ago
United States declares war on Britain
Madison signed the declaration after Congress narrowly voted for war. The War of 1812 ended in stalemate in 1815, but gave Americans 'The Star-Spangled Banner'.
1940 CE 86 years ago
De Gaulle calls on the French to fight on
Speaking on the BBC from London, General Charles de Gaulle rejected the coming armistice and urged French forces to continue resistance. The appeal founded the Free French movement.
1979 CE 47 years ago
Carter and Brezhnev sign the SALT II treaty
The treaty capped each side's strategic nuclear launchers. The US Senate never ratified it after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, though both sides largely observed its limits.
