- 1775 18 Apr The American War of Independence begins with the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The British win both.
- 1949 18 Apr The Republic of Ireland comes into being, but the six counties of Northern Ireland remain part of Britain.
- 1986 18 Apr South Africa repeals the 'pass laws' restricting the movements of non-whites, enforced since 1948.
World War One Centenary
- Find out more about how the BBC is covering the World War One Centenary, and see the latest programmes and online content
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