While arguing for indepedence from Great Britain, Patrick Henry declares "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" before the second Virginia Convention. Henry's proclamation inspired the Virginia delegates to support the patriot cause, and the fifth Virginia Convention would vote for independence the following year.
Governor Henry H. Haight signs the Organic Act, officially establishing the University of California system. With over 200,000 students on ten campuses, the University of California is one of the largest public systems in the United States.
Reagan announces SDI
President Ronald Reagan announces the formation of the Strategic Defense Initiative in a speech to the American public. Nicknamed "Star Wars" by critics, the program sought to develop a surface and space-based missile system to protect the United States from nuclear attacks.
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