The Boxer Protocol Is Signed in Beijing
On September 7, 1901, China signed the Boxer Protocol with eleven powers, agreeing to a huge indemnity and foreign troops in Beijing.
Japan Surrenders to China in Nanjing
On September 9, 1945, Japan surrendered to China in Nanjing, ending a war that had cost China tens of millions of lives.
Forty-Eight Nations Sign the Treaty of San Francisco with Japan
On September 8, 1951, 48 nations signed a peace treaty with Japan at San Francisco; China was not invited and rejected its validity.
Khrushchev Becomes the First Soviet Leader to Visit the United States
On September 15, 1959, Nikita Khrushchev became the first Soviet leader to visit the United States, spending 13 days in the country.
The Federation of Malaysia Is Proclaimed
On September 16, 1963, Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak formed the Federation of Malaysia. Singapore was expelled less than two years later.
East and West Germany Are Admitted to the United Nations
On September 18, 1973, East and West Germany both joined the United Nations, 24 years after the two states were founded.
The Torrijos-Carter Treaties on the Panama Canal
On September 7, 1977, the US and Panama signed the treaties transferring control of the canal to Panama by the end of 1999.
Vietnam Is Admitted to the United Nations
On September 20, 1977, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam joined the United Nations, two years after reunification ended the Vietnam War.
The Plaza Accord Is Signed to Bring Down the Dollar
On September 22, 1985, five nations signed the Plaza Accord at the Plaza Hotel in New York to drive down the value of the US dollar.
The Montreal Protocol Is Signed to Save the Ozone Layer
On September 16, 1987, nations signed the Montreal Protocol to phase out CFCs and protect the ozone layer. It is the only UN treaty ratified by every country.
North and South Korea Join the United Nations Together
On September 17, 1991, North and South Korea joined the United Nations as separate states, after decades of rival claims to represent all of Korea.