The Continental Congress Names the Country the United States
On September 9, 1776, Congress resolved that the new nation be called the United States rather than the United Colonies.
Treaty of Paris Recognises American Independence
On September 3, 1783, Britain and the United States signed the Treaty of Paris, ending the Revolutionary War and setting the border at the Mississippi.
Delegates Sign the United States Constitution in Philadelphia
On September 17, 1787, delegates in Philadelphia signed the United States Constitution, replacing the Articles of Confederation.
Brazil Declares Independence from Portugal
On September 7, 1822, Dom Pedro declared Brazil independent from Portugal at Ipiranga, beginning the Brazilian empire.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Is Proclaimed
On September 23, 1932, Ibn Saud proclaimed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, uniting Hejaz and Nejd under one state.
The First Plenary Session of the CPPCC Opens in Beiping
On September 21, 1949, the first CPPCC plenary session opened in Beiping and began the process that established the People's Republic of China.
The People's Republic of China Is Proclaimed
On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the People's Republic of China from the Tiananmen Gate in Beijing.
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.
Swaziland Gains Independence from Britain
On September 6, 1968, Swaziland gained independence from Britain with King Sobhuza II as head of state; it renamed itself Eswatini in 2018.
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.
Britain and China Initial the Joint Declaration on Hong Kong
On September 26, 1984, Britain and China initialled the Joint Declaration on Hong Kong, setting the terms for the 1997 handover.