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1854 – US naval officer Commodore Matthew Perry signs the landmark Treaty of Kanagawa with the reclusive Japanese government which normally refused to deal with foreigners, opening the ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to American trade. 1885 – The United Kingdom establishes in South Africa the Bechuanaland Protectorate. More at: History

1842 – Anesthesia is used for the first time, in an operation by American surgeon Dr Crawford Long. 1855 – In a major contributing event to the American Civil War, “Border Ruffians” from Missouri invade Kansas and force election of a pro-slavery legislature. More at: History