History Today: America Banned Slavery 160 Years Ago; Trump Impeached, Hong Kong Invaded

• December 18, 1865: The 13th Amendment formally abolished slavery in the United States, 160 years ago, marking a legal end to the institution nationwide.
• President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation (1863) freed slaves in Confederate territories, but the 13th Amendment was crucial for nationwide abolition.
• December 18, 1941: Japanese forces invaded Hong Kong during World War II, eventually capturing it from British, Canadian, and Indian defenders after fierce fighting.
• December 18, 2019: Donald Trump became the third US president to be impeached by the House for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
• Trump was later acquitted by the Republican-controlled Senate, allowing him to remain president despite the impeachment.

Why It Matters: December 18 marks key historical events: US slavery abolition, Hong Kong invasion, and Trump's first impeachment.