Queen Elizabeth II’s reign began

Today is Feb. 6. On this date in:

1778

During the American Revolutionary War, the United States won official recognition and military support from France with the signing of a Treaty of Alliance in Paris.

1899

The Senate ratified a peace treaty between the U.S. and Spain.

1911

Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th president of the United States, was born in Tampico, Illinois.

1922

Cardinal Archille Ratti was elected pope; he took the name Pius XI.

1933

The 20th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the so-called lame duck amendment, was proclaimed in effect by Secretary of State Henry Stimson.

1943

A Los Angeles jury acquitted actor Errol Flynn of three counts of statutory rape.

1952

Britain’s King George VI, 56, died at Sandringham House in Norfolk, England; he was succeeded as monarch by his 25-year-old elder daughter, who became Queen Elizabeth II.