1) The abolition of slavery in the United States was officially proclaimed with the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in 1865.

2) The national flower of Japan is the cherry blossom, which holds great cultural significance and is celebrated during the annual cherry blossom festivals.

3) Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight.

4) The Treaty of Tordesillas, signed in 1494, divided the newly discovered lands outside of Europe between Spain and Portugal, leading to the colonization of the Americas.