Black Death, Forrest Gump, and Dollar

During the Black Death, Pope Clement VI issued a papal bull stating Jews were not to blame and encouraged their protection.

The US Continental Congress issues the "Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms", written by Thomas Jefferson and John Dickinson, which lists American grievances but denies any intent to be independent.

US Congress unanimously resolves to name the US currency the "dollar" and adopts decimal coinage.

The Continental Congress didn't issue a universal paper currency until 1775 to fund the Revolutionary War. Due to the lack of government backing, the currency, known as "Continentals," quickly became worthless.

Louis Pasteur successfully gave an anti-rabies vaccine to 9-year-old Joseph Meister, saving his life.

In Liverpool, John Lennon and Paul McCartney met for the first time when Lennon's rock group, the Quarrymen, performed at St. Peter's Woolton Parish Church, introduced by mutual friend Ivan Vaughan.

The Nigerian Civil War erupts as Nigerian forces invade the secessionist state of Biafra.

California passed the first no-fault divorce law in the United States.

Forrest Gump was released in the US, winning Tom Hanks a second Oscar.