2006 – Eco Morales becomes Bolivia's first indigenous president
The left-wing politician has focused mainly on combating poverty and curbing the influence of transnational corporations.
1973 – The U.S. Supreme Court legalizes abortion
The liberalization that was caused by the Roe v. Wade decision entailed fierce resistance from the Pro-Life movement, but the Supreme Court has so far upheld the decision.
1970 – The Boeing 747 takes off on its first scheduled flight
The Pan Am jumbo jet flew from New York to London.
1963 – The Élysée Treaty formalizes the reconciliation between Germany and France
The treaty effectively ended centuries of enmity between the two European countries.
1943 – World record for fastest temperature change
The fastest temperature change recorded in history occurred on this day in Spearfish, South Dakota. The temperature increased from −4°F (−20°C) to +45°F (+7°C) in the span of two minutes.
1953 – Jim Jarmusch
American director
1909 – U Thant
Burmese diplomat, 3rd United Nations Secretary General
1906 – Robert E. Howard
American author
1788 – Lord Byron
English poet
1729 – Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
German author, philosopher
2010 – Iskandar of Johor
Malaysian sultan
2008 – Heath Ledger
Australian actor, director
1973 – Lyndon B. Johnson
American politician, 36th President of the United States
1901 – Queen Victoria
of the United Kingdom
1900 – David Edward Hughes
Welsh/American scientist, co-invented the microphone
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