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.
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.
The Boeing 747 takes off on its first scheduled flight
The Pan Am jumbo jet flew from New York to London.
The Élysée Treaty formalizes the reconciliation between Germany and France
The treaty effectively ended centuries of enmity between the two European countries.
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 HughesWelsh/American scientist, co-invented the microphone
