Olusegun Obasanjo wins Nigeria’s first free elections in 16 years
The former Nigerian Army general and military ruler oversaw a democratization process that defines the country’s political system to the present day.

Benjamin Netanyahu becomes Israel’s prime minister
The conservative politician is criticized for hampering the peace process that former prime minister, Yitzhak Rabin, had promoted.

Bing Crosby records White Christmas
Crosby’s rendition of Irving Berlin’s song became the most successful of his career and the best-selling Christmas single in history.

Igor Stravinsky’s ballet Le Sacre du printemps is premiered
he performance sparked a riot in the audience as many felt its irregular beat and the percussive character was a sacrilege against music. Today, it is considered one of the key works of 20th-century art music.