Mount Pinatubo explodes
The stratovolcano’s eruption was one of the most violent of the 20th century. About 800 people died, but the event had also global consequences. For example, it caused a global temperature drop of 0.5 °C (0.9 °F)
Spain holds the first free elections since 1936
The transition to democracy followed nearly four decades of right-wing dictatorship under Francisco Franco. Adolfo Suárez became Spain’s first democratically elected Prime Minister.
The Union of European Football Associations is founded
The UEFA is the umbrella organization for association football in Europe. It comprises 54 member countries in Europe and Asia.
The first human blood transfusion is administered
Jean-Baptiste Denys, physician to King Louis XIV of France, transfused sheep blood into a 15-year-old boy. He survived, most likely due to the relatively small amount of blood used.
- 1984 Tim Lincecum
American baseball player - 1969 Oliver Kahn
German footballer - 1964 Michael Laudrup
Danish footballer - 1941 Neal Adams
American artist - 1941 Harry Nilsson
American singer-songwriter, musician
- 1996 Ella Fitzgerald
American singer - 1993 James Hunt
English Grand Prix driver, 1976 World Drivers’ Champion - 1941 Evelyn Underhill
English poet - 1888 Frederick III, German Emperor
- 1849 James K. Polk
American politician, 11th President of the United States
