Second Congo War Begins. The deadliest war in Africa, the war and its aftermath has killed an estimated 5.4 million people. The war started with a mutiny in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and soon involved 9 African nations. It lasted for 5 years.

Invasion of Kuwait begins. In 2 days Iraqi forces had overrun Kuwaiti forces and Saddam Hussein declared Kuwait as the 19th province of Iraq. The invasion lasted for 7 months and ended after a UN-authorized coalition force led by the United States intervened.

The Arab Federation is dissolved. The short-lived federation of Jordan and Iraq was dissolved after King Faisal of Iraq was deposed and assassinated during the 14 July Revolution.

The Potsdam Conference which is convened to negotiate the terms of the end of WW II comes to an end. Representatives from the US, U.K., and Soviet Union participated in the conference.

World's first underground railway opened. The Tower Subway beneath river Thames in London opened its doors for passengers. The subway was closed within a few months because of bankruptcy. The tunnel is now used for utilities.