Today in History

Historical Events

1994

An Israeli doctor kills 30 unarmed Palestinians in the Mosque of Abraham. The massacre by right-wing extremist Baruch Goldstein was widely condemned, also in Israel.

1991

The Warsaw Pact is declared disbanded. Following the end of the Cold War, the defense treaty between 8 communist states had lost its purpose. It had been signed in 1955 as an antagonist of NATO.

1986

Corazon Aquino is sworn in as the 11th President of the Philippines. Aquino's presidency ended 20 years of dictatorship. She was the first female president in Asia.

1964

Muhammad Ali becomes world heavyweight champion. Ali, who still used his original name Cassius Clay at the time, is considered one of the greatest heavyweight boxers in history.

1947

The state of Prussia is dissolved. At its peak, the most important state of the German empire encompassed parts of modern-day Germany, Poland, and Russia.

Famous Births

Born on this day

George Harrison

George Harrison

1943

English singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer

Anthony Burgess

Anthony Burgess

1917

English author

Enrico Caruso

Enrico Caruso

1873

Italian tenor

Rudolf Steiner

Rudolf Steiner

1861

Austrian philosopher, educator

José de San Martín

José de San Martín

1778

Argentinian general, politician, 1st President of Peru

Famous Deaths

Died on this day

Donald Bradman

Donald Bradman

2001

Australian cricketer

Elijah Muhammad

Elijah Muhammad

1975

American religious leader

Mark Rothko

Mark Rothko

1970

Latvian/American painter

Christopher Wren

Christopher Wren

1723

English architect, designed St Paul's Cathedral