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.