Japan launches its first lunar probe. Hiten was the first robotic lunar probe since the Soviet Luna 24 in 1976 and the first deep space probe that executed an aerobraking maneuver.

The Apple Macintosh computer goes on sale. The “Mac” was the first commercially successful personal computer using a graphical user interface and a mouse.

The United Nations General Assembly passes its first resolution. Resolution 1 was passed to found the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission (UNAEC).

The California Gold Rush begins. Some 300,000 people traveled to California after James W. Marshall had found gold at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California.

Slaves stage a rebellion in Brazil to end slavery. The Malê Revolt was instrumental in ending slavery in Brazil.