Burj Khalifa is opened. Burj Khalifa in Dubai is currently the world's tallest building, at 829.8 m (2,722 ft).

Sputnik 1 falls to Earth from orbit. The Soviet Union was the first nation to send an artificial Earth satellite into space.

Burma gains independence from the United Kingdom. Burma (Myanmar) came under British rule on January 1, 1886.

Utah becomes the 45th state of the U.S.A.. One condition for statehood was that a ban on polygamy had to be written into the state constitution.

Samuel Colt sells his first revolver. Captain Samuel Walker of the Texas Rangers placed an order for 1000 revolver pistols after having witnessed their devastating effect.