Walter F. Mondale Names Geraldine A. Ferraro as Running Mate in Presidential Elections. New York Congressperson, Geraldine A. Ferraro, became the first woman to run for office on a major party ticket in the United States.

São Tomé and Príncipe gains independence from Portuguese rule. The island nation was discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 16th century. For over 200 years, its economy was run by African slaves who cultivated sugar, coffee, and cocoa. Manuel Pinto da Costa became the first president of the newly independent country.

Race riots break out in Newark, New Jersey, killing 26 people and injuring several others. The violence began when two white policemen arrested a black cab driver.

First performance of the Rolling Stones. The British rock band performed for the first time as a group at the Marquee Club in London.

Moscow Peace Treaty is signed. Also known as the Soviet–Lithuanian Peace Treaty, the treaty was signed between Lithuania and the Soviet Union. It recognized Lithuanian sovereignty in exchange for its neutrality and for safe passage for Russian troops to Poland.