Siege of Dubrovnik. The Siege of Dubrovnik began during the Croatian War of Independence. On this day, the Yugoslav People's Army started its offensive on Dubrovnik.

Formation of Federal Republic of Cameroon. British Cameroon or Southern Cameroon joined the Republic of Cameroon to form the Federal Republic of Cameroon.

Thalidomide launched. Thalidomide, an anti-nausea drug and sleep-aid, was launched. For about five years it was commonly prescribed to pregnant women as a drug to deal with morning sickness. It was finally withdrawn from the market after it was determined that it caused birth defects.

People's Republic of china is established. Mao Zedong declared the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

Trial of the Major War Criminals end. The Trial of the Major War Criminals part of the Nuremberg trials ended with sentences being passed against several key members of the Nazi party.