1994
Russian troops invaded Chechnya
1979
The Zimbabwe-Rhodesian Parliament dismissed itself and handed power back to Britain until democratic elections could be held. (The country became fully independent as Zimbabwe in April 1980)
1975
End of the IRA Balcombe Street siege
1958
Upper Volta declared its independence from France and became an autonomous republic within the French Community.
1936
King Edward VIII abdicated in order to marry Wallis Simpson
1929
Architects unveiled the design for the Empire State Building
1908
Birth of Elliott Carter, American composer .