1988
The USSR began withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan .
Russian Federation
1958
The USSR launched Sputnik 3 on a mission to study the Earth’s upper atmosphere, charged particles, cosmic rays, and the Van Allen Belts.
Russian Federation
1957
Britain tests 1st Nuclear weapon
Great Britain
1948
Within hours of declaring its independence, Israel was attacked by Transjordan, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Lebanon.
1928
The animated short ‘Plane Crazy’ was released, featuring the first appearances of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
United States
1918
The Finnish Civil War ended .
Finland
1918
The world’s first regular airmail service began operating between New York City, Philadelphia and Washington DC.
United States
1909
Birth of James Mason, British stage and screen actor
Great Britain
1859
Birth of Pierre Curie, French physicist, pioneer of radiation, magnetism and crystallography, joint winner of the Nobel Prize with his wife Marie
France
1858
The third (and current) Royal Opera House officially opened in London .
Great Britain
1808
Birth of Michael Balfe, Irish singer and composer (‘The Bohemian Girl’) .
Ireland
1756
The Seven Years War with France (Pitt's trade war) begins
1609
Death of Giovanni Croce, Italian composer of sacred music and madrigals
Italy
1567
Marriage of Mary Queen of Scots to James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell
Great Britain
1464
Battle of Hexham
Great Britain