1996
The Board of Education in Oakland, California became the first to recognise Ebonics (black English) as a distinct language
United States
1994
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi resigned over corruption allegations
Italy
1989
The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin was reopened, effectively reuniting East and West Germany
Germany
1989
Death of Samuel Beckett, Nobel Prize-winning Irish writer, playwright, poet and literary critic (Waiting for Godot, Endgame, and many others)
Ireland
1989
Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausçescu was overthrown in a revolutionary coup and executed (on 25th December) for crimes against the state
Romania
1965
70mph speed limit on British roads
Great Britain
1962
No frost-free nights in Britain till 5 Mar 1963
Great Britain
1909
Birth of Patricia Hayes, British actress, especially in film and television comedies, particularly noted for her role as Edna, the Inebriate Woman
Great Britain
1908
Birth of Giacomo Manzu, Italian sculptor .
Italy
1907
Dame Peggy Ashcroft born 1907 (died 1991). Actress, instrumental in forming the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Great Britain
1858
Birth of Giacomo Puccini, Italian composer .
Italy
1707
Death of Thomas Emes medical doctor who was kept hot in bed for 3 days after death to test his belief he would come to life again - which he didn't.
Great Britain