1997
Publication of first Harry Potter novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Great Britain
1984
Death of Lilliam Hellman, dramatist
United States
1982
The Equal Rights Amendment (passed by Congress in 1972) failed to secure ratification by sufficient states to be included in the US Constitution
United States
1977
Virginia Wade wins the Ladies Singles title at Wimbledon
Great Britain
1973
Death of Nancy Mitford, writer
Great Britain
1969
Nigeria banned night flights of food aid from the Red Cross
Nigeria
1940
German Troops invade Channel Islands
Germany
1936
Gone With The Wind published
United States
1934
Death of Kurt von Schleicher, Chancellor of Germany (19321933), assassinated by Hitlers SS on the Night of the Long Knives (see above)
Germany
1934
Night of the Long Knives Adolf Hitler ordered the assassination of hundreds of Nazi party members who he believed had the potential to become political enemies
Germany
1934
Birth of Harry Blackstone, Jr., American magician and illusionist
United States
1908
Birth of Winston Graham, British writer (Note: some sources give his year of birth as 1910).
Great Britain
1908
The Tunguska impact event – a powerful, naturally-occurring explosion devastated an area of central Siberia 70 miles in diameter.
Russian Federation
1894
Tower Bridge first opens
Great Britain
1891
Birth of Sir Stanley Spencer, artist
Great Britain
1859
French acrobat Blondin successfully crossed Niagara Falls on a tightrope
France
1817
Birth of Sir Joseph Hooker, botanist
Great Britain
1758
Seven Years War: Battle of Domstadtl .
1685
Birth of John Gay, dramatist (The Beggar's Opera)
Great Britain
1643
Battle of Adwalton Moor
Great Britain
1520
Death of Montezuma II, Aztec emperor
Mexico