Across more than two centuries, this date has been associated with defining historical developments, ranging from natural disasters and cultural milestones to international agreements and deadly mass incidents. Several of the events listed below had lasting global consequences, including the formal end of the Cold War and moments that reshaped public opinion on war and security.
1814. Deadliest eruption of Mayon volcano
The most destructive eruption of the Mayon volcano in the Philippines kills 1,200 people.
1884. First edition of the Oxford English Dictionary
The first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary is published.
1887. Foundations of Hollywood
Harvey Wilcox subdivides and sells his 500-acre estate into plots of land, which later form what becomes Hollywood.
1901. Birth of Clark Gable
American actor Clark Gable is born. He later becomes internationally known for his role as Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind.
1926. Metric system adopted in Greece
Greece introduces the metre as the sole official unit of measurement, replacing the traditional cubit.
1951. UN condemnation of China over Korea
For the first time since its founding, the General Assembly of the United Nations condemns the People’s Republic of China for its invasion of Korea. It marks the first formal condemnation of a country for an act of aggression.
1968. Execution during the Vietnam War shocks public opinion
The chief of police in Shanghai executes a Viet Cong suspect at point-blank range with his pistol. The execution is filmed and photographed, triggering widespread public outrage and strengthening opposition to the Vietnam War.
1988.Signing of the Davos Agreement
The Davos Agreement is signed between the Prime Ministers of Greece and Turkey, Andreas Papandreou and Turgut Özal.
1992. End of the Cold War formalised
US President George Bush and Russian President Boris Yeltsin sign the Camp David Declaration, formally marking the end of the Cold War.
1999. Morse code withdrawn from global use
Morse code signals are abolished and replaced by the digital Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
2003. Space Shuttle Columbia disaster
The Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrates over Texas during its return to Earth, killing all seven crew members on board.
2004. Fatal stampede during the Hajj
A total of 244 pilgrims die after being trampled during a ritual marking the completion of the annual pilgrimage in Mecca. More than 200 people are injured.
2012. Deadly football violence in Egypt
Violence erupts during a football match between Al Masri and Al Ahly in Egypt, resulting in the deaths of 73 people.
Source: Polignosi