Major Events

1460 – Battle of Wakefield Lancastrian forces defeat the Yorkist army during the Wars of the Roses, killing Richard, Duke of York, and dramatically shifting the power balance in the conflict.

1853 – U.S. agrees to the Gadsden Purchase The United States buys land from Mexico (now southern Arizona and New Mexico), enabling future railroad expansion and clarifying national borders.

1903 – Iroquois Theatre fire in Chicago A catastrophic blaze kills over 600 people, prompting major reforms in building codes and fire safety regulations across the United States.

1922 – USSR officially established The Treaty on the Creation of the Soviet Union unites Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Transcaucasia into a single federal nation, reshaping global geopolitics.

1927 – Opening of the Ginza Line in Tokyo Asia’s first subway line begins operation, marking a new era in modern transportation for Japan.

1947 – King Michael I forced to abdicate in Romania Under Soviet-backed pressure, Romania’s young monarch abdicates, ending the monarchy and beginning communist rule.

1965 – Ferdinand Marcos becomes President of the Philippines Marcos begins a two-decade rule marked by political centralisation and later authoritarianism.

2006 – Execution of Saddam Hussein The former Iraqi president is executed for crimes against humanity following a high-profile trial.

2013 – Bomb attacks continue in Volgograd, Russia A second day of deadly attacks intensifies global concerns over terrorism ahead of the Sochi Olympics.

Famous Birthdays

1865 – Rudyard Kipling, English author (d. 1936) Writer of The Jungle Book and Kim, and the first English-language Nobel laureate in literature.

1884 – Hideki Tōjō, Japanese Prime Minister (d. 1948) Leader of Japan during World War II, later executed for war crimes.

1899 – Bert Parks, American entertainer (d. 1992) Best known for hosting the Miss America pageant for over two decades.

1914 – Jo Van Fleet, American actress (d. 1996) Oscar-winning performer known for intense dramatic roles.

1934 – Del Shannon, American musician (d. 1990) Singer known for the hit song “Runaway.”

1946 – Patti Smith, American musician and poet A leading figure of the punk rock movement and influential cultural icon.

1959 – Tracey Ullman, British-American actress Comedian and actress known for diverse characters and sketch comedy.

1982 – Kristin Kreuk, Canadian actress Known for major television and film roles.

1992 – Ellie Goulding, British singer-songwriter Pop artist known for distinct vocals and international hits.

Notable Deaths

1691 – Robert Boyle, Irish chemist (b. 1627) Pioneer of modern chemistry and author of Boyle’s Law.

1924 – Edwin Stanton Porter, American filmmaker (b. 1870) Early cinema innovator known for narrative techniques.

1947 – Alfred North Whitehead, British philosopher (b. 1861) Major thinker in metaphysics, mathematics, and education.

1969 – Trygve Lie, Norwegian diplomat (b. 1896) First Secretary-General of the United Nations.

1979 – Richard Rodgers, American composer (b. 1902) Influential creator of musical theatre classics with Hammerstein and Hart.

2006 – Saddam Hussein, Iraqi president (b. 1937) Executed following trial for crimes against humanity.

2015 – Ian Murdock, American software engineer (b. 1973) Founder of the Debian operating system, a cornerstone of modern Linux.

Holidays

• Rizal Day (Philippines)
• Bacchus Festival (Ancient Roman revival celebrations)
• National Bicarbonate of Soda Day (United States)
• Falling Needles Family Fest Day (humorous observance)

Fun Facts

• The Iroquois Theatre fire remains the deadliest single-building fire in U.S. history.
• Kipling turned down several honours, including knighthood, despite being one of the most celebrated writers of his time.
• The Ginza Line’s 1927 launch marked the beginning of Japan’s now-famous high-efficiency subway system.
• The USSR’s creation on this date in 1922 would define global politics for much of the 20th century.