Politics in History
Explore 1215 historical moments related to politics — from pivotal breakthroughs to world-changing events.
📅 11th Century(2)
Edward the Confessor dies
King Edward the Confessor dies, setting off the succession crisis that leads to the Norman Conquest of England.
Harold Godwinson is crowned king of England
Harold Godwinson is crowned king following the death of Edward the Confessor, a succession that soon triggers the Norman invasion.
📅 13th Century(1)
📅 16th Century(2)
Gustav Vasa is elected king of Sweden
Gustav Vasa is elected king, helping establish Sweden as an independent nation after the Kalmar Union period.
Elizabeth I is crowned queen of England
Elizabeth I is crowned at Westminster Abbey, beginning one of the most influential reigns in English history.
📅 18th Century(6)
Paul Revere born
American silversmith and patriot Paul Revere is born in Boston, Massachusetts. He later becomes famous for his midnight ride.
United States Declaration of Independence
The Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, announcing the separation of thirteen American colonies from British rule.
Washington crosses the Delaware
General George Washington leads the Continental Army across the Delaware River for a surprise attack on Hessian forces at Trenton.
Battle of Princeton boosts the American Revolution
George Washington's army defeats British forces at Princeton, strengthening the Patriot cause during a critical phase of the Revolutionary War.
Storming of the Bastille
Parisians stormed the Bastille prison, a pivotal event in the French Revolution that symbolized the overthrow of the monarchy.
Antoine Lavoisier is executed
French chemist Antoine Lavoisier is executed during the Reign of Terror, ending the life of one of the founders of modern chemistry.
📅 19th Century(14)
Act of Union creates the United Kingdom
The Acts of Union take effect, uniting Great Britain and Ireland into the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
Abraham Lincoln born
The 16th President of the United States is born in a log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky.
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky. He would later become the 16th President of the United States.
Chile proclaims independence
Chile formally proclaims its independence from Spain, securing its place as a sovereign nation in South America.
50th anniversary of Declaration of Independence
Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson die on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Thomas Jefferson dies
Third President of the United States Thomas Jefferson dies at Monticello on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
John Adams dies
Second President John Adams dies in Quincy, Massachusetts. His last words reportedly were 'Thomas Jefferson survives.'
Solomon Northup regains his freedom
Solomon Northup is freed after being kidnapped and sold into slavery, an ordeal he later recounts in Twelve Years a Slave.
Emancipation Proclamation takes effect
President Abraham Lincoln's executive order frees enslaved people in Confederate states, reshaping the purpose of the Civil War.
Abraham Lincoln dies
President Abraham Lincoln dies at 7:22 AM after being shot by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre the previous evening.
Abraham Lincoln dies
The 16th President of the United States dies from an assassin's bullet at Petersen House in Washington, D.C.
Robert E. Lee dies
Confederate General Robert E. Lee dies in Lexington, Virginia, five years after the end of the American Civil War.
Calvin Coolidge born
The 30th President of the United States is born in Plymouth Notch, Vermont. He is the only president born on Independence Day.
Harry S. Truman born
The 33rd President of the United States is born in Lamar, Missouri. He oversaw the end of WWII and the start of the Cold War.
📅 20th Century(430)
Norway dissolves union with Sweden
Norway peacefully dissolved its union with Sweden, marking the establishment of Norway as an independent nation.
New Mexico becomes the 47th U.S. state
New Mexico is admitted to the Union as the 47th state, expanding the modern map of the United States.
Armistice of 11 November 1918
The Armistice of Compiègne was signed by the Allies and Germany, bringing an end to World War I.
First Woman Enlists in US Marine Corps
Opha May Johnson became the first woman to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.
Rosa Luxemburg dies
German revolutionary socialist Rosa Luxemburg is killed in Berlin during the Spartacist uprising.
Assassination of Kurt Eisner
Bavarian socialist Kurt Eisner, who had established Bavaria as a republic, was assassinated.
Palmer Raids lead to mass arrests across the United States
Federal authorities carry out one of the largest Palmer Raids, arresting thousands of suspected radicals in cities across the United States.
Washington Naval Treaty signed
Representatives from five major powers signed the Washington Naval Treaty, agreeing to limits on naval construction. The treaty aimed to prevent a naval arms race.
Great Syrian Revolt
Rebels led by Fawzi al-Qawuqji captured the city of Hama from the French Mandate of Syria during the Great Syrian Revolt.
Martin Luther King Jr. born
Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. is born in Atlanta, Georgia. He would become the most prominent leader of the civil rights movement.
Battle of Zhifu
In the first battle of the Warlord Rebellion in northeastern Shandong, a rebel force led by Zhang Zongchang was defeated by Nationalist government troops.
Hitler Appointed Chancellor
Adolf Hitler is appointed Chancellor of Germany by President Paul von Hindenburg. This appointment paved the way for the Nazi Party's consolidation of power.
Adolf Hitler appointed Chancellor of Germany
Adolf Hitler's appointment as Chancellor of Germany marked a pivotal moment in German history, leading to the rise of the Nazi Party and the eventual outbreak of World War II.
First Nazi concentration camp opened
The first Nazi concentration camp was opened in Nohra to reduce overcrowding in prisons from the arrest of German Communists.
Kristallnacht
A series of coordinated attacks against Jewish people and property across Nazi Germany and Austria, marking an escalation of persecution.
Essential Commodities Reserves Act
The Essential Commodities Reserves Act, allowing the British government to build up reserves in anticipation of war, received royal assent.
World War II Begins
Germany invades Poland, triggering declarations of war from France and the United Kingdom. This event is widely considered the start of World War II.
Germany invades Poland
Germany's invasion of Poland marked the beginning of World War II in Europe. This act of aggression triggered declarations of war by France and the United Kingdom.
Einstein-Szilard letter
Leo Szilard penned a letter, signed by Albert Einstein and addressed to President Roosevelt, warning of Germany's potential development of atomic bombs.
Łachwa Ghetto uprising against Nazis
Residents of the Łachwa Ghetto in occupied Poland fought unsuccessfully against their Nazi captors. This was possibly the first Jewish ghetto uprising during the Holocaust.
Execution of Otto and Elise Hampel
Otto and Elise Hampel were executed in Berlin for performing acts of resistance against Nazism.
Heinrich Himmler orders Romani to concentration camps
In the Romani Holocaust, Nazi official Heinrich Himmler ordered that the Romani were to be put "on the same level as Jews and placed in concentration camps".
D-Day Landings
Allied forces launch the D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy, France. This marked the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany.
20 July plot to assassinate Hitler
A group of German officers attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler with a bomb at the Wolf's Lair. Hitler survives.
Heinrich Himmler orders crackdown on Edelweiss Pirates
Heinrich Himmler ordered a crackdown on the Edelweiss Pirates, a nonconformist youth group that assisted army deserters and others hiding from the Nazis.
V-E Day: Victory in Europe
Nazi Germany unconditionally surrenders to the Allied forces, ending World War II in Europe.
Pawłokoma massacre
A Polish Home Army unit massacred at least 150 Ukrainian civilians in Pawłokoma, Poland.
Indonesian Independence Proclaimed
The independence of Indonesia was proclaimed by Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta. This act ignited a revolution against the Dutch Empire.
Animal Farm Published
George Orwell's satirical allegory of Soviet totalitarianism, Animal Farm, was first published.
First UN General Assembly session convenes
The first session of the United Nations General Assembly convened in London with representatives from 51 member states.
Sicilian separatist attack on May Day marchers
Sicilian separatist Salvatore Giuliano and his gang fired into a crowd of May Day marchers near Piana degli Albanesi, Sicily. The attack killed 11 and wounded 33.
National Diet of Japan opens
The first session of the National Diet opened in Tokyo, Japan.
Organisation for European Economic Co-operation founded
The Organisation for European Economic Co-operation was established in Paris.
Israeli Declaration of Independence
David Ben-Gurion publicly read the Israeli Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall in Tel Aviv.
Republic of Korea established
The Republic of Korea was established with Syngman Rhee as its first president.
NATO is founded
Twelve countries sign the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington, D.C., creating the NATO military alliance.
People's Republic of China proclaimed
Mao Zedong proclaimed the establishment of the People's Republic of China.
Soviet deportations from Baltic states
The Soviet Union began mass deportations of over 90,000 "undesirable" people from the Baltic states to Siberia.
Korean War begins
The Korean War began when North Korea invaded South Korea.
China enters Korean War
The People's Volunteer Army ambushed the South Korean II Corps at the Battle of Onjong, and elsewhere engaged the 1st Infantry Division at the Battle of Unsan, marking China's entry into the Korean War.
First Australian Parliament opens
The first Parliament of Australia was opened by King George VI. This marked a significant step in the nation's governance.
Iranian oil industry nationalized
The Iranian oil industry was nationalized in a movement led by Mohammad Mosaddegh.
Bengali Language Movement protests
Student protesters demanding Bengali as an official language were killed by police in Dhaka, East Pakistan.
Lord Ismay appointed NATO Secretary General
British diplomat Lord Ismay was appointed the first secretary general of NATO.
Guatemalan Revolution Land Reform
The Guatemalan Congress passed Decree 900, redistributing unused land greater than 224 acres in area to local peasants.
Brazilian President Getúlio Vargas commits suicide
In the midst of a political crisis, Brazilian president Getúlio Vargas fatally shot himself in the Catete Palace in Rio de Janeiro.
Rosa Parks arrested
Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama.
Demonstrations suppressed in Tbilisi
In Tbilisi, Georgia, soldiers suppressed mass demonstrations against Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev's policy of de-Stalinization.
Formation of Indian States
Under the States Reorganisation Act, the Indian states of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka were formally established.
Suez Crisis: Khan Yunis massacre
During an invasion of the Gaza Strip as part of the Suez Crisis, Israeli soldiers shot and killed hundreds of Palestinian refugees and local inhabitants in Khan Yunis.
First Woman Appointed to Canadian Cabinet
Ellen Fairclough became the first woman to be appointed to the cabinet of Canada.
Little Rock Nine integration
Governor Orval Faubus deployed the Arkansas National Guard to prevent nine African-American students from attending Little Rock Central High School.
Cuban Revolution succeeds
Fidel Castro's forces overthrow the Batista regime in Cuba, beginning a new era of communist rule in the Western Hemisphere.
Attack on Dominique Mbonyumutwa
Dominique Mbonyumutwa, a Hutu sub-chief, was attacked by Tutsi activists, an event that precipitated the Rwandan Revolution.
1960 South Vietnamese coup attempt
A coup attempt by the Army of the Republic of Vietnam against President Ngô Đình Diệm was crushed after he falsely promised reform, allowing loyalists to rescue him.
Che Guevara Photograph Taken
Cuban photographer Alberto Korda took his iconic photograph Guerrillero Heroico of Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara. The image became one of the most reproduced in history.
Atlanta University Center sit-ins begin
Students from the Atlanta University Center began occupying lunch counters in Atlanta, Georgia, inspired by similar actions in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Khrushchev Announces Capture of U-2 Pilot
Nikita Khrushchev announced that the Soviet Union was holding American pilot Francis Gary Powers. Powers' spy plane had been shot down six days prior.
Congo Crisis invasion
Armée Nationale Congolaise forces launched an invasion of South Kasai. This was done to stop the secession of South Kasai from the Republic of Congo.
Rwandan coup d'état
In Gitarama, Rwanda, local and other government officials initiated a coup to overthrow the monarchy and establish a republic.
South Korean Military Coup
Led by Park Chung-hee, the Military Revolution Committee carried out a bloodless coup against the government of Yun Posun in Seoul, ending the Second Republic of Korea.
Dag Hammarskjöld dies in plane crash
On September 18, 1961, an aircraft crashed near Ndola in Northern Rhodesia, killing 16 people, including United Nations secretary-general Dag Hammarskjöld. The crash remains a subject of investigation.
Adolf Eichmann sentenced to death
Former Nazi leader Adolf Eichmann was sentenced to death after being found guilty on fifteen criminal charges. These included war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Spy Exchange
Soviet spy Rudolf Abel was exchanged for American pilot Francis Gary Powers on February 10, 1962. Powers had been shot down over Soviet airspace two years prior.
North Yemen Civil War Begins
The North Yemen Civil War began when Abdullah al-Sallal declared Yemen a republic.
Buddhist Crisis in Huế
In Huế, South Vietnam, soldiers fired on Buddhist protesters. The protest was against a ban on flying the Buddhist flag on Phật Đản, resulting in nine deaths and sparking the Buddhist crisis.
Martin Luther King Jr. delivers 'I Have a Dream' speech
Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
MLK's 'I Have a Dream' speech
Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
John F. Kennedy assassinated
U.S. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.
Publication of The Feminine Mystique
Betty Friedan's "The Feminine Mystique", a non-fiction book credited with sparking the beginning of second-wave feminism in the United States, was first published.
Letter from Birmingham Jail
In response to white clergymen, Martin Luther King Jr. penned the Letter from Birmingham Jail, defending nonviolent resistance against racism.
Saigon Riots
Riots broke out in Saigon one day after the signing of the Joint Communiqué, an attempt to resolve the Buddhist crisis in South Vietnam.
South Vietnamese Secret Police Attack Journalists
The secret police of Ngô Đình Nhu attacked American journalists covering a protest during the Buddhist crisis in South Vietnam.
President Fulbert Youlou overthrown in Republic of Congo
President Fulbert Youlou was overthrown in the Republic of Congo following a three-day uprising in the capital.
US orders Ambassador to encourage Diem's ouster
The U.S. State Department ordered Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. to encourage South Vietnamese Army officers to oust Ngo Dinh Diem. This was part of the Buddhist crisis.
16th Street Baptist Church bombing
The Ku Klux Klan bombed the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Four girls were killed and at least 14 others were injured.
Execution of Lê Quang Tung
Lê Quang Tung, head of South Vietnam's Special Forces, was executed following a U.S.-backed coup against President Ngô Đình Diệm.
Zanzibar Revolution
Sultan Jamshid bin Abdullah was overthrown by rebels led by John Okello. This event ended 200 years of Arab dominance in Zanzibar.
Gabonese coup d'état
Gabonese military officers overthrew President Léon M'ba. French forces reinstated him two days later, honoring a 1960 treaty.
Prince Edward Island's Provincial Flag Act
Royal assent was given to Prince Edward Island's Provincial Flag Act on March 24, 1964. The act detailed the design of the province's official flag.
Hildegard Trabant killed at Berlin Wall
East German Communist Party member Hildegard Trabant was killed while attempting to cross the Berlin Wall.
South Vietnamese Power-Sharing Arrangement
South Vietnamese junta leader Nguyễn Khánh entered into a triumvirate power-sharing arrangement with rival generals Trần Thiện Khiêm and Dương Văn Minh.
Wedding of Constantine II of Greece and Anne-Marie of Denmark
The wedding of King Constantine II of Greece and Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark took place in Athens on September 18, 1964. The event was a significant royal occasion.
Warren Commission report released
The Warren Commission released its report to the U.S. president, concluding that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
China becomes a nuclear power
With the success of Project 596, China became the world's fifth nuclear power.
Lake Burley Griffin Inaugurated
Prime Minister Robert Menzies inaugurated the artificial Lake Burley Griffin in the Australian capital Canberra.
First prime-time televised State of the Union is delivered
President Lyndon B. Johnson gives the first State of the Union address broadcast in prime time, changing how presidents address the nation.
Rhodesia declares independence
Rhodesia, led by Prime Minister Ian Smith, unilaterally declared independence from the United Kingdom.
Attempted Coup in South Vietnam
Colonel Phạm Ngọc Thảo, along with Generals Lâm Văn Phát and Trần Thiện Khiêm, attempted a coup against the military junta of Nguyễn Khánh.
Assassination of Malcolm X
Malcolm X, an American Black nationalist, was assassinated while delivering a speech in New York City.
Griswold v. Connecticut
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Griswold v. Connecticut that a Connecticut law prohibiting the use of contraceptives violated the "right to marital privacy".
Glasnost meeting in Moscow
The "glasnost meeting" took place in Moscow, becoming the first demonstration in the Soviet Union after World War II. It marked the beginning of the civil rights movement in the country.
Thích Trí Quang arrested
Vietnamese Buddhist activist leader Thích Trí Quang was arrested as the military junta of Nguyễn Cao Kỳ crushed the Buddhist Uprising.
Red Guards vandalize Jokhang Temple
During the Cultural Revolution, Red Guards vandalized the Jokhang Temple, the holiest Buddhist temple in Tibet.
Burundi Republic Declared
Michel Micombero led a military coup in Burundi on November 28, 1966, abolishing the monarchy and establishing a republic with himself as president.
Svetlana Alliluyeva defects to the US
Svetlana Alliluyeva, daughter of Joseph Stalin, defected to the United States.
Suharto becomes acting president of Indonesia
General Suharto seized power from President Sukarno when the Provisional People's Consultative Assembly sworn him in as acting president of Indonesia.
Principality of Sealand Proclaimed
Paddy Roy Bates proclaimed HM Fort Roughs, a former World War II Maunsell Sea Fort, as the independent sovereign state: the Principality of Sealand.
Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated
Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, prompting grief and unrest across the United States.
Shinjuku Station Occupation
At the height of Japanese university protests, protesters occupied Shinjuku Station in Tokyo and clashed violently with police.
Orangeburg Massacre
Law enforcement officers in Orangeburg, South Carolina, fired into a crowd of protesting college students. Three students were killed and twenty-seven others were injured.
Trương Đình Dzu jailed
Trương Đình Dzu was jailed by a South Vietnamese military court for illicit currency transactions. This followed his second-place finish in a rigged presidential election to Nguyễn Văn Thiệu.
Police storm University of Tokyo
In response to months of nationwide student protests, thousands of Japanese police stormed the University of Tokyo on January 18, 1969. This action was a response to widespread student demonstrations.
Amanullah Asaduzzaman killed
Bengali student activist Amanullah Asaduzzaman was shot and killed by East Pakistani police. This event led to the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Curaçao Uprising
A demonstration by workers and activists on the Caribbean island of Curaçao escalated into a violent uprising, destroying much of Willemstad.
Stonewall Inn raid
Demonstrations by gay and transgender people began on June 28, 1969, in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, marking a watershed moment for the gay rights movement.
The Troubles Erupt in Derry
Riots erupted in the Bogside neighborhood of Derry on August 12, 1969, spreading across much of Northern Ireland and marking a significant escalation of The Troubles.
Nixon's "silent majority" speech
U.S. president Richard Nixon made a plea for support from the "silent majority". This referred to Americans who did not join in the large demonstrations against the Vietnam War.
Hard Hat Riot
Construction workers attacked students and protesters in New York City. The protest was against the Vietnam War.
Charles de Gaulle dies
Former French President Charles de Gaulle dies at age 79 in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises.
Gdynia massacre during Polish protests
Polish soldiers fired at workers emerging from trains in Gdynia. This event marked the beginning of a government crackdown on mass anti-communist protests.
End of Nigerian Civil War
The self-proclaimed Republic of Biafra surrendered to the federal government, ending the Nigerian Civil War after less than three years of independence.
Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act signed
U.S. President Richard Nixon signed the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act into law, mandating surgeon general warnings on cigarette packaging.
Hutt River Province Declared Independent
In response to a dispute over wheat production quotas, Leonard Casley declared his farm in Western Australia to be an independent country. He named it the Hutt River Province.
Women's Strike for Equality
Betty Friedan and the National Organization for Women organized the Women's Strike for Equality in New York City, in which 50,000 women protested the continuing lack of gender equality.
Yukio Mishima commits ritual suicide
After failing to instigate a military coup to restore the powers of the Emperor of Japan, author Yukio Mishima and a member of his militia committed ritual suicide. This event is known as the Mishima Incident.
Bangladesh declares independence
Leaders in East Pakistan proclaim the independence of Bangladesh, beginning a war for national liberation.
General Đỗ Cao Trí Dies in Helicopter Crash
During the Vietnam War, South Vietnamese General Đỗ Cao Trí was killed in a helicopter crash. He was en route to take command of Operation Lam Son 719.
Turkish coup by memorandum
The Turkish Armed Forces executed a "coup by memorandum", forcing the resignation of Prime Minister Süleyman Demirel.
Erich Honecker Becomes First Secretary
Erich Honecker assumed the position of First Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany, leading East Germany.
Nguyễn Văn Thiệu re-elected President of South Vietnam
Nguyễn Văn Thiệu was re-elected unopposed as President of South Vietnam.
End of Reforms in Socialist Republic of Croatia
A period of political and economic reforms in the Socialist Republic of Croatia concluded. The League of Communists of Yugoslavia decided to purge the state's reformist leadership.
Bangladesh Liberation War ends
The surrender of Pakistani forces in Dacca, East Pakistan, concluded the Bangladesh Liberation War and the India-Pakistan War.
Sabena Flight 571 Hijacking
Four members of Black September hijacked Sabena Flight 571. They demanded the release of 315 Palestinians convicted on terrorism charges.
Fischer defeats Spassky in World Chess Championship
In a match widely publicized as a Cold War confrontation, American chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer became the 11th World Chess Champion with his victory over Soviet Boris Spassky.
Ghanaian coup d'état
Ghanaian military officer Ignatius Kutu Acheampong led a coup to overthrow Prime Minister Kofi Abrefa Busia and President Edward Akufo-Addo.
Vietnam War: Easter Offensive Begins
North Vietnamese forces launched the Easter Offensive, aiming to gain territory and destroy South Vietnamese units.
Ryukyu Islands returned to Japan
The Ryukyu Islands were returned to Japan by the United States, and the U.S. occupation government was abolished.
Munich Massacre at Olympic Games
The Palestinian militant group Black September took hostage eleven Israeli athletes and coaches at the Olympic Games in Munich. All of the hostages were killed less than 24 hours later.
Hijacking of SAS Flight 130
Three members of the Croatian National Resistance hijacked Scandinavian Airlines System Flight 130. They sought the release of individuals arrested for assassinating the Yugoslav ambassador.
Gough Whitlam becomes Prime Minister of Australia
Gough Whitlam took office as the 21st Prime Minister of Australia, forming a duumvirate with his deputy Lance Barnard. This ended 23 years of Liberal–Country Party government.
First release of American prisoners from Hanoi
The first group of American prisoners of war is released from North Vietnam following the Paris Peace Accords.
Chilean coup d'état
General Augusto Pinochet leads a military coup against President Salvador Allende in Chile, who dies during the siege.
Salvador Allende dies
Chilean President Salvador Allende dies during the military coup led by Augusto Pinochet.
John McCain Released from POW Camp
U.S. Navy pilot John McCain was released from captivity by North Vietnamese forces. He was among 109 prisoners of war released after five and a half years.
Libyan Arab Airlines Flight 114 shot down
Libyan Arab Airlines Flight 114 was shot down by Israeli fighter aircraft over the Sinai Peninsula, killing 108 people.
Progress Party Founded in Norway
The Progress Party was founded in a movie theater in Oslo, Norway.
Miller v. California Decision
The U.S. Supreme Court established the Miller test for obscenity in the landmark case Miller v. California.
Spiro Agnew resigns
U.S. vice president Spiro Agnew resigned from his position. This followed charges of tax evasion.
Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Kissinger and Thọ
The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced that the 1973 Nobel Peace Prize would be jointly awarded to Henry Kissinger and Lê Đức Thọ, sparking international controversy.
Washington, D.C. Home Rule Granted
The U.S. Congress granted home rule to Washington, D.C., allowing residents to elect their own mayor and city council.
Watergate scandal breaks
The Watergate scandal led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. It involved a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and subsequent cover-up.
Watergate scandal escalates
The Watergate scandal intensified with the resignation of key aides, marking a significant moment in American political history.
Trans Rights Conference Opens in Leeds
Transvestism and Transsexualism in Modern Society, the UK's first trans-rights conference, opened with an evening reception in Leeds.
Perón expels Montoneros
Argentine president Juan Perón expelled the Montoneros from a demonstration in Buenos Aires. This action forced the group to become a clandestine organization.
Dublin and Monaghan Bombings
The Ulster Volunteer Force detonated car bombs in Dublin and Monaghan, Ireland, killing 34 people and injuring almost 300 others.
Alvor Agreement Signed
Portugal and nationalist factions UNITA, MPLA, and FNLA signed the Alvor Agreement, ending the Angolan War of Independence.
1975 Australian constitutional crisis
During a constitutional crisis, Governor-General Sir John Kerr dismissed Prime Minister Gough Whitlam's government and dissolved the Parliament of Australia for a double-dissolution election.
Assassination of King Faisal
King Faisal of Saudi Arabia was shot and killed by his nephew Faisal bin Musaid.
Khmer Rouge capture Phnom Penh
The Khmer Rouge captured Phnom Penh, ending the Cambodian Civil War and establishing the socialist state of Democratic Kampuchea.
South Vietnamese President Resigns
South Vietnamese president Nguyễn Văn Thiệu resigned on hearing of the fall of Xuân Lộc. This marked the last battle of the Vietnam War.
Mayaguez Incident
On May 12, 1975, the Cambodian navy seized the American container ship SS Mayaguez in what they claimed to be Cambodian territorial waters. This incident led to a military response from the United States.
Sikkim Annexed by India
Based on the results of a referendum, the Kingdom of Sikkim abolished its monarchy and was annexed to become the 22nd state of India.
Squeaky Fromme attempts to assassinate Gerald Ford
Squeaky Fromme, a devotee of Charles Manson, attempted to assassinate U.S. president Gerald Ford in Sacramento, California.
Johan Ferrier becomes first president of Suriname
Upon Suriname's independence from the Netherlands, Johan Ferrier became its first president. He served in this role from 1975 to 1980.
Operation Entebbe
Israeli forces raided Entebbe International Airport in Uganda to free hostages from Air France Flight 139, taken by hijackers.
Lockheed admits to bribery
Lockheed Corporation president Carl Kotchian admitted the company paid approximately US$3 million in bribes to the office of Japanese prime minister Kakuei Tanaka. This admission revealed significant corporate corruption.
Japan completes war reparations to Philippines
Japan completed its last reparation to the Philippines for war crimes committed during imperial Japan's conquest of the country in the Second World War.
Moscow bombings
Three bombs attributed to Armenian nationalists exploded across Moscow. Seven people were killed and 37 people were injured.
Neo-fascist attack in Madrid
During the Spanish transition to democracy, neo-fascists attacked an office in Madrid, killing five people and injuring four others.
God Defend New Zealand National Anthem
"God Defend New Zealand" became New Zealand's second national anthem, sharing equal standing with "God Save the King".
Camp David Accords signed
The Camp David Accords, a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, were signed.
Belfast Restaurant Bombing
On February 17, 1978, the Provisional Irish Republican Army bombed a restaurant near Belfast, Northern Ireland, killing twelve people and injuring thirty others.
Regents of the University of California v. Bakke
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on June 28, 1978, barring quota systems in college admissions but upholding affirmative-action programs for minorities.
Death of Pope John Paul I
Pope John Paul I died just 33 days after his election, marking the first year with three popes since 1605.
Vietnamese forces capture Phnom Penh
Vietnamese troops and Cambodian rebels seize Phnom Penh, toppling the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia.
Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty signed
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin sign the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty at the White House.
Death of Blair Peach
Blair Peach, a New Zealand teacher, was fatally injured during a demonstration against a National Front election meeting in London.
Denis Sassou Nguesso becomes President of Congo
Denis Sassou Nguesso was chosen as the new President of the Republic of the Congo. This followed the forced removal of Joachim Yhombi-Opango from power.
Callaghan Government Falls
British Prime Minister James Callaghan's government was defeated by one vote in a no-confidence motion. This followed widespread strikes during the Winter of Discontent.
Margaret Thatcher becomes UK Prime Minister
Margaret Thatcher became the first female prime minister of the United Kingdom. This event occurred on May 4, 1979.
Uganda War Ends
Tanzanian forces secured Uganda's western border, marking the end of a seven-month war after deposing President Idi Amin.
Journalist Bill Stewart Executed
American journalist Bill Stewart was executed by Nicaraguan Guardia forces.
Jeremy Thorpe acquitted
Former British Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thorpe was acquitted of conspiracy to murder Norman Scott. Scott had accused Thorpe of having a relationship with him.
Carter Authorizes Covert Aid to Mujahideen
US president Jimmy Carter signed a presidential finding authorizing covert operations to aid the mujahideen against the Soviet-backed Democratic Republic of Afghanistan.
Warrenpoint Ambush and Mountbatten Assassination
During The Troubles, the IRA ambushed and killed 18 British soldiers near Warrenpoint and assassinated Lord Mountbatten on his boat at Mullaghmore.
Assassination of Mohammad Mofatteh
Mohammad Mofatteh, an Iranian philosopher, was assassinated by the Furqan Group on December 18, 1979.
Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan
The Soviet government deployed troops in Afghanistan, starting the Soviet–Afghan War.
Solidarity trade union founded in Poland
Solidarity, a Polish trade union, was founded as the first independent labor union in an Eastern Bloc country.
Workers' Party Congress
The 6th Congress of the Workers' Party concluded, anointing Kim Jong Il as the successor to North Korean president Kim Il Sung.
Suriname coup d'état
The first prime minister of independent Suriname, Henck Arron, was deposed in a military coup led by Dési Bouterse.
Assassination of Archbishop Óscar Romero
Archbishop Óscar Romero was assassinated while celebrating Mass in San Salvador on March 24, 1980. This occurred one day after he pleaded with soldiers to stop government repression.
Robert Mugabe Becomes Prime Minister of Zimbabwe
Robert Mugabe became the first prime minister of Zimbabwe on April 18, 1980. His leadership marked the beginning of a 37-year period in power.
Sumpul River massacre
During the Salvadoran Civil War, refugees fleeing across the Sumpul River were attacked by Salvadoran and Honduran forces, resulting in at least 300 deaths.
Australian swimming team wins relay at Moscow Olympics
The Australian swimming team won the men's 4 × 100 metre medley relay at the Moscow Olympics. This was the only time the United States, which boycotted the games, did not win the event.
Reagan lifts oil price controls
U.S. president Ronald Reagan lifted price controls from petroleum products, contributing to the 1980s oil glut.
Attempted Assassination of Ronald Reagan
John Hinckley Jr. shot and wounded U.S. President Ronald Reagan and three others outside the Washington Hilton.
Jaffna Library Burning
An organized mob of police and government-sponsored Sinhalese paramilitary forces began three days of attacks that led to the burning of the Jaffna Library in Sri Lanka.
Osirak nuclear reactor attack
The Israeli Air Force attacked the Osirak nuclear reactor in Iraq, assuming it was being used to produce plutonium for a nuclear-weapons program.
Shots Fired at Queen Elizabeth II
During the Trooping the Colour ceremony, Marcus Sarjeant fired six blank shots at Queen Elizabeth II as she rode down The Mall.
Sandra Day O'Connor Appointed to Supreme Court
Sandra Day O'Connor became the first female justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Conservative MPs oppose Thatcher's economic policy
A group of Conservative Members of Parliament wrote a letter outlining their opposition to Margaret Thatcher's economic policy. This led to speculation over a potential split from the party.
Mumia Abu-Jamal arrested for murder
Mumia Abu-Jamal was arrested for the murder of Philadelphia police officer Daniel Faulkner; his subsequent conviction and death sentence generated controversy in the United States.
Al-Dawa suicide bombing in Beirut
The Iraqi Shia Islamist group al-Dawa carried out one of the first modern suicide bombings, targeting the Iraqi embassy in Beirut, Lebanon. The attack resulted in 61 deaths and at least 100 injuries.
Iranian Diplomats Kidnapped in Lebanon
Four Iranian diplomats were kidnapped in northern Lebanon by Lebanese Phalange forces. Their fates remain unknown.
Canada Act 1982 Royal Assent
Queen Elizabeth II granted royal assent to the Canada Act 1982, ending Canada's constitutional dependence on the United Kingdom.
Thatcher on Falklands War
British prime minister Margaret Thatcher told journalists to "rejoice" upon hearing news of the successful recapture of South Georgia from Argentine forces in the Falklands War.
HMS Sheffield sunk in Falklands War
During the Falklands War, HMS Sheffield was struck by an Exocet missile, leading to its sinking. This was the first Royal Navy ship sunk in action since World War II.
Attempted Assassination of Pope John Paul II
On May 12, 1982, Juan María Fernández y Krohn attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul II with a bayonet in Fátima, Portugal. The Pope survived the attack.
Falklands War nuclear weapons decision
The British War Cabinet ordered that nuclear depth bombs on British ships return home during the Falklands War.
Assassination Attempt on Israeli Ambassador
An assassination attempt was made on Shlomo Argov, the Israeli ambassador to the United Kingdom. This event triggered Israel's decision to invade Lebanon three days later.
Falklands War: Argentine Air Force attacks British ships
During the Falklands War, the Argentine Air Force attacked British transport ships, killing 56 British servicemen and wounding 150 others.
Falklands War surrender
Falklands War: British prime minister Margaret Thatcher announced that white flags were flying over Port Stanley, in advance of the formal surrender of Argentine forces on June 14, 1982.
Holocaust and Genocide Conference
The International Conference on the Holocaust and Genocide, the first major conference in genocide studies, opened despite Turkish attempts to cancel it.
Vincent Chin beaten to death
Chinese American Vincent Chin died after being beaten into a coma by two automotive workers angry about Japanese auto company success.
Michael Fagan breaks into Buckingham Palace
Michael Fagan, a British man, broke into Buckingham Palace and entered Queen Elizabeth II's bedroom while she was asleep.
Harold Washington elected Mayor of Chicago
Harold Washington was elected as the first African-American mayor of Chicago on April 12, 1983.
Korean Air Lines Flight 007 shot down
A Soviet jet interceptor shot down the civilian Korean Air Lines Flight 007 near Sakhalin, killing all 269 people on board.
Harrods bombing in London
The Provisional Irish Republican Army detonated a car bomb outside Harrods department store. The attack killed six people and injured about 90 others.
Singaporean activist executed
Singaporean communist activist Tan Chay Wa was executed on January 18, 1983. This led to a widely publicized trial of his brother for engraving "subversive" material on the gravestone.
Reagan's "Evil Empire" Speech
On March 8, 1983, U.S. President Ronald Reagan described the Soviet Union as an "evil empire" in a speech to the National Association of Evangelicals.
West Bank Poison Gas Accusations
Palestinian girls in the West Bank reported breathing difficulties and strange odors, leading to accusations of poison gas attacks.
Publication of Forged Hitler Diaries
The West German news magazine Stern published excerpts from what were claimed to be Adolf Hitler's diaries. These documents were later exposed as forgeries.
Samantha Smith Visits Soviet Union
American schoolgirl Samantha Smith visited the Soviet Union as the personal guest of Soviet premier Yuri Andropov, becoming known as "America's Youngest Ambassador".
Maze Prison escape
Thirty-eight Provisional Irish Republican Army prisoners hijacked a meals lorry and escaped from HM Prison Maze in Northern Ireland. This was one of the largest prison escapes in British history.
Stanislav Petrov False Alarm
Soviet lieutenant colonel Stanislav Petrov averted a potential nuclear war by correctly identifying a missile attack warning as a false alarm.
GNU Project announced
American software developer Richard Stallman announced plans for the Unix-like operating system GNU, the first free software developed by the GNU Project.
Raúl Alfonsín becomes President of Argentina
Raúl Alfonsín became the first democratically elected president of Argentina to take office after more than seven years of military dictatorship. His inauguration was on December 10, 1983.
Brighton hotel bombing
The Provisional Irish Republican Army detonated a bomb at the Grand Hotel in Brighton, England. The attack was a failed attempt to assassinate British prime minister Margaret Thatcher and her cabinet.
Assassination Attempt on Gerry Adams
Gerry Adams, the leader of Sinn Féin, was seriously wounded in an assassination attempt. The attack was carried out by Ulster Freedom Fighters in central Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Yvonne Fletcher killed outside Libyan embassy
Metropolitan Police officer Yvonne Fletcher was shot and killed during a protest outside the Libyan embassy in London. This led to an 11-day siege and a breakdown in relations between Libya and the UK.
Advance Australia Fair Becomes National Anthem
"Advance Australia Fair", written by Scottish-born composer Peter Dodds McCormick, officially replaced "God Save the Queen" as Australia's national anthem.
Reagan acknowledges AIDS
Four years after AIDS was first identified in the United States, Ronald Reagan publicly acknowledged AIDS for the first time.
Hezbollah manifesto release
The Lebanese Shia organization Hezbollah released a manifesto outlining its ideology and goals.
People Power Revolution ousts Ferdinand Marcos
Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos and his wife Imelda were ousted from power by the non-violent People Power Revolution. Corazon Aquino succeeded as president.
US warships enter Black Sea
American warships Yorktown and Caron entered Soviet territorial waters in the Black Sea, asserting the right of innocent passage. This action led to a collision with Soviet ships.
Netherlands and Isles of Scilly declare peace
After a 335-year "war" without casualties, the Netherlands and the Isles of Scilly officially declared peace.
Loughgall Ambush
A British Special Air Service unit ambushed an Irish Republican Army unit in Loughgall, Northern Ireland. Eight IRA members and one civilian were killed.
R. Budd Dwyer suicide during press conference
Convicted of bribery, Pennsylvania state treasurer R. Budd Dwyer committed suicide during a televised press conference on January 22, 1987.
Mary Gaudron appointed to High Court of Australia
Mary Gaudron became the first woman appointed as a justice to the High Court of Australia. This marked a significant milestone for women in law.
Operation Pretense Corruption Indictments
Federal agents issued indictments against county supervisors in Mississippi following Operation Pretense. The operation exposed massive corruption in the state's local governments.
USS Stark Attacked
An Iraqi jet fired two Exocet missiles at the American frigate USS Stark, killing 37 personnel and injuring 21 others.
Hindu–Muslim riots in Meerut
During Hindu–Muslim rioting in Meerut, India, 19 members of the Provincial Armed Constabulary allegedly massacred 42 Muslims. Their bodies were dumped in water canals.
Mathias Rust lands in Moscow
West German aviator Mathias Rust flew his Cessna 172 through Soviet air defenses, landing near Red Square in Moscow.
Jonathan Pollard pleads guilty to spying
American intelligence analyst Jonathan Pollard pleaded guilty to charges of spying for Israel.
South Korean Protests for Direct Presidential Elections
Mass protests demanding direct presidential elections broke out across South Korea. This period is known as the June Democratic Struggle.
Iran-Iraq War: SS Bridgeton damaged
In opposition to the American plan to protect Kuwaiti tankers, Iran laid mines and damaged the SS Bridgeton, resulting in a propaganda victory for Iran.
Burundian president deposed in coup
While he was abroad, Burundian president Jean-Baptiste Bagaza was deposed in a military coup d'état. Pierre Buyoya seized power.
Operation Pawan
The Indian Peace Keeping Force began Operation Pawan to take control of Jaffna from the Tamil Tigers during the Sri Lankan Civil War.
Great March for LGBT Rights
An estimated 750,000 people attended the "Great March" in Washington, D.C., to demand greater civil rights for the LGBT community.
Iran–Iraq War: U.S. destroys Iranian oil platforms
U.S. Navy forces destroyed two Iranian oil platforms in the Persian Gulf. This action was in response to an earlier Iranian missile attack on a Kuwaiti oil tanker.
Tunisian Coup d'état
Tunisian prime minister Zine El Abidine Ben Ali deposed President Habib Bourguiba, declaring him medically unfit for office.
Enniskillen Bombing
A Provisional Irish Republican Army bomb exploded during a Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. The attack killed 12 people and injured 63 others.
Evan Mecham Impeachment
Evan Mecham, Governor of Arizona, was removed from office after being convicted in his impeachment trial.
China-Vietnam Naval Skirmish
China defeated Vietnam in a naval altercation near the Spratly Islands. China was attempting to establish oceanographic observation posts in the disputed territory.
Benazir Bhutto Becomes Prime Minister of Pakistan
Benazir Bhutto took office as Prime Minister of Pakistan. She became the first woman to head the government of a Muslim-majority state.
Nagorno-Karabakh votes to secede
The Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast voted to secede from Azerbaijan and join Armenia on February 20, 1988, triggering the First Nagorno-Karabakh War.
Sumgait pogrom
The Armenian community of Sumgait in Azerbaijan was the target of a violent pogrom.
Operation Flavius
During Operation Flavius, the SAS killed three Provisional Irish Republican Army volunteers who were planning to bomb a British military parade in Gibraltar.
Halabja Chemical Attack
On March 16, 1988, Iraqi forces attacked the Kurdish town of Halabja with chemical weapons, killing up to 5,000 people during the Iran–Iraq War.
Section 28 enacted in UK
Section 28 of the Local Government Act, a controversial law prohibiting the 'promotion' of homosexuality by local authorities, was enacted in the United Kingdom.
Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty ratified
The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was ratified, banning all American and Soviet land-based missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 km.
Iran Air Flight 655 Shot Down
The US Navy warship Vincennes shot down Iran Air Flight 655 over the Persian Gulf, resulting in the deaths of all 290 people on board.
Civil Liberties Act of 1988
The Civil Liberties Act of 1988 became law, authorizing reparations to surviving Japanese Americans interned during World War II.
Margaret Thatcher's Bruges speech
British prime minister Margaret Thatcher gave a landmark speech at the Belfry of Bruges, Belgium, on September 20, 1988, against federalism in the European Economic Community.
National League for Democracy founded in Burma
Led by pro-democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi, the political party National League for Democracy was founded in Burma.
British broadcasting voice restrictions
The British government restricted the broadcast of the voices of representatives from Sinn Féin and several Irish republican and loyalist paramilitary groups on television and radio.
Ordzhonikidze Bus Hijacking
Five armed men hijacked a bus carrying schoolchildren and a teacher in Ordzhonikidze (now Vladikavkaz, Russia). They were later given an aircraft and ransom for the release of the hostages.
Khomeini Invites Gorbachev to Consider Islam
Representatives of Iranian leader Ruhollah Khomeini delivered a letter to Mikhail Gorbachev, inviting him to consider Islam as an alternative to communism. The letter predicted the dissolution of the Soviet Bloc.
Fall of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall falls as East Germany opens its borders, symbolizing the end of the Cold War and the beginning of German reunification.
Malayan Communist Party Peace Accord
The Malayan Communist Party and the Malaysian government signed a peace accord. This agreement ended a 21-year communist insurgency.
People's Daily Editorial on Tiananmen Square
On April 26, 1989, the People's Daily published an editorial denouncing unrest in Tiananmen Square, which became a contentious point during the protests.
Tiananmen Square protests suppressed
The People's Liberation Army suppressed the Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries.
Ali Khamenei becomes Supreme Leader of Iran
Following the death of Ruhollah Khomeini, the Assembly of Experts elected Ali Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader of Iran.
Jiang Zemin appointed General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party
Following the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, the 13th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party appointed Jiang Zemin as general secretary. He replaced Zhao Ziyang.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad Bus Attack
A Palestinian Islamic Jihad member hijacked a bus and forced it into a ravine near Kiryat Ye'arim, Israel, in a suicide attack.
Singing Revolution
Approximately two million people joined hands to form a human chain across the Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian Soviet republics. This demonstrated their desire for independence.
Boris Yeltsin's Texas grocery store visit
During a tour of the United States, Soviet politician Boris Yeltsin visited a grocery store in Texas that had a major impact on his views regarding the Soviet Union's economic system.
Montreal Massacre
Marc Lépine, claiming to be "fighting feminism", killed fourteen women before committing suicide at the École Polytechnique in Montreal, Canada. The massacre took place on December 6, 1989.
Mongolian Democratic Union formed
At the first open pro-democracy demonstration in Mongolia, journalist Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj announced the formation of the Mongolian Democratic Union. This union was instrumental in ending communist rule and occurred on December 10, 1989.
IRA firefight in County Fermanagh
The Provisional Irish Republican Army engaged in a fierce firefight with the King's Own Scottish Borderers at a vehicle checkpoint complex in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. This incident was part of The Troubles.
Manuel Noriega Surrenders
During the United States invasion of Panama, Manuel Noriega, the deposed strongman of Panama, surrendered to American forces.
Lithuania declares independence from the Soviet Union
Lithuania becomes the first Soviet republic to declare the restoration of its independence.
Same-sex marriage licenses sought in Hawaii
American gay rights activist William E. Woods brought three same-sex couples to fill out marriage licenses in Honolulu. This was a significant action in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Marion Barry arrested for drug possession
During an FBI sting operation, Marion Barry, the mayor of Washington, D.C., was arrested for possession of crack cocaine. The event took place on January 18, 1990.
Soviet crackdown in Baku
The Soviet Red Army violently cracked down on Azeri pro-independence demonstrations in Baku, Azerbaijan SSR.
Prosper Avril ousted in Haiti
Eighteen months after seizing power, Prosper Avril was ousted as the military head of state of Haiti.
Farzad Bazoft Hanged
Iraqi authorities hanged Iranian freelance reporter Farzad Bazoft on charges of spying for Israel.
Violeta Chamorro becomes President of Nicaragua
Violeta Chamorro took office as President of Nicaragua, becoming the first female head of state in the Americas to have been elected in her own right.
Taiwanese Deportation Incident
The Taiwanese military ordered the deportation of dozens of illegal immigrants from mainland China in sealed boat holds, causing 25 deaths due to suffocation.
Jamaat al Muslimeen coup attempt
Jamaat al Muslimeen, a radical Islamic group, began a coup attempt against the government of Trinidad and Tobago by taking hostages, including Prime Minister A. N. R. Robinson.
Assassination of Ian Gow
British Conservative MP Ian Gow was killed outside his home in a car bombing by the Provisional Irish Republican Army.
General Schwarzkopf Issues Order No. 1
Gulf War: US General Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. issued General Order No. 1 prohibiting US troops from consuming alcohol or possessing pornographic material.
Basilica of Our Lady of Peace Consecrated
Pope John Paul II consecrated the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, one of the largest churches in the world.
Ram Rath Yatra begins
The Ram Rath Yatra, a political-religious rally, began in Gujarat, India. It was organized to erect a temple to the Hindu deity Rama on the site of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.
Meir Kahane assassinated
Israeli ultra-nationalist rabbi Meir Kahane was assassinated in a New York City hotel by an Arab gunman.
Mary Robinson becomes first female President of Ireland
Mary Robinson was inaugurated as the first female president of Ireland. Her election marked a significant milestone in the country's political history.
Italian Air Force Jet Crashes into School
An Italian Air Force military jet crashed into a high school near Bologna, killing 12 students and injuring 88 others. The crash occurred on December 6, 1990, after the pilot abandoned the aircraft due to an on-board fire.
Slobodan Milošević wins Serbian presidential election
In Serbia's first multi-party election, Slobodan Milošević won the presidential election and the Socialist Party of Serbia won the majority of seats in the National Assembly.
Slovenia Independence Referendum
About 88 percent of eligible voters in Slovenia voted to secede from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
Sharon Pratt Dixon sworn in as Mayor of Washington, D.C.
Sharon Pratt Dixon was sworn in as the mayor of Washington, D.C., becoming the first African-American woman to hold the position.
Victoria Cross for Australia Instituted
The Victoria Cross for Australia was instituted, making Australia the first Commonwealth realm with a separate Victoria Cross award.
Dissolution of the Soviet Union
Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev resigns, and the Soviet Union is formally dissolved, ending the Cold War.
Gulf War Bombing of Baghdad Shelter
The United States Air Force dropped two laser-guided bombs on an air-raid shelter in Baghdad, killing at least 408 civilians. The site was believed to be a military command site.
Croatian Independence Referendum
With the local Serb population boycotting the referendum, Croatians voted in favour of independence from Yugoslavia.
Operation Solomon
The Israel Defense Forces began Operation Solomon, a covert mission to airlift thousands of Ethiopian Jews to Israel.
Brioni Agreement Ends Ten-Day War
The Brioni Agreement was signed, officially ending the Ten-Day War between SFR Yugoslavia and Slovenia during the Yugoslav Wars.
George H. W. Bush warns Ukraine against independence
U.S. president George H. W. Bush delivered a speech in the Ukrainian parliament in Kiev warning against independence from the Soviet Union.
Libero Grassi murdered
Italian businessman Libero Grassi was killed by the Sicilian Mafia in Palermo. He had taken a public stand against their extortion demands.
Tailhook scandal allegations
At the Tailhook Association symposium in Las Vegas on September 8, 1991, U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviators were alleged to have sexually assaulted 90 persons.
Nadine Gordimer wins Nobel Prize in Literature
Nadine Gordimer became the first South African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Madrid Conference
The Madrid Conference, an attempt by the international community to revive the Israeli–Palestinian peace process through negotiations, convened on October 30, 1991.
Battle of the Dalmatian Channels Begins
Croatian naval commandos attacked the Yugoslav patrol boat Mukos, starting the Battle of the Dalmatian Channels during the Croatian War of Independence.
Helicopter Shot Down in Nagorno-Karabakh
An Azerbaijani military helicopter carrying a peacekeeping mission was shot down in Nagorno-Karabakh on November 20, 1991. This event disrupted ongoing peace talks during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War.
Ukrainian Independence Referendum
A referendum was held to ratify the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine. The act passed with overwhelming support, receiving more than 92 percent of the vote.
Croatian War of Independence Operation Whirlwind failure
The Croatian Army retreated after the failure of Operation Whirlwind, destroying their tanks to avoid their capture. This marked a significant setback in the Croatian War of Independence.
Sri Temasek Declared National Monument
Sri Temasek, the official residence of the prime minister of Singapore, was declared a national monument.
Ross Perot announces presidential campaign possibility
Appearing on Larry King Live on February 20, 1992, U.S. industrialist Ross Perot announced that he would begin a presidential campaign if "ordinary people" wanted him to run for office.
John Gotti convicted
John Gotti, head of the Gambino crime family, was convicted of racketeering, murder, and other charges. He was a prominent figure in organized crime in New York City.
Maraga massacre
Dozens of Armenian civilians were massacred in the village of Maraga by Azerbaijani forces during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War on April 10, 1992.
Twenty-seventh Amendment ratified in the US
The Twenty-seventh Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified. This occurred 202 years after it was first proposed.
Battle of the Miljevci Plateau
The Battle of the Miljevci Plateau ended after a failed counterattack by forces of the Republic of Serbian Krajina against the Croatian Army.
Via D'Amelio bombing
A car bomb killed the anti-Mafia judge Paolo Borsellino and five policemen in Palermo, Italy. This occurred less than two months after the murder of Borsellino's friend and colleague Giovanni Falcone.
Herzeg-Bosnia declared unconstitutional
The Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina declared the breakaway Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia to be unconstitutional on September 14, 1992.
Hans-Adam II threatens to dismiss Liechtenstein's Landtag
Hans-Adam II threatened to dismiss the Landtag of Liechtenstein over disagreements on the date of a referendum for the country's accession to the EEA.
Dietrich v The Queen ruling
The High Court of Australia ruled that a judge should grant any request for an adjournment or stay in most circumstances in which an accused is unrepresented.
US troops deployed to Somalia
U.S. president George H. W. Bush ordered American troops into Somalia to help provide humanitarian aid and restore order. This occurred during the ongoing Somali Civil War.
Babri Masjid Demolished
The Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, India, was demolished by Hindu Kar Sevaks. The demolition occurred on December 6, 1992, as the demolitionists believed the mosque was built on the birthplace of the Hindu deity Rama.
Marriage Fund established in UAE
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan established the Marriage Fund in the United Arab Emirates. This was in response to rising wedding prices and occurred on December 10, 1992.
Czechoslovakia dissolves
Czechoslovakia peacefully dissolved into two separate countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Fourth Republic of Ghana Inaugurated
The Fourth Republic of Ghana was inaugurated with Jerry Rawlings, the country's former military ruler, as president.
Battle of Mogadishu shocks global audiences
Fighting in Mogadishu, Somalia, results in heavy casualties and becomes one of the defining military incidents of the 1990s.
Stari Most destroyed
During the Bosnian War, Croatian Defence Council forces destroyed the Stari Most, a 16th-century bridge in Mostar.
Warrington bombings
Two children were killed by the second of two Provisional Irish Republican Army bomb attacks in Warrington, England, on March 20, 1993.
Operation Deny Flight
NATO forces began Operation Deny Flight on April 12, 1993, to enforce a no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina. This was ordered by the United Nations Security Council.
Bishopsgate bombing
The Provisional Irish Republican Army detonated a truck bomb in London's financial district, causing significant damage and one fatality. The cost of repairs was estimated at £350 million.
Norodom Sihanouk becomes King of Cambodia
Norodom Sihanouk became King of Cambodia with the restoration of the monarchy after a 23-year interregnum.
Halloween party attack in Northern Ireland
During The Troubles, three members of the Ulster Defence Association opened fire in a crowded pub during a Halloween party on October 30, 1993. Eight people were killed and nineteen others were wounded.
Kemal Bilmez
Kemal Bilmez, a Belgian politician, was born on February 12, 1994.
World Trade Organization Established
At a GATT ministerial meeting in Marrakesh, Morocco, representatives of 123 countries and the European Communities signed an agreement to establish the World Trade Organization.
Nelson Mandela inaugurated as President of South Africa
Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the first democratically elected President of South Africa.
Agreed Framework Signed
North Korea and the United States signed the Agreed Framework to limit North Korea's nuclear weapons program and normalize relations.
Israel and Jordan sign peace treaty
Israel and Jordan signed a peace treaty on October 26, 1994, settling relations between the two countries. They pledged not to allow their territory to be used for military strikes by a third country.
Hebron massacre
Israeli physician Baruch Goldstein opened fire on Palestinian Muslims praying at the Cave of the Patriarchs, killing 29 and wounding 125.
Rwandan Genocide Begins
The Rwandan genocide began a few hours after the assassination of President Juvénal Habyarimana, with hundreds of thousands killed in the following 100 days.
Loughinisland massacre
During The Troubles, Ulster Volunteer Force members attacked a crowded bar in Loughinisland, Northern Ireland, killing six people.
Loyalist Ceasefire Announced
Loyalist leader Gusty Spence announced that the Combined Loyalist Military Command would observe a ceasefire during a meeting at Fernhill House, Belfast.
Angolan Civil War Ceasefire
On November 20, 1994, the Angolan government signed a ceasefire with UNITA rebels under the Lusaka Protocol. This attempt to end the Angolan Civil War ultimately failed.
Schengen Agreement takes effect
The Schengen Agreement comes into force in several European countries, easing passport-free travel across internal borders.
Samashki Massacre
During the First Chechen War, Russian paramilitary troops began a massacre of hundreds of civilians in Samashki, Chechnya.
11th Panchen Lama Kidnapped
Six-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, was kidnapped by the Chinese government.
Industrial Society and Its Future published
Ted Kaczynski's manifesto, "Industrial Society and Its Future," was published in The Washington Post. It was submitted almost three months prior.
Operation Southern Move
The Croatian Army and Croatian Defence Council launched Operation Southern Move, their last offensive in the Bosnian War.
Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin
Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated by Yigal Amir at a peace rally in Tel Aviv. The assassination occurred at Kings of Israel Square.
Attempted assassination of Jean Chrétien
Aline Chrétien thwarted André Dallaire's attempt to assassinate her husband, Canadian prime minister Jean Chrétien, by locking the bedroom door.
Execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa
Writer and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others were executed by the Nigerian military regime. They were members of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People.
NATO-led IFOR begins peacekeeping in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The NATO-led Implementation Force began peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina on December 20, 1995. This was mandated by the Dayton Agreement that ended the Bosnian War.
Israeli troops withdraw from Bethlehem
In accordance with the Oslo II Accord, Israeli troops withdrew from Bethlehem in preparation for the transfer of control to the Palestinian National Authority.
Kizlyar hostage crisis
Chechen separatists launched raids in Kizlyar, Dagestan, initiating the Kizlyar hostage crisis during the First Chechen War. Thousands of civilians were involved.
Niger coup d'état
Mahamane Ousmane, Niger's first democratically elected president, was deposed in a military coup on January 27, 1996.
London Docklands Bombing
The Provisional Irish Republican Army detonated a truck bomb in the London Docklands, breaking a seventeen-month ceasefire. The attack killed two people and injured over a hundred others.
Lee Teng-hui Elected President of Taiwan
Lee Teng-hui was elected President of the Republic of China. This marked Taiwan's first direct presidential election.
Qana Shelling During Operation Grapes of Wrath
On April 18, 1996, Israeli forces shelled Qana, Lebanon, during Operation Grapes of Wrath. The attack on a United Nations compound killed at least 100 civilians.
Blake Brockington
Blake Brockington was an American trans man and activist.
Romer v. Evans
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Colorado constitutional amendment preventing protected legal status for homosexuals or bisexuals.
Montana Freemen standoff
After an 81-day standoff sparked by their refusal to be evicted from their foreclosed property in Jordan, Montana, the Christian Patriot group Montana Freemen surrendered to the FBI on June 14, 1996.
Defense of Marriage Act passed
The Defense of Marriage Act was passed by the United States Congress. It prohibited federal recognition of same-sex marriage, while allowing states to adopt any marital definition of their choosing.
Taliban Seize Kabul
The Taliban drove Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani out of Kabul, murdered former president Mohammad Najibullah, and established the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
Joshua Wong
Hong Kong pro-democracy activist born.
Abdullah Çatlı killed in car crash
Abdullah Çatlı, a leader of the ultra-nationalist Grey Wolves, was killed in a car crash near Susurluk, Turkey. The incident sparked a scandal exposing state complicity in organized crime.
Newt Gingrich Reprimanded
The U.S. House of Representatives voted to reprimand Newt Gingrich for ethics violations, making him the first Speaker of the House to be so disciplined.
Madeleine Albright Sworn In
Madeleine Albright was sworn in as the first female United States Secretary of State, becoming the highest-ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government at that time.
Steve Jobs Returns to Apple
Steve Jobs returned to Apple Inc. as a consultant. This occurred after Apple's acquisition of his technology startup NeXT.
Establishment of Sierra Gorda Biosphere
The Sierra Gorda Biosphere, which encompasses the most ecologically diverse region in Mexico, was established as a result of grassroots efforts.
Republic of the Congo Civil War
President Pascal Lissouba of the Republic of the Congo ordered the detention of his rival Denis Sassou Nguesso, initiating a civil war.
Northern Ireland Unrest
Five days of unrest began in nationalist districts of Northern Ireland in response to the Drumcree conflict, part of The Troubles.
IRA Resumes Ceasefire
The Provisional Irish Republican Army announced it would resume its ceasefire, ending its 28-year campaign against British rule in Northern Ireland.
Karoline Leavitt
White House Press Secretary.
Jan Köstering
Jan Köstering is a German politician.
Wei Jingsheng deported
Chinese dissident Wei Jingsheng was deported to the United States on November 16, 1997, after eighteen years in prison. His release was ostensibly on medical grounds.
Luxor massacre
Sixty-two people were killed by Islamist terrorists outside the temple in Luxor, Egypt, one of the country's top tourist attractions.
Hussein Farrah Aidid Relinquishes Title
On December 22, 1997, Hussein Farrah Aidid relinquished the disputed title of President of Somalia.
Drudge Report Breaks Clinton-Lewinsky Scandal
The Drudge Report became the first news source to publicly break the Clinton–Lewinsky scandal.
Amanda Gorman
American poet and activist.
Trisakti University Shootings
On May 12, 1998, four students were shot and killed by Indonesian soldiers at Trisakti University in Jakarta. This event led to widespread riots and the resignation of President Suharto nine days later.
Suharto resigns as Indonesian president
Indonesian president Suharto resigned after a collapse of support for his presidency amid economic and political crises. His resignation ended 32 years of authoritarian rule.
Murder of James Byrd Jr.
White supremacists murdered James Byrd Jr. by chaining him behind a pickup truck and dragging him along an asphalt road in Jasper, Texas.
Gunman opens fire at US Capitol
A gunman entered the United States Capitol and opened fire, killing two police officers.
Sophie Wotschke
Sophie Wotschke, Austrian politician, was born.
Achraf El Yakhloufi born
Achraf El Yakhloufi, a Belgian politician, was born.
1998 U.S. embassy bombings in Africa
Car bombs exploded simultaneously at the American embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya, killing over 200 people and injuring more than 4,000.
Taliban raid Iranian consulate
The Taliban raided the Iranian consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. This resulted in the deaths of 10 Iranian diplomats and a journalist.
Nick Fuentes
Nick Fuentes is an American far-right political commentator.
Al-Shifa pharmaceutical factory destroyed
The Al-Shifa pharmaceutical factory in Sudan was destroyed by a U.S. missile strike. This was in retaliation for the August 7 U.S. embassy bombings.
Matthew Shepard attacked
Matthew Shepard, a gay college student, was attacked and fatally wounded near Laramie, Wyoming, U.S., dying six days later.
Teuku Wariza Aris Munandar
Teuku Wariza Aris Munandar, Indonesian activist and politician, was born.
Noof Al Maadeed
Qatari women's rights activist Noof Al Maadeed was born.
Kosovo War ambush
Yugoslav forces ambushed a group of Kosovo Liberation Army militants attempting to smuggle weapons into Yugoslavia from Albania.
Euro Exchange Rates Frozen
The European Exchange Rate Mechanism froze the exchange rates of the legacy currencies in the eurozone, establishing the value of the euro.
Euro currency introduced
The euro is introduced as an accounting currency in eleven European Union member states, marking a milestone in European integration.
Arrest of Abdullah Öcalan
Abdullah Öcalan, a key figure in the Kurdistan Workers' Party, was apprehended by Turkish security forces in Nairobi, Kenya. His arrest marked a significant development in the conflict involving the PKK.
Olusegun Obasanjo takes office
President Olusegun Obasanjo took office as Nigeria's first elected and civilian head of state after 16 years of military dictatorship.
House of Lords Act 1999
The House of Lords Act was given royal assent, removing most hereditary peers from the British House of Lords.
X González
X González is an American activist.
Little Saigon Protests
In Little Saigon, California, protests began after the owner of a video rental store displayed an image of Ho Chi Minh.
Amadou Diallo shooting
Four plain-clothes New York City police officers shot and killed Amadou Diallo, an unarmed 23-year-old immigrant from Guinea, prompting outrage both in and outside the city.
Abdullah II Becomes King of Jordan
Abdullah II became the reigning King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. This followed the death of his father, King Hussein.
Izbica Massacre
During the Kosovo War, Serbian police and special forces killed approximately 93 Kosovo Albanians in Izbica village.
Niger's President Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara assassinated
Ibrahim Baré Maïnassara, President of Niger, was shot dead by soldiers in Niamey.
Kosovo War: US Bombs Chinese Embassy
During NATO's bombing of Yugoslavia, the United States mistakenly bombed the Chinese embassy in Belgrade.
Drew Pavlou
Australian activist Drew Pavlou was born.
Kumanovo Agreement Signed
The Kumanovo Agreement was signed, bringing an end to the Kosovo War the next day.
KFOR enters Kosovo
In the aftermath of the bombing of Yugoslavia and the Kosovo War, the NATO-led Kosovo Force entered Kosovo with a mandate to establish a secure environment.
Scottish Devolution
Legislative powers in Scotland were first devolved from the Scottish Office in London to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
Japan Adopts National Flag and Anthem Act
The Act on National Flag and Anthem was adopted, formally establishing the Hinomaru and "Kimigayo" as the Japanese national flag and anthem.
Singapore Parliament relocates
The Parliament of Singapore relocated from the Old Parliament House to its current meeting place.
Second earthquake strikes Athens
Three weeks after a major earthquake in Turkey, a second earthquake struck Athens. This led to "earthquake diplomacy" between Greece and Turkey.
Armenian Parliament Shooting
Armed men led by Nairi Hunanyan carried out a mass shooting at the Armenian parliament. Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsyan, National Assembly speaker Karen Demirchyan, and six others were killed.
Der Spiegel Report on Liechtenstein
German newspaper Der Spiegel published a report by the Federal Intelligence Service accusing figures in Liechtenstein of cooperating with organized crime.
Gabi Gonçalves
Gabi Gonçalves is a Brazilian politician.
Helen Clark becomes New Zealand Prime Minister
The Labour Party defeated the National Party in the New Zealand general election. Helen Clark became the country's first female prime minister to win office at an election.
WTO Protests in Seattle
Protests by anti-globalization activists against the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference of 1999 in Seattle forced the cancellation of the opening ceremonies.
Portugal transfers Macau to China
Portugal transferred the sovereignty over Macau to China on December 20, 1999. Portugal had administered Macau since the mid-16th century.
Indian Airlines Flight 814 Hijacking
Jihadists linked to al-Qaeda hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814 to force the release of Islamist figures held in prison in India.
Putin Becomes Acting President
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin became acting president upon President Boris Yeltsin's unexpected resignation.
Panama Assumes Control of Canal Zone
In accordance with the Torrijos–Carter Treaties, Panama assumed full control of the Panama Canal Zone from the United States.
Speakers' Corner, Singapore
Speakers' Corner, a free speech area in Hong Lim Park in Singapore, was launched.
Laurent Gbagbo becomes president of Ivory Coast
Following protests against military leader Robert Guéï, Laurent Gbagbo became the president of Ivory Coast on October 26, 2000.
Sebastian Schwaighofer
Austrian politician.
Fidias Panayiotou
Fidias Panayiotou is a Cypriot internet celebrity and politician.
Elián González raid
In a pre-dawn raid, U.S. federal agents seized six-year-old Elián González from his relatives' home in Miami. He was returned to his Cuban father.
Ken Livingstone becomes first Mayor of London
Ken Livingstone took office as the first mayor of London. This event occurred on May 4, 2000.
Operation Barras
British forces freed soldiers and civilians held captive by the West Side Boys, contributing to the end of the Sierra Leone Civil War.
Real IRA attack on MI6 headquarters
The Real Irish Republican Army carried out a rocket-launcher attack on the MI6 headquarters in London on September 20, 2000, with no casualties and minimal damage.
Princess Salma bint Abdullah
Princess Salma bint Abdullah is a Jordanian princess.
Muhammad al-Durrah shooting
Twelve-year-old Muhammad al-Durrah was shot dead in the Gaza Strip, an event that sparked controversy and debate.
Bulldozer Revolution
During protests over irregularities in the Yugoslavian general election, a wheel-loader was driven into the Radio Television of Serbia building, giving the protests the nickname "Bulldozer Revolution".
Argentine Vice President resigns
Denouncing corruption in Argentine president Fernando de la Rúa's administration and the Senate, Vice President Carlos Álvarez resigned.
Hillary Clinton Elected US Senator
Hillary Clinton was elected as a US senator from New York. This marked the first time a first lady had been elected to public office.
Bush v. Gore Supreme Court ruling
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Bush v. Gore that the recount of ballots cast in Florida for the presidential election be stopped, effectively making George W. Bush the winner.
📅 21th Century(760)
Death of Carlo Giuliani
Carlo Giuliani, a 23-year-old Italian anti-globalist, was shot dead by a police officer during protests at the G8 summit in Genoa, Italy.
Bush condemns Islamophobia
American president George W. Bush delivered remarks at the Islamic Center of Washington condemning Islamophobia in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
Patriot Act signed into law
President George W. Bush signed the Patriot Act into law on October 26, 2001. This act significantly expanded the authority of U.S. law enforcement agencies.
Tiananmen Square Self-Immolation Incident
Five people attempted to set themselves on fire in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, an act claimed to have been staged by the Chinese Communist Party to escalate persecution of Falun Gong.
Sampit conflict
Inter-ethnic violence between the Dayak and the Madurese broke out in Sampit, Indonesia. This caused more than 500 deaths and the displacement of 100,000 Madurese.
Same-sex marriage legalized in the Netherlands
Same-sex marriage was legalized in the Netherlands, making it the first country in the world to do so.
Hainan Island incident
An American EP-3 reconnaissance aircraft and a Chinese fighter jet collided off the coast of Hainan Island, leading to an international dispute.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation formed
Leaders of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan formed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Megawati Sukarnoputri becomes President of Indonesia
Megawati Sukarnoputri was sworn in as the first female president of Indonesia following her predecessor's impeachment.
Phoolan Devi assassinated
Phoolan Devi, a serving Member of Parliament, was assassinated by shooting in New Delhi, India.
Loyalists picket Catholic school in Belfast
Ulster loyalists resumed a picket outside a Catholic girls' primary school in the Protestant portion of Ardoyne, Belfast. This event is part of The Troubles.
Assassination of Ahmad Shah Massoud
Two al-Qaeda attackers assassinated Ahmad Shah Massoud, a pivotal Afghan resistance leader. This occurred two days before the September 11 attacks in the United States.
Assassination of Rehavam Ze'evi
Rehavam Ze'evi, the Israeli minister of tourism, was assassinated in revenge for the killing of PFLP leader Abu Ali Mustafa.
Afghan Interim Government Formed
On December 22, 2001, Burhanuddin Rabbani of the Northern Alliance handed over power in Afghanistan to the interim government headed by Hamid Karzai.
MV Karine A Seized
During the Second Intifada, Israeli forces seized the MV Karine A, which was carrying 50 tons of smuggled weapons on behalf of the Palestinian Authority.
Daniel Pearl Kidnapping
American journalist Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and later murdered by al-Qaeda agents in Karachi, Pakistan.
Gujarat riots
Violent riots broke out in the Indian state of Gujarat, killing at least 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, over three days.
Religious violence in Gujarat
During a period of religious violence in Gujarat, India, mobs of Hindus attacked Muslims in Naroda Patiya and in Chamanpura, resulting in 166 deaths.
Netanya suicide bombing and Operation Defensive Shield
A suicide bomber killed around 30 Israeli civilians in Netanya, triggering Operation Defensive Shield, a large-scale counter-terrorist military incursion into the West Bank.
Death of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, widow of King George VI and mother of Queen Elizabeth II, died at the age of 101.
Siege of the Church of the Nativity
During the Second Intifada, Palestinian militants took refuge in Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity, initiating a month-long siege by Israeli forces.
2002 Venezuelan coup attempt
In a coup attempt, members of the Venezuelan military detained President Hugo Chávez and demanded his resignation.
Israel bombs Hamas leader's home
The Israel Defense Forces bombed the home of Salah Shehade, the leader of the military arm of Hamas. He, his family, and neighboring civilians were killed.
Konstanse Marie Alvær
Konstanse Marie Alvær, Norwegian politician, was born.
Greta Thunberg Born
Greta Thunberg, Swedish environmental activist, was born.
London Underground Ricin Plot Arrests
The Metropolitan Police arrested six people in conjunction with an alleged terrorist plot to release ricin on the London Underground, although no toxin was found.
Bolivian riots end
Protesters in La Paz and the Bolivian government brokered a deal to end two days of rioting against a proposed salary tax.
Moulay Hassan
Moulay Hassan is the Crown Prince of Morocco.
Global Anti-War Protests Against Iraq Invasion
Millions worldwide participated in anti-war rallies, protesting the impending invasion of Iraq. The demonstrations took place in approximately 800 cities, marking one of history's largest anti-war movements.
Invasion of Iraq Begins
A coalition of forces, led by the United States, begins the invasion of Iraq. The invasion aimed to overthrow the government of Saddam Hussein.
Valerie Plame leak
Valerie Plame's identity as a CIA operative was leaked to and published by journalist Robert Novak.
Rachel Corrie Killed by Bulldozer
American peace activist Rachel Corrie was killed by an Israeli armored bulldozer in Rafah on March 16, 2003, while protesting house demolitions.
Lawrence v. Texas
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down sodomy laws nationwide in the landmark decision Lawrence v. Texas.
French operation to rescue Íngrid Betancourt aborted
French Directorate General for External Security personnel aborted an operation to rescue Colombian politician Íngrid Betancourt from FARC guerrillas, resulting in a political scandal.
Solveig Vik
Solveig Vik, Norwegian politician, was born.
Jerusalem Bus Bombing
A Hamas suicide bomber killed 23 people and wounded over 130 on a crowded public bus in Jerusalem.
Canal Hotel Bombing
A car bomb destroyed the United Nations headquarters at Baghdad's Canal Hotel, killing Sérgio Vieira de Mello and 21 others.
Roy Moore suspended as Chief Justice
Roy Moore, Alabama's chief justice, was suspended for refusing to comply with a federal court order to remove a Ten Commandments monument.
Guinea-Bissau military coup
President Kumba Ialá of Guinea-Bissau was deposed in a bloodless military coup on September 14, 2003.
Thomas Matthew Crooks
Thomas Matthew Crooks, American attempted assassin of Donald Trump, was born on September 20, 2003.
Mahathir Mohamad Retires as Prime Minister of Malaysia
After 22 years in power, Mahathir Mohamad retired as Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Massachusetts legalizes same-sex marriage
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, making the state the first in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage.
Rose Revolution in Georgia
Eduard Shevardnadze resigned as President of Georgia following weeks of mass protests over disputed election results.
Haitian president overthrown
Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide was overthrown following popular rebel uprising.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway
Norwegian princess.
Haiti coup d'état begins
The National Revolutionary Front for the Liberation of Haiti captured Gonaïves, initiating a coup against President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's government.
Unrest in Kosovo
Unrest in Kosovo broke out, resulting in deaths, injuries, and the destruction of several Serb Orthodox churches and shrines.
Old National Library Building Closure
The Old National Library Building in Singapore was closed for tunnel construction, despite public protests.
Explosion in Ryongchon, North Korea
Flammable cargo exploded at a railway station in Ryongchon, North Korea. At least 54 people were killed and over a thousand injured.
Massachusetts Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage.
Same-sex marriage ceremony in Bègles
Noël Mamère, mayor of Bègles, France, conducted a marriage ceremony for two men before same-sex marriage was legal.
Indonesia Holds First Direct Presidential Elections
Indonesia held its first direct presidential elections. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was elected President after the second round on September 20.
Prince Hashem of Jordan born
Prince Hashem, the second son of King Abdullah II of Jordan, was born.
Assassination Attempt on George W. Bush
On May 10, 2005, Vladimir Arutyunian attempted to assassinate U.S. President George W. Bush and Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili in Tbilisi with a grenade that failed to detonate.
Azerbaijan Redenomination Decree
President Ilham Aliyev issued a decree on the redenomination of Azerbaijan's currency. One new manat was made equal to 5000 old manats.
Jalal Talabani elected President of Iraq
Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani was elected by the National Assembly as the first non-Arab president of Iraq.
Prince Charles marries Camilla Parker Bowles
Charles, Prince of Wales, married Camilla Parker Bowles in a civil ceremony at the Windsor Guildhall.
Andijan massacre
Uzbek troops fired on protesters in Andijan, resulting in a massacre with an estimated death toll ranging from 187 to 1,500.
Deep Throat Revealed
A Vanity Fair article revealed that the secret informant known as "Deep Throat" was former FBI associate director Mark Felt.
Same-Sex Marriage Legalized in Spain
Same-sex marriage became legal in Spain after a law passed by the Cortes Generales came into effect.
IRA ends armed campaign
The Provisional Irish Republican Army announced the formal end of its armed campaign. The goal was to overthrow British rule in Northern Ireland and create a united Ireland.
Mauritanian Coup
Mauritanian president Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya was overthrown in a military coup while attending the funeral of King Fahd of Saudi Arabia.
Helsinki Agreement Signed
The Helsinki Agreement between the Free Aceh Movement and the Government of Indonesia was signed, ending more than 28 years of fighting.
John Roberts becomes Chief Justice of the United States
John Roberts became the 17th Chief Justice of the United States. He would be the first Chief Justice to serve for twenty years since Melville Fuller in 1908.
Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons published
The Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten published controversial cartoons depicting Muhammad, sparking international protests.
Christian, Crown Prince of Denmark
Christian, Crown Prince of Denmark was born.
Haditha massacre
During the Iraq War, a group of United States Marines massacred 25 unarmed civilians in the town of Haditha.
Slobodan Milošević dies
Former President of Serbia and Yugoslavia Slobodan Milošević dies in his cell at The Hague during his war crimes trial.
Evo Morales inaugurated as President of Bolivia
Evo Morales was inaugurated as President of Bolivia on January 22, 2006, becoming the country's first indigenous president.
Belarusian Election Protests
Protesters demanding a new election in Belarus were arrested, including opposition leader Alyaksandr Kazulin.
Nepal Strips King of Powers
The Parliament of Nepal unanimously voted to strip King Gyanendra of many of his powers. This was a significant shift in the country's political landscape.
Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument established
US president George W. Bush designated 140,000 square miles around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands as the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
UN Security Council Meets on North Korea
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting after North Korea reportedly tested at least seven ballistic missiles.
Hezbollah initiates conflict with Israel
Hezbollah forces crossed the Israel–Lebanon border, attacking military positions and towns, sparking a five-week war.
Fidel Castro Transfers Power
Following intestinal surgery, Fidel Castro provisionally transferred the duties of the Cuban presidency to his brother Raúl. This marked a significant shift in Cuban leadership.
Assassination of Anna Politkovskaya
Anna Politkovskaya, a Russian journalist and human-rights activist, was assassinated in the elevator of her apartment block in Moscow.
Assassination of Nadarajah Raviraj
Nadarajah Raviraj, a prominent Sri Lankan Tamil politician and human rights lawyer, was assassinated in Colombo.
South Ossetia referendum
South Ossetia held a referendum on independence, with over 99 percent voting in favor of preserving its de facto independent status, despite Georgian government opposition.
Jena Six incident
Six black teenagers assaulted a white student in Jena, Louisiana. The subsequent court cases became a cause célèbre for perceived racial injustice in the United States.
Mexican drug war begins
The first action in the Mexican drug war began when President Felipe Calderón ordered military and police units into the state of Michoacán.
International conference on the Holocaust opens in Tehran
Criticized worldwide as a 'meeting of Holocaust deniers', the International Conference to Review the Global Vision of the Holocaust opened in Tehran.
ETA bombing at Madrid–Barajas Airport
Basque nationalist group ETA detonated a van bomb at Madrid–Barajas Airport in Spain, ending a nine-month ceasefire.
Nancy Pelosi becomes first female Speaker of the House
Nancy Pelosi is elected Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first woman to hold the position.
Bronze Soldier of Tallinn Protests
On April 26, 2007, controversy surrounding the relocation of the Bronze Soldier of Tallinn erupted into mass protests and riots in Estonia.
Guinean general strike begins
A general strike began in Guinea to force President Lansana Conté to resign, eventually leading to the appointment of two new prime ministers.
Hrant Dink Assassinated
Turkish-Armenian journalist and human-rights activist Hrant Dink was assassinated by a Turkish nationalist in Istanbul.
Zahedan Bombings
The first of several bombings in Zahedan, Iran, killed 18 members of the Revolutionary Guards.
Princess Isabella of Denmark
Princess Isabella of Denmark, daughter of King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark, was born.
Infanta Sofía of Spain
Infanta Sofía is a Spanish princess.
Pratibha Patil becomes President of India
Pratibha Patil was sworn in as the first female president of India.
Operation Banner Ends
Operation Banner, the British Armed Forces' operation in Northern Ireland, ended after 38 years. The operation concluded with a military stalemate and ceasefire.
Raúl Iturriaga captured
Raúl Iturriaga, former deputy director of the Chilean secret police, was captured after being on the run following a kidnapping conviction.
Buenos Aires Airport Scandal
An airport police officer discovered US$800,000 in a suitcase at Jorge Newbery Airfield, sparking an international scandal.
Queen's Pier demolition
The High Court of Hong Kong dismissed legal attempts to preserve the Queen's Pier, amid large protests against its impending demolition.
USAF nuclear weapons incident
Six nuclear warheads were mistakenly loaded onto a United States Air Force heavy bomber. The bomber flew from Minot Air Force Base to Barksdale Air Force Base.
Terrorist arrests in Germany
Three suspected al-Qaeda terrorists were arrested in Germany after planning attacks on Frankfurt Airport and Ramstein Air Base.
New Zealand Anti-Terrorism Raids
New Zealand Police conducted anti-terrorism raids in relation to an alleged paramilitary training camp, arresting 17 people and seizing weapons.
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner elected president of Argentina
In the Argentine general election, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner became the first woman to be elected president of Argentina.
Ibero-American Summit Confrontation
At the Ibero-American Summit, King Juan Carlos I of Spain famously told Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez to "shut up."
Philippine soldiers mutiny during trial
During their trial for the 2003 Oakwood mutiny, Philippine soldiers led by Senator Antonio Trillanes mutinied and seized a conference room at The Peninsula Manila.
Riots erupt in Mombasa after election results
Riots erupted in Mombasa, Kenya, after Mwai Kibaki was declared the winner of the presidential election. This marked the beginning of a significant crisis.
Benazir Bhutto assassinated
Former prime minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated while leaving a political rally in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Mikheil Saakashvili Re-elected President of Georgia
Mikheil Saakashvili was decisively re-elected as President of Georgia in "the first genuinely competitive presidential election" in the country's history.
Mauritanian coup d'état
Mauritanian president Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi was ousted from power by a group of high-ranking generals on August 6, 2008.
Maldives Presidential Succession
After 30 years in power, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was succeeded by Mohamed Nasheed as president of the Maldives.
2008 East Timorese assassination attempts
Rebel East Timorese soldiers invaded the homes of President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, seriously wounding the former.
Eliot Spitzer prostitution scandal
The New York Times revealed that Eliot Spitzer, Governor of New York, had patronized a prostitution ring.
Bhutan's first National Assembly election
The Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party, led by Jigme Thinley, won 45 out of 47 seats in Bhutan's first National Assembly election on March 24, 2008.
Fernando Lugo elected President of Paraguay
Fernando Lugo was elected President of Paraguay, marking the first time in 61 years that a candidate not from the Colorado Party won the election.
Postville Immigration Raid
On May 12, 2008, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the largest-ever workplace raid in Postville, Iowa, arresting nearly 400 immigrants for identity theft and document fraud.
International Court of Justice ruling on Middle Rocks and Pedra Branca
The International Court of Justice awarded the Middle Rocks to Malaysia and Pedra Branca to Singapore, resolving a 29-year-old territorial dispute in the Singapore Strait.
U.S. airstrike in Afghanistan
A U.S. airstrike in Afghanistan reportedly resulted in the deaths of eleven paramilitary members of the Pakistani Frontier Corps and eight Taliban fighters.
Canadian PM Apologizes to First Nations
Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper apologised to the First Nations for past governments' policies of forced assimilation.
Robert Mugabe re-elected President of Zimbabwe
Robert Mugabe was re-elected as President of Zimbabwe with an overwhelming majority after his opponent withdrew, citing violence against his party's supporters.
Ulaanbaatar Riots
Rioting erupted in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, over allegations of fraud surrounding the recent legislative election.
Jerusalem vehicular attack
An Arab man rammed a loader into traffic in Jerusalem, killing three people and injuring 40 others.
Iran conducts Great Prophet III missile test
Believing Israel and the United States planned to attack its nuclear program, Iran conducted the Great Prophet III missile test and war games exercise.
Pervez Musharraf resigns as Pakistani president
Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf resigned under pressure from a movement to impeach him.
Russia Recognizes Abkhazia and South Ossetia Independence
After a ceasefire was reached in the Russo-Georgian War, Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Delhi Bombings
Five bomb blasts took place in Delhi, India, killing at least 20 people as part of a series of attacks perpetrated by the Indian Mujahideen.
Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, establishing the Troubled Asset Relief Program, was enacted to provide a bailout of the U.S. financial system.
Barack Obama elected President
Barack Obama became the first person of biracial or African-American descent to be elected President of the United States.
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich arrested
Rod Blagojevich, the governor of Illinois, was arrested on corruption charges, including for attempting to sell the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by president-elect Barack Obama.
Muntadhar al-Zaidi throws shoes at George W. Bush
During a press conference in Baghdad, Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zaidi threw his shoes at U.S. president George W. Bush and Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki, yelling "This is for the widows and orphans and all those killed in Iraq".
Guinean coup d'état
The Guinean military engineered a coup d'état on 12-23-2008, announcing plans to rule for two years before new presidential elections.
Lord's Resistance Army Attacks
The Lord's Resistance Army, a Ugandan rebel group, began attacks on several villages in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, killing hundreds.
Protests at Icelandic parliament
During a national financial crisis, thousands of people protested at the Icelandic parliament in Reykjavík.
Barack Obama inaugurated as US President
Barack Obama was inaugurated as the first African-American president of the United States in Washington, D.C.
Madagascar Riots
Rioting broke out in Antananarivo, Madagascar, sparking a political crisis that led to the deposal of President Marc Ravalomanana.
Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir becomes Prime Minister of Iceland
Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir became the first female prime minister of Iceland.
Bangladesh Rifles mutiny
Members of the Bangladesh Rifles began a mutiny at their headquarters in Pilkhana, resulting in 82 deaths.
Massereene Barracks Shootings
Two off-duty British Army soldiers were shot dead by Real IRA paramilitaries outside Massereene Barracks in Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Lahore Police Academy Attack
The Manawan Police Academy in Lahore, Pakistan, was attacked by 12 gunmen. The incident resulted in 16 deaths and 95 injuries.
Moldovan Election Protests
Mass protests began across Moldova against the results of the parliamentary election.
Attack on Dutch royal family
A Dutch man drove his car at high speed into a parade in an attempt to kill the Dutch royal family on April 30, 2009.
End of Sri Lankan Civil War
The Sri Lanka Army killed Velupillai Prabhakaran, the leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. This event marked the end of the 26-year Sri Lankan civil war.
North Korea Conducts Nuclear and Missile Tests
North Korea conducted a nuclear test and several missile tests, leading to international condemnation and UN sanctions.
George Tiller Assassination
American physician George Tiller was shot and killed by an anti-abortion activist.
Bagua protests
Clashes between police and indigenous people in Bagua province, Peru, resulted in at least 31 deaths.
Two American journalists sentenced in North Korea
Two American journalists, arrested for illegal entry into North Korea, were sentenced to twelve years hard labor. They were later pardoned.
Czech Pirate Party Registered
Following a petition, the liberal progressive Czech Pirate Party was officially registered as a political party.
Rioting in Shishou, China
Mass rioting broke out in Shishou, China, over the dubious circumstances surrounding the death of a local chef.
Operation Panther's Claw begins
British forces began Operation Panther's Claw, an aerial assault on Taliban positions in southern Afghanistan.
Neda Agha-Soltan Killed in Iran
Iranian student Neda Agha-Soltan was shot dead in Tehran during presidential election protests. Footage of her death was widely distributed online.
Ürümqi Riots
A series of violent riots erupted in Ürümqi, the capital of Xinjiang, China.
Jadranka Kosor Becomes Croatian PM
Jadranka Kosor became the first woman to serve as prime minister of Croatia.
Tel Aviv LGBT Center Shooting
A shooting occurred at a branch of the Israeli LGBT organization the Aguda in Tel Aviv, resulting in two deaths.
Atlanta Police Raid
Members of the Atlanta Police Department conducted a raid on a gay bar, leading to allegations of constitutional rights violations and a subsequent $1 million settlement.
Guinean Protests Disrupted
A large protest in Conakry, Guinea, was violently suppressed by the military junta, leading to numerous deaths and injuries.
Yellow Sea Naval Skirmish
A skirmish occurred between South Korean and North Korean naval ships off Daecheong Island in the Yellow Sea.
Maguindanao massacre in the Philippines
A crowd of people on their way to register Esmael Mangudadatu's candidacy for governor of Maguindanao were kidnapped and killed by supporters of his rival, resulting in 58 deaths.
Bomb derails Russian train
A bomb exploded under a Russian high-speed train traveling between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, derailing it and killing 28 passengers.
Mogadishu suicide bombing kills 25
A suicide bombing in Mogadishu, Somalia, resulted in the deaths of 25 people. Among the victims were three ministers of the Transitional Federal Government.
Baghdad Bombings
Multiple bombings in Baghdad, carried out by the Islamic State of Iraq, resulted in at least 127 deaths and 448 injuries. The attacks occurred on December 8, 2009.
Iranian security forces fire on election protesters
During protests in Tehran against the recent presidential election, Iranian security forces opened fire on demonstrators.
Karachi suicide bombing
A suicide bomber attacked a Shia procession commemorating the day of Ashura in Karachi, Pakistan, causing 43 deaths.
Pro-government rallies in Iran
Pro-government counter-demonstrators held rallies in several Iranian cities in response to recent anti-government protests on the holy day of Ashura.
Arizona SB 1070 Signed into Law
Arizona governor Jan Brewer signed into law the controversial anti-illegal immigration bill SB 1070. Much of the law was later struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Moscow Metro Bombings
Islamist separatists of the Caucasus Emirate detonated two bombs on the Moscow Metro, killing 40 people and injuring 102 others.
Arab Spring begins in Tunisia
Mohamed Bouazizi, a street vendor, set himself on fire in protest against police harassment. This act triggered the Tunisian revolution and the wider Arab Spring.
Assassination of Massoud Ali-Mohammadi
Iranian physicist Massoud Ali-Mohammadi was assassinated while leaving his home for the University of Tehran. He was a professor at the university.
Porfirio Lobo Sosa becomes President of Honduras
Porfirio Lobo Sosa became the new president of Honduras on January 27, 2010, ending a constitutional crisis.
Pune bombing
A terrorist bombing at a bakery popular among foreigners in Pune, India, killed 17 people and injured 60 others.
2010 Nigerien coup d'état
In a coup d'état, military rebels attacked the presidential palace in Niamey, Niger. They replaced President Mamadou Tandja with a ruling junta.
WikiLeaks publishes classified documents
WikiLeaks published the first of hundreds of thousands of classified documents disclosed by Chelsea Manning.
Dantewada Ambush
Insurgents ambushed a Central Reserve Police Force convoy in Dantewada district, India, killing 76 officers.
Kharkiv Pact Signed
Ukraine and Russia signed the Kharkiv Pact. This agreement extended the Russian lease on naval facilities in Crimea.
David Cameron becomes UK Prime Minister
David Cameron took office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats formed the country's first coalition government since World War II.
Stephen Timms murder attempt
British politician Stephen Timms survived a murder attempt by an Islamic extremist during a constituency surgery.
Thai Military Crackdown on Protests
In Bangkok, the Thai military concluded a week-long crackdown on widespread protests by forcing the surrender of opposition leaders.
Julia Gillard becomes Australia's first female Prime Minister
Julia Gillard was sworn in as the first female prime minister of Australia. This occurred after incumbent Kevin Rudd declined to contest a leadership spill in the Labor Party.
G20 Summit in Toronto
A G20 summit began in downtown Toronto, marking the largest and most expensive security operation in Canadian history.
WikiLeaks publishes Afghanistan War documents
WikiLeaks published 75,000 classified documents about the War in Afghanistan. This was one of the largest leaks in U.S. military history.
MV Sun Sea Incident
The MV Sun Sea docked in British Columbia after being boarded by Canadian authorities. The 492 Sri Lankan Tamil refugee claimants on board were placed into detention.
China-Japan fishing trawler collision
A Chinese fishing trawler collided with Japan Coast Guard patrol boats near the Senkaku Islands. This incident sparked a major diplomatic dispute between China and Japan.
Linda Norgrove Kidnapping
Scottish aid worker Linda Norgrove and three Afghan colleagues were kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear
American comedians Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert hosted the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear in Washington, D.C. on October 30, 2010.
"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repealed
On December 22, 2010, the United States repealed its "don't ask, don't tell" policy regarding gay, lesbian, and bisexual people in the military.
2011 England riots
A series of riots broke out in several London boroughs and in cities and towns across England in response to the shooting of Mark Duggan by Metropolitan Police officers on August 6, 2011.
US transfers last base in Al Anbar to Iraq
The United States transferred its last base in the Al Anbar Governorate to the Iraqi government. This action marked the end of the Anbar campaign.
Hands Across Hawthorne rally
Residents of Portland, Oregon, held a rally called Hands Across Hawthorne in response to an attack against a gay couple.
Occupy Wall Street begins
Adbusters organized a protest against corporate influence on democracy at Zuccotti Park in New York City, known as Occupy Wall Street.
Tucson shooting
Jared Lee Loughner opened fire at a public meeting held by U.S. representative Gabby Giffords in Tucson, Arizona. Six people were killed and twelve others were injured.
Arab Spring in Tunisia
Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled the country following violent protests, marking a significant moment in the Arab Spring.
Protests in Albania Turn Violent
Demonstrations against alleged corruption in the Albanian government led to the killings of four protesters in Tirana by the Republican Guard.
Egyptian Revolution Begins
The Egyptian revolution began with protests on the "Day of Anger" as part of the Arab Spring. This led to the removal of President Hosni Mubarak after nearly 30 years of rule.
Yemeni Revolution begins
The Yemeni Revolution began on January 27, 2011, with over 16,000 protesters demanding governmental changes in Sanaa.
Bahraini Uprising Begins
On the Day of Rage, Bahraini youths began an uprising against the government in 55 marches across 25 locations.
Arab Spring in Bahrain and Libya
On February 17, 2011, Bahraini security forces killed four protesters in Manama. The "Day of Rage" also took place in Libya with nationwide protests against Muammar Gaddafi's government.
Bahraini uprising protest
Tens of thousands marched in Manama, Bahrain, protesting the deaths of seven people killed by security forces.
UN Resolution 1973
The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1973, authorizing military intervention in Libya to protect civilians during the First Libyan Civil War.
Operation Harmattan begins
The French Air Force launched Opération Harmattan, initiating foreign military intervention in Libya during the First Libyan Civil War.
Minsk Metro bombing
A bomb exploded at the Oktyabrskaya station of the Minsk Metro in Belarus, killing 15 people and injuring over 200.
WikiLeaks Guantanamo Bay files leak
Secret documents relating to detainees at the United States' Guantanamo Bay detention camp were released on WikiLeaks and several independent news organizations.
Killing of Osama bin Laden
Osama bin Laden was killed by U.S. Navy SEAL Team Six in Abbottabad, Pakistan on May 2, 2011. The operation concluded a decade-long manhunt.
Canadian federal election
The Conservative Party of Canada won a majority government in the federal election held on May 2, 2011. This was their first majority government since 2006.
US military ends 'don't ask, don't tell' policy
The United States military ended its "don't ask, don't tell" policy on September 20, 2011, allowing gay and lesbian people to serve openly.
King of Bhutan marries Jetsun Pema
The Dragon King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, married Jetsun Pema at the Punakha Dzong.
Global Protests
Global demonstrations against economic inequality and corporate influence were held in more than 950 cities in 82 countries.
Death of Muammar Gaddafi
During the First Libyan Civil War, deposed Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was captured by rebel forces in Sirte and killed shortly thereafter.
Michael D. Higgins elected President of Ireland
Michael D. Higgins was elected President of Ireland with far more votes than any politician in the country's history.
Yemen's President Saleh agrees to transfer power
After months of protests in Yemen, President Ali Abdullah Saleh agreed to transfer power to Vice President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi.
Turkish airstrike on villagers
Acting on information that Kurdish militants were crossing the border from Iraqi territory, two Turkish F-16 jets fired at a group of villagers, killing 34 people.
Benghazi attack
The American consulate and CIA annex in Libya were attacked by a heavily armed group, resulting in the deaths of U.S. ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three others.
Guinea-Bissau coup d'état
The Guinea-Bissau military seized control in a coup on April 12, 2012, amid a presidential election. Power was later handed to a transitional administration.
Sea of Japan Naming Dispute
On April 26, 2012, the International Hydrographic Organization abandoned South Korean-led attempts to rename the Sea of Japan.
Croatia votes to join the European Union
Croatia held a referendum on January 22, 2012, in which citizens voted in favor of joining the European Union.
Trayvon Martin shooting
African-American teenager Trayvon Martin was killed by George Zimmerman in Sanford, Florida. The incident sparked nationwide controversy.
Azawad Independence Declared
The National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad unilaterally declared the region of Azawad independent from Mali.
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud appointed Crown Prince
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was appointed the crown prince of Saudi Arabia.
Julian Assange seeks asylum
Facing sexual assault allegations in Sweden, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange requested asylum at the Ecuadorian embassy in London.
Burgas Airport bus bombing
A suicide bomber attacked an Israeli tour bus at Burgas Airport, Bulgaria. This led to Hezbollah's military branch being designated a terrorist organization by the EU.
New Irish Republican Army formed
The New Irish Republican Army was formed from a merger of a number of dissident republican militant groups.
Tana River District clashes
A series of ethnic clashes between the Orma and the Pokomo in Kenya's Tana River District resulted in at least 52 deaths.
Somali Civil War Offensive
Somali National Army forces, alongside AMISOM and Raskamboni allies, launched an offensive against Al-Shabaab in Kismayo.
Malala Yousafzai Assassination Attempt
Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai was severely injured by a Taliban gunman in a failed assassination attempt.
Tammy Baldwin Elected to U.S. Senate
Tammy Baldwin became the first openly gay politician elected to the United States Senate.
Xi Jinping becomes General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party
Xi Jinping replaced Hu Jintao as General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, succeeding as the paramount leader of China.
Tel Aviv Bus Bombing
A remote-controlled bomb exploded on a bus in Tel Aviv, Israel, injuring at least 28 people.
UN General Assembly grants Palestine non-member observer state status
The United Nations General Assembly voted to accord the status of a non-member observer state to Palestine in resolution 67/19.
"Il Canto degli Italiani" becomes Italy's national anthem
"Il Canto degli Italiani" officially became the national anthem of Italy. It was provisionally chosen 66 years prior following the birth of the Italian Republic.
Kidal suicide bombing
Four Chadian soldiers were killed in a suicide bombing by jihadist rebels in Kidal, Mali, on April 12, 2013.
CIA acknowledges Area 51
The CIA acknowledged the existence of Area 51 in response to a Freedom of Information Act request. Area 51 is a secretive U.S. Air Force facility in Nevada.
Bulo Marer Hostage Rescue Attempt
French special forces failed in an attempted rescue of a DGSE agent, who had been taken hostage in 2009 by al-Shabaab, in Bulo Marer, Somalia.
Hazara Town bombing
A bomb hidden in a water tank exploded at a market in Hazara Town, Pakistan, killing at least 91 people and injuring 190 others.
Pope Benedict XVI resigns
Benedict XVI became the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign from the papacy.
Pope Francis Elected
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as Pope Francis, becoming the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere.
Thailand Refugee Camp Fire
A fire in Thailand destroyed a camp housing Burmese refugees, killing at least 37 people. The incident caused significant loss of life among the refugee population.
Terror plot foiled in Canada
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrested two men who were plotting to commit terrorist attacks. The targets were Via Rail operations.
Reyhanlı car bombings
Two car bombs exploded in Reyhanlı, Turkey, resulting in 52 deaths and 140 injuries. The perpetrators of the attack remain unknown.
Mark Carson Murder
Mark Carson, an openly gay man, was murdered in a hate crime in New York City. This incident prompted a large march against anti-LGBTQ violence.
Naxalite Insurgency Attack in Chhattisgarh
Naxalite insurgents attacked a convoy of Indian National Congress leaders in Chhattisgarh, India. The attack resulted in at least 27 deaths.
Pierre Mauroy
Pierre Mauroy was a French educator and politician who served as Prime Minister of France.
Czech Prime Minister's Advisors Arrested for Corruption
Several close advisors and collaborators of Czech Prime Minister Petr Nečas were arrested on corruption charges.
Defense of Marriage Act Overturned
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Defense of Marriage Act, granting federal recognition to same-sex marriage.
Egyptian Coup d'État
General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi led a coup d'état in Cairo, deposing President Mohamed Morsi and suspending the Egyptian Constitution.
Mamudo School Massacre
Gunmen attacked a secondary school in Mamudo, Nigeria, killing 42 people, predominantly students.
Kidnapping of Nour Ahmad Nikbakht
Nour Ahmad Nikbakht, an Iranian diplomat in Yemen, was kidnapped by al-Qaeda militants and held hostage for two years.
Prince George of Wales
Prince George of Wales was born.
Rabaa Massacre
Security forces raided camps of ousted Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi supporters in Cairo, leading to the deaths of at least 595 civilians.
Ghouta chemical attack
Areas controlled by the Syrian opposition in Ghouta, Damascus, were attacked by rockets containing sarin, killing at least 281 people.
All Saints Church Peshawar bombing
In Peshawar, Pakistan, two suicide bombers attacked All Saints Church, killing 127 people.
Lampedusa migrant shipwreck
A boat carrying migrants from Libya to Italy sank off the Italian island of Lampedusa, resulting in more than 360 deaths.
Terrorist attack in Beijing
The first terrorist attack in Beijing's recent history occurred when members of the Turkistan Islamic Party drove a vehicle into a crowd, killing five people and injuring thirty-eight others.
South Sudanese Civil War begins
The South Sudanese Civil War began when three opposition leaders voted to boycott the meeting of the National Liberation Council in Juba.
Attacks in Kinshasa
Supporters of Congolese religious leader Paul-Joseph Mukungubila carried out a series of attacks on television studios, the airport, and a military base in Kinshasa.
Kabul Serena Hotel mass shooting
Taliban militants killed nine civilians in a mass shooting at the Kabul Serena Hotel in Afghanistan on March 20, 2014.
First Same-Sex Marriages in England and Wales
The first same-sex marriages in England and Wales took place following the passage of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013.
UN Report on North Korea Human Rights
An inquiry report by the United Nations Human Rights Council found systematic and wide-ranging violations of human rights in North Korea.
Kyiv Protests
A series of violent events began in Kyiv involving protesters, riot police, and unknown shooters. This culminated in the ousting of Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych five days later.
Kevin Lau stabbing
Former editor-in-chief of Hong Kong newspaper Ming Pao, Kevin Lau, was stabbed. This incident raised concerns about media freedom.
Boko Haram Kidnaps Nigerian Schoolgirls
Boko Haram militants kidnapped 276 schoolgirls from a government secondary school in Chibok, Nigeria.
Odesa clashes
Forty-eight people were killed during a confrontation between pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian unity protesters in Odesa, Ukraine on May 2, 2014. This event was part of the Russo-Ukrainian War.
Thai coup d'état
Prayut Chan-o-cha, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army, launched a coup d'état against the caretaker government. This followed six months of political crisis.
Brussels Jewish Museum shooting
A gunman with ties to Islamic extremism opened fire at the Jewish Museum of Belgium in Brussels, killing four people.
Formation of Telangana
The Indian state of Telangana was officially formed, with K. Chandrashekar Rao becoming its first chief minister.
Silvio Berlusconi conviction overturned
The conviction of former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi for paying an underage prostitute was overturned on appeal.
Killing of Michael Brown
Michael Brown, an 18-year-old African-American man, was killed by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri. This event sparked widespread protests and unrest.
Ayotzinapa Students Disappearance
Forty-three students from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers' College in Mexico were kidnapped.
Jerusalem synagogue attack
Two Palestinian men attacked praying congregants in a Jerusalem synagogue with axes, knives, and a gun. Eight people were killed, including the attackers.
Herman Badillo
Herman Badillo, a Puerto Rican-American lawyer and politician, has died. He was born in 1929.
Ludvík Vaculík
Czech journalist and author, noted for The Two Thousand Words which inspired the Prague Spring.
Lam Wing-kee abducted
Lam Wing-kee, owner of Causeway Bay Books, was abducted by Chinese authorities. His bookstore published political books banned in mainland China.
Willis Carto
Willis Carto was an American activist and theorist.
Murder of Özgecan Aslan
Turkish student Özgecan Aslan was murdered during a rape attempt, sparking mass demonstrations across the country after her body was discovered two days later.
Boris Nemtsov assassinated
Russian statesman and politician Boris Nemtsov, an outspoken critic of Vladimir Putin, was assassinated in central Moscow.
Willie Barrow
Willie Barrow was an American minister and activist.
Mogadishu Hotel Siege Ends
A siege by al-Shabaab militants on a Mogadishu hotel ended, with Somali Armed Forces recapturing the premises. The attack killed at least 20 people.
Freddie Gray Dies in Police Custody
Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old African American, died of injuries sustained while in the custody of the Baltimore Police Department.
Vafa Guluzade
Azerbaijani political scientist, academic, and diplomat Vafa Guluzade died on May 1, 2015. He was born in 1940.
Princess Charlotte of Wales
Princess Charlotte of Wales was born on May 2, 2015. She is third in line to the British throne.
Malta Parliament moves to new building
The Parliament of Malta moved from the Grandmaster's Palace to the purpose-built Parliament House. This event occurred on May 3, 2015.
Charles Kennedy
Charles Kennedy was a Scottish journalist and politician.
Joan Kirner
Joan Kirner was an Australian educator and politician, and the 42nd Premier of Victoria.
Charleston Church Shooting
A white supremacist committed a mass shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, killing nine people during a prayer service.
Obergefell v. Hodges
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right, guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment.
Wan Li
Chinese politician and former Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China.
Julian Bond
Julian Bond, an American academic, civil rights leader, and politician, died. He was born in 1940.
Assassination of Shuja Khanzada
Suicide bombers assassinated Pakistani politician Shuja Khanzada and killed at least 21 others at his home in Attock District.
Elizabeth II becomes longest-reigning UK monarch
Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, surpassing Queen Victoria.
Joker Arroyo
Filipino lawyer and politician died. He was born in 1927.
Paris attacks
Coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris perpetrated by the Islamic State killed 130 people and injured 413 others.
John Leahy
John Leahy, an English lawyer and diplomat who served as High Commissioner to Australia, has died. He was born in 1928.
Ko Chun-hsiung
Taiwanese actor, director, and politician Ko Chun-hsiung died on December 6, 2015. He was born in 1945.
Liu Juying
Chinese general and politician Liu Juying died on December 6, 2015. He was born in 1917.
Execution of Nimr al-Nimr
Nimr al-Nimr, a prominent Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia, was executed by the Saudi government along with 46 other people. This event occurred on January 2, 2016.
Harry Wu
Harry Wu was a Chinese human rights activist who documented abuses in China's Laogai system.
Ouagadougou hostage crisis
Government commandos stormed a restaurant in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, to end a hostage situation initiated by gunmen the previous night.
Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck
Birth of Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck, a prince of Bhutan.
Don Getty
Don Getty was a Canadian football player and politician, serving as the 11th Premier of Alberta.
Hassan Al-Turabi
Hassan Al-Turabi, a Sudanese activist and politician, died. He was born in 1932.
Felix Ibru
Felix Ibru was a Nigerian architect and politician, serving as Governor of Delta State.
Panama Papers Revealed
The first news stories on the Panama Papers were published, exposing the illegal use of shell corporations by the law firm Mossack Fonseca.
Paris Agreement opens for signature
The Paris Agreement, an international treaty on climate change, opened for signature. It was signed by 175 parties on this date.
Pulse nightclub shooting
An Islamic terrorist killed 49 people in a mass shooting at the gay nightclub Pulse in Orlando, Florida.
Jo Cox Murdered
British Member of Parliament Jo Cox was murdered in her constituency on June 16, 2016.
Brexit Referendum
Citizens of the United Kingdom voted in favour of leaving the European Union.
Turkish Coup Attempt
A faction of the Turkish Armed Forces attempted a coup d'état against the government and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Hillary Clinton nominated for US President
Hillary Clinton became the first female nominee for president of the United States by a major political party. This occurred at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
Chen Quanguo appointed Xinjiang Party Secretary
Chen Quanguo became the Chinese Communist Party secretary of Xinjiang. In this role, he later oversaw the creation of the Xinjiang internment camps.
German Rape Law Reforms
Following several high-profile sexual assaults, Germany enacted significant reforms to strengthen its rape laws. These changes aimed to provide greater protection and justice for victims.
Nahid Hattar
Jordanian writer and political activist Nahid Hattar was assassinated.
Yemen War funeral bombing
A funeral in Sanaa was hit by two consecutive airstrikes by a Saudi-led coalition, leaving 143–155 civilians dead and more than 525 injured.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej dies
The King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej, died after 70 years on the throne, at which point was the longest-reigning current monarch.
Takahito, Prince Mikasa
Takahito, Prince Mikasa, a member of the Imperial Family of Japan, died on this date. He was born in 1915.
Paris Agreement comes into effect
The Paris Agreement, under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, came into effect.
Gwen Ifill
Gwen Ifill was an American television journalist known for her work on PBS.
Ioannis Grivas
Ioannis Grivas, a Greek statesman, died on November 27, 2016. He was born in 1923.
South Korean President Park Geun-hye impeached
Park Geun-hye, the president of South Korea, was impeached, marking the culmination of the country's political scandal.
Assassination of Andrei Karlov
Andrei Karlov, Russia's ambassador to Turkey, was assassinated at an art gallery in Ankara.
UK Invokes Article 50 for Brexit
British prime minister Theresa May invoked Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, formally beginning the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union.
Adenan Satem
Malaysian politician and Chief Minister of Sarawak, Adenan Satem, died at the age of 72. He was born in 1944.
Women's March
Millions of people participated in the Women's March in Washington, D.C., and around the world to advocate for legislation and policies on human rights and other issues.
Stephen P. Cohen
Stephen P. Cohen was a Canadian academic specializing in Middle East studies.
Robert Garcia
Robert Garcia, an American politician, died on January 25, 2017. He was born in 1933.
Assassination of Kim Jong-nam
Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was assassinated using VX nerve agent in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Ricardo Arias Calderón
Ricardo Arias Calderón, a Panamanian politician, died at the age of 84.
Battle of al-Bab
Allied troops led by the Turkish Armed Forces captured the city of al-Bab from the Islamic State during the Syrian civil war.
Lynne Stewart
Lynne Stewart, an American attorney and activist, died on March 7, 2017. She was born in 1939.
Miroslava Breach
Miroslava Breach, a Mexican investigative journalist, died on March 23, 2017. She was born in 1962.
Binyamin Elon
Binyamin Elon, an Israeli Orthodox rabbi and politician, has died. He was born in 1954.
Zbigniew Brzezinski
Zbigniew Brzezinski was a Polish-born American diplomat and political scientist who served as National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter.
Baldwin Lonsdale
Baldwin Lonsdale, the president of Vanuatu, has died.
Otto Warmbier
American college student Otto Warmbier, who was detained in North Korea, has died at the age of 22.
Massive cyberattack hits Ukrainian organizations
Websites of Ukrainian organizations were swamped by a massive cyberattack, blamed on Russian military hackers, using the malware Petya.
North Korea conducts powerful nuclear test
North Korea conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test at Punggye-ri. The test caused a magnitude-6.3 earthquake.
Allan MacEachen
Allan MacEachen was a Canadian economist and politician who served as Deputy Prime Minister of Canada.
Edith Windsor
Edith Windsor was an American LGBT rights activist and technology manager at IBM.
Eberhard van der Laan
Dutch politician and former mayor of Amsterdam Eberhard van der Laan died. He was born in 1955.
Clifford Husbands
Clifford Husbands, a Barbadian politician, died on this date. He was born in 1926.
Albert Zafy
Albert Zafy, a Malagasy politician, died. He was born in 1927.
Daphne Caruana Galizia killed in car bombing
Maltese journalist and anti-corruption activist Daphne Caruana Galizia was killed in a car bomb attack in Bidnija.
Daphne Caruana Galizia
Daphne Caruana Galizia, a Maltese journalist and blogger, has died.
Louvre Abu Dhabi Inauguration
The Louvre Abu Dhabi was inaugurated by French president Emmanuel Macron and then-crown prince of Abu Dhabi Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
US Recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's Capital
Under President Donald Trump, the United States government officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This decision was announced on December 6, 2017.
Same-sex marriage legal in Australia
Same-sex marriage in Australia became legal as the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017 came into effect.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Resignation
Following nationwide protests, Hailemariam Desalegn announced his resignation as prime minister of Ethiopia. He remained in post as a caretaker until he was succeeded by Abiy Ahmed.
Prince Louis of Wales
Prince Louis of Wales, a member of the British royal family, was born.
Syrian air defences down Russian plane
The Israeli Air Force conducted missile strikes in Syria. Syrian air defences responded, accidentally downing a Russian plane.
Bolivia v. Chile (Pacific Access)
The International Court of Justice ruled that Chile had no obligation to grant Bolivia access to the Pacific Ocean.
Mrauk U protest deaths
In Mrauk U, Myanmar, police fired into a crowd protesting a ban on an event, resulting in seven deaths and twelve injuries. The event was to mark the anniversary of the end of the Kingdom of Mrauk U.
Taliban attack on Kabul hotel
Taliban gunmen attacked and took hostages at the Hotel Inter-Continental Kabul, Afghanistan. The incident sparked a 12-hour battle that left at least 21 people dead.
Neagu Djuvara
Neagu Djuvara was a Romanian historian, essayist, philosopher, journalist, novelist, and diplomat.
Prince Henrik of Denmark
Henrik, Prince Consort of Denmark, died at the age of 83. He was a French-born Danish royal.
Ruud Lubbers
Ruud Lubbers was a Dutch politician and diplomat, serving as Prime Minister and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Louise Slaughter
Louise Slaughter was a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York.
Johan van Hulst
Johan van Hulst was a Dutch politician, academic, author, and a Yad Vashem recipient.
Nikol Pashinyan's Protest Walk Begins
Nikol Pashinyan began a protest walk in Gyumri, initiating the 2018 Armenian revolution.
Barbara Bush
Barbara Bush, former First Lady of the United States, died on April 17, 2018. She was known for her advocacy for literacy and was born in 1925.
Madeeha Gauhar
Madeeha Gauhar, a Pakistani actress, playwright, director, and women's rights activist, died on April 25, 2018. She was born in 1956.
Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took place at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, England.
Spanish Congress of Deputies passes no confidence motion
For the first time since its transition to democracy, the Congress of Deputies in Spain passed a motion of no confidence against the government.
Charles Krauthammer
Charles Krauthammer, American columnist and conservative political commentator, died. He was born in 1950.
Alene Duerk
Alene Duerk, the U.S. Navy's first female admiral, died. She was born in 1920.
Emmerson Mnangagwa Elected President of Zimbabwe
Emmerson Mnangagwa was elected to his first full term as president of Zimbabwe. He had been serving as leader since the 2017 coup d'état.
Silent Sam toppled
Silent Sam, a Confederate monument at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was toppled by protestors. The monument had been a point of controversy.
Uri Avnery
Uri Avnery was an Israeli writer, politician, and peace activist.
John McCain
John McCain was an American politician.
India legalizes homosexuality
The Supreme Court of India invalidated part of Section 377 of the Penal Code, thus legalising homosexuality in India.
Jamal Khashoggi assassinated
The Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi was assassinated in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey.
Girma Wolde-Giorgis
Girma Wolde-Giorgis, President of Ethiopia, died.
Paddy Ashdown
Paddy Ashdown, British politician, died on 12-22-2018. He was born in 1941.
Simcha Rotem
Simcha Rotem, last survivor of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, died on 12-22-2018. He was born in 1924.
Lyndon LaRouche
Lyndon LaRouche was an American political activist.
Kartarpur Corridor inaugurated
Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan inaugurated the Kartarpur Corridor, a visa-free border crossing connecting the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib to the India–Pakistan border.
Haig Young
Haig Young was a Canadian politician.
John Dingell
John Dingell was an American politician. He served in the House of Representatives for 59 years.
Callistus Ndlovu
Callistus Ndlovu, a Zimbabwean academic and politician, died.
North Korean Embassy break-in in Madrid
A group broke into the North Korean embassy in Madrid, Spain, and stole electronic devices.
France-Albert René
France-Albert René, the 2nd President of Seychelles, died. He led the country for over two decades.
Alan García
Alan García, a Peruvian lawyer and politician who served twice as President of Peru, died on April 17, 2019. He was born in 1949.
Mueller Report Released
The United States Department of Justice released a redacted version of the Mueller report on April 18, 2019. The report concerned Russian influence on the U.S. presidential election.
Polly Higgins
Polly Higgins, a Scottish barrister, author, and environmental lobbyist born in 1968, has died.
Richard Lugar
Richard Lugar was an American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Indiana for 36 years.
Prem Tinsulanonda
Prem Tinsulanonda was a Thai military officer and politician who served as Prime Minister of Thailand from 1980 to 1988.
Ani Yudhoyono
Ani Yudhoyono was an Indonesian politician and the 6th First Lady of Indonesia.
Mohamed Morsi
Mohamed Morsi, an Egyptian professor and politician who was the first elected president of Egypt after the Egyptian revolution, has died.
US Drone Shot Down by Iran
An Iranian aircraft shot down an American drone over the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions between the two countries.
Yuen Long Attack
People returning from anti-extradition bill protests were attacked by suspected triad members in Yuen Long, Hong Kong, leaving 45 people injured.
Boris Johnson becomes UK Prime Minister
Boris Johnson became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after winning the Conservative Party leadership election.
Nuon Chea
Nuon Chea was a Cambodian politician and theorist for the Khmer Rouge.
ʻAkilisi Pōhiva
ʻAkilisi Pōhiva was a Tongan politician and activist who served as Prime Minister of Tonga.
Zine El Abidine Ben Ali
Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisian soldier, politician, and 2nd President of Tunisia, died on September 19, 2019.
UK Supreme Court rules Parliament prorogation unlawful
The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom unanimously ruled that advice given by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to Queen Elizabeth II that Parliament should be prorogued was unlawful.
Jacques Chirac
Jacques Chirac was a French politician who served as the President of France from 1995 to 2007.
Peruvian Congress dissolved
President Martín Vizcarra dissolved the Congress of Peru, leading to a constitutional crisis.
Protests in Baku
Anti-government protests calling for free and fair elections began in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Syrian Civil War Offensive
Turkish forces began an offensive into north-eastern Syria following the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the region.
Elijah Cummings
Elijah Cummings was an American politician and civil rights advocate.
Santiago Protests Escalate
Protests in Santiago, Chile, escalated into open battle against the national police. President Sebastián Piñera declared a state of emergency in response to the growing unrest.
Deborah Orr
Scottish journalist Deborah Orr has died.
Dilip Parikh
Dilip Parikh, an Indian politician, died on October 25, 2019. He was born in 1937.
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was the leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), who died by suicide in 1971.
Jo Swinson Steps Down as Liberal Democrats Leader
Jo Swinson steps down as Leader of the Liberal Democrats after losing her seat in the 2019 general election. Her tenure became the shortest in the party's history.
Citizenship Amendment Act protests
In Delhi, India, local women protested the exclusion of Muslims from the amended Citizenship Act by blockading a major road.
Spain's First Coalition Government Since Second Republic
After 253 days without an operational government, a second round of investiture votes produced Spain's first coalition government since the Second Republic.
Michael Brooks
Michael Brooks was a political commentator.
WHO declares COVID-19 a public health emergency
The World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic to be a public health emergency of international concern.
Lina Ben Mhenni
Tunisian Internet activist and blogger (born 1983) died on January 27, 2020.
Gui Minhai sentenced
Hong Kong-based writer and publisher Gui Minhai was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment for intelligence violations.
Javier Pérez de Cuéllar
Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, born in 1920, was a Peruvian politician and diplomat.
North Macedonia joins NATO
North Macedonia officially became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Greg Zanis
Greg Zanis was an American carpenter and activist, known for his 'Where Are They?' campaign.
ABS-CBN forced off-air in the Philippines
Philippine broadcast network ABS-CBN was forced to go off-air by the National Telecommunications Commission. This occurred after Congress failed to renew its franchise.
Alan Merten
Alan Merten, the fifth President of George Mason University, died. He was born in 1941.
Murder of George Floyd
George Floyd, a black American man, was murdered during an arrest by a white police officer in Minneapolis. This event sparked widespread protests and riots.
Larry Kramer
Larry Kramer, an American playwright, public health advocate, and LGBT rights activist, has died. He was born in 1935.
Jean Kennedy Smith
Jean Kennedy Smith, an American activist, humanitarian, author, and diplomat who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, has died.
Reddit bans r/The_Donald
Reddit banned the pro-Trump subreddit r/The_Donald for rule violations and antagonizing the company.
Death of Stella Madzimbamuto
Zimbabwean activist Stella Madzimbamuto died.
Ángela Jeria
Ángela Jeria, a Chilean archaeologist and human rights activist, died.
Andrew Mlangeni
South African political activist (born 1925).
Maxim Martsinkevich
Maxim Martsinkevich was a Russian social activist and media personality.
John Turner
John Turner, Canadian politician and 17th Prime Minister of Canada, died on September 19, 2020.
Jonathan Sacks
Jonathan Sacks was the former Chief Rabbi of the Commonwealth and a member of the House of Lords, born in 1948.
Falkland Islands Land Mine Clearance
The British government announced the removal of the last land mine from the Falkland Islands, laid during the 1982 Falklands War.
Saeb Erekat
Saeb Erekat was the chief Palestinian negotiator. He was born in 1955.
Tarun Gogoi
Tarun Gogoi, the Indian Chief Minister of Assam, died on November 23, 2020. He was born in 1934.
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh assassinated
Nuclear physicist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, regarded as the chief of Iran's nuclear program, was assassinated. He was allegedly targeted by Mossad.
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, an Iranian nuclear scientist, died on November 27, 2020. He was born in 1958.
Saufatu Sopoanga
Saufatu Sopoanga, 8th Prime Minister of Tuvalu, died.
Mob attacks the U.S. Capitol during election certification
Supporters of President Donald Trump storm the U.S. Capitol in an effort to disrupt Congress as it certifies Joe Biden's 2020 election victory.
January 6th United States Capitol attack
Supporters of then-outgoing U.S. president Donald Trump attacked the United States Capitol to disrupt certification of the 2020 presidential election. The event resulted in five deaths and the evacuation of the U.S. Congress.
Ashli Babbitt
Ashli Babbitt was an American participant in the January 6 United States Capitol attack.
Hlaingthaya Massacre in Myanmar
Burmese military and police forces killed at least 65 civilians during the Hlaingthaya massacre in Yangon. The victims included protestors against a recent coup d'état.
F. W. de Klerk
F. W. de Klerk was a South African lawyer and politician who served as State President. He was a Nobel Prize laureate.
Roh Tae-woo
Roh Tae-woo was a South Korean general and politician who served as the 6th President of South Korea.
Sibusiso Moyo
Sibusiso Moyo, a Zimbabwean politician and army general, died.
Larry King
American journalist and talk show host Larry King died.
Myanmar Coup d'état
The Burmese military staged a coup d'état, deposing the democratically elected government and sparking nationwide protests and civil war.
Kadir Topbaş
Kadir Topbaş, a Turkish politician, died.
Carlos Menem
Carlos Menem was an Argentine former president, lawyer, and statesman.
Gustavo Noboa
Gustavo Noboa was the 42nd President of Ecuador.
Ecuadorian prison riots
Riots in four Ecuadorian prisons, caused by gang rivalries, resulted in the deaths of 79 inmates.
John Magufuli
John Magufuli, the fifth President of Tanzania, died on March 17, 2021.
Death of Nawal El Saadawi
Nawal El Saadawi, an Egyptian secularist and feminist, died. She was a significant voice for women's rights.
Death of Didier Ratsiraka
Didier Ratsiraka, a Malagasy politician and naval officer, died.
Death of G. Gordon Liddy
G. Gordon Liddy, known as the chief operative in the Watergate scandal, passed away.
Prince Philip dies
Prince Philip, the consort of Queen Elizabeth II, died at Windsor Castle at the age of 99.
Bago massacre in Myanmar
Burmese military and police forces killed at least 82 civilians in the Bago massacre, including people protesting a recent coup d'état.
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, died on April 9, 2021. He was born in 1921.
Andrew Peacock
Andrew Peacock was an Australian politician.
Walter Mondale
Walter Mondale, an American politician and former Vice President, has died. He was born in 1928.
Bruno Covas
Bruno Covas was a Brazilian lawyer and politician.
Poul Schlüter
Poul Schlüter, former Prime Minister of Denmark, has died. He was born in 1929.
Kenneth Kaunda
Kenneth Kaunda, the first president of Zambia and an educator, has died.
Benigno Aquino III
Benigno Aquino III was the 15th President of the Philippines.
Trần Thiện Khiêm
Trần Thiện Khiêm was a South Vietnamese army officer and politician who served as the 7th Prime Minister of South Vietnam.
Donald Rumsfeld
Donald Rumsfeld, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, has died. He was born in 1932.
US Troops Withdraw from Afghanistan
The last remaining American troops left Afghanistan, ending U.S. involvement in the war.
Jolidee Matongo
Jolidee Matongo was a South African politician and the 97th Mayor of Johannesburg.
Dinky Soliman
Dinky Soliman, Filipino politician and 23rd Secretary of Social Welfare and Development, died on September 19, 2021.
Madeleine Tchicaya
Madeleine Tchicaya, a prominent Ivorian politician, has passed away.
Abdul Qadeer Khan
Abdul Qadeer Khan was a Pakistani nuclear physicist and metallurgist, often credited as the 'father' of Pakistan's nuclear weapons program.
David Amess
David Amess, British politician, member of Parliament for Southend West, died.
Jyrki Kasvi
Jyrki Kasvi was a Finnish journalist and politician.
Bernie Fowler
Bernie Fowler was an American politician and environmental advocate. He was born in 1924.
Maʻafu Tukuiʻaulahi
Maʻafu Tukuiʻaulahi was a Tongan politician and military officer, serving as Deputy Prime Minister. He was born in 1955.
Johnny Isakson
American politician Johnny Isakson died on December 19, 2021. He was born in 1944.
Sidney Poitier
Sidney Poitier was a Bahamian-American actor, director, and diplomat.
Alexa McDonough
Alexa McDonough, a pioneering Canadian politician and former leader of the federal New Democratic Party, has died. She was born in 1944.
Rupiah Banda
Rupiah Banda, former President of Zambia, has died. He was born in 1937.
Henry Plumb
Henry Plumb, British politician and farmer, has died.
Sidhu Moosewala
Sidhu Moosewala was an Indian singer, rapper, actor, and politician.
Orrin Hatch
Orrin Hatch was an American politician and President pro tempore of the United States Senate. He was born in 1934.
Leonid Kravchuk
Leonid Kravchuk was a Ukrainian politician.
Sievierodonetsk captured by Russian forces
Russian forces captured the city of Sievierodonetsk, Ukraine, after six weeks of fighting during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Antonio Inoki
Antonio Inoki, a Japanese professional wrestler and politician, has died. He was born in 1943.
John Y. Brown Jr.
John Y. Brown Jr. was an American soldier, lawyer, and politician who served as the 55th Governor of Kentucky.
Ibrahim Boubacar Keita
Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was the former President of Mali.
Death of Leonor Oyarzún
Leonor Oyarzún, former First Lady of Chile, has died. She was born in 1919.
Death of Madeleine Albright
Madeleine Albright, a Czechoslovak-American diplomat and the 64th United States Secretary of State, passed away.
Vladimir Zhirinovsky
Vladimir Zhirinovsky, Russian and Soviet politician, died.
Jill Knight
British politician Jill Knight died. She was born in 1923.
Ilkka Kanerva
Ilkka Kanerva was a Finnish politician.
Climate activist self-immolates outside Supreme Court
American climate activist Wynn Bruce set himself on fire outside the United States Supreme Court Building. This was an apparent protest against the climate crisis.
Liao Guoxun
Liao Guoxun, a Chinese politician, has died. He was born in 1963.
John Leo
John Leo, an American writer and journalist, died on May 9, 2022. He was born in 1935.
Shireen Abu Akleh killed in Jenin
Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was shot and killed while reporting on an Israel Defense Forces raid. The incident occurred in the Jenin Refugee Camp.
Civilians killed in Myanmar
Government troops killed 37 unarmed civilians in Mondaingbin during the Myanmar civil war. The killings were part of ongoing conflict in the region.
Shinzo Abe Assassinated
Former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated with an improvised firearm. The assassination was linked to resentment against the Unification Church.
Death of Shinzo Abe
Shinzo Abe, a Japanese politician, died.
Death of Luis Echeverría
Luis Echeverría, a Mexican lawyer and politician, died.
Zayar Thaw
Zayar Thaw was a prominent Burmese politician and rapper, known for his activism.
Kyaw Min Yu
Kyaw Min Yu was a Burmese political activist who played a significant role in pro-democracy movements.
Fidel V. Ramos
Fidel V. Ramos was the 12th President of the Philippines. He was born in 1928.
Jackie Walorski
American politician Jackie Walorski died. She was born in 1963.
Darya Dugina
Darya Dugina was a Russian journalist.
Mikhail Gorbachev
Mikhail Gorbachev, the 8th and final leader of the Soviet Union, has died. He was born in 1931.
Liz Truss becomes UK Prime Minister
Liz Truss succeeded Boris Johnson as prime minister following the July 2022 United Kingdom government crisis.
Queen Elizabeth II dies, Charles III ascends throne
Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022. Her eldest son Charles III acceded to the throne as King of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms.
Akissi Kouamé
Akissi Kouamé, an Ivorian army officer, has died.
Sacheen Littlefeather
Sacheen Littlefeather was an American actress, model, and activist for Native American civil rights.
Mulayam Singh Yadav
Mulayam Singh Yadav was an Indian politician who served as the 15th Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
Chad Protests
Protests erupted across Chad following President Mahamat Déby's announcement of an intention to extend his rule by an additional two years.
Liz Truss's tenure as UK Prime Minister ends
At 49 days, Liz Truss concluded the shortest tenure as prime minister of the United Kingdom.
Arthur Ngirakelsong
Arthur Ngirakelsong was the 2nd Chief Justice of Palau.
Jiang Zemin
Jiang Zemin was a Chinese politician, former General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, and President of China.
Mary Lou Kownacki
Mary Lou Kownacki was an American Roman Catholic nun, peace activist, and writer.
Innocent Vareed Thekkethala
Innocent Vareed Thekkethala was an Indian actor and politician.
Simon Crean
Australian trade union leader and politician.
Death of John Kerin
John Kerin, an Australian politician, died on this date.
Bill Hayden
Bill Hayden, former Governor-General of Australia and politician, has died. He was born in 1933.
Jerry Apodaca
Jerry Apodaca was an American politician and the 24th Governor of New Mexico.
Sharad Yadav
Indian politician Sharad Yadav, former Minister of Civil Aviation and Labour Minister, died.
Mukarram Jah
Mukarram Jah was the 8th Nizam of Hyderabad.
Sherif Ismail
Sherif Ismail was the 53rd Prime Minister of Egypt.
Pervez Musharraf
Pervez Musharraf, former President of Pakistan and military officer, has died. He was born in 1943.
Tony Earl
Tony Earl, the 40th Governor of Wisconsin, died. He was born in 1936.
Gérard Latortue
Gérard Latortue, who served as the Prime Minister of Haiti, died. He led the interim government following the 2004 coup d'état.
Phil Batt
Phil Batt, born in 1927, was an American soldier and politician who served as the 29th Governor of Idaho.
Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte, an American singer, activist, and actor, died on April 25, 2023. He was born in 1927.
Jerry Springer
Jerry Springer, an American politician and television personality, has died. He was born in 1944.
Coronation of Charles III and Camilla
The coronation of Charles III and Camilla as King and Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms was held at Westminster Abbey in London.
Jim Brown
Jim Brown was an American football player, civil rights activist, and actor.
David Brewer
David Brewer was an English politician and Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London.
Ted Kaczynski
Ted Kaczynski was an American mathematician and a domestic terrorist known as the Unabomber.
Silvio Berlusconi
Silvio Berlusconi was an Italian businessman and politician, and Prime Minister of Italy.
Glenda Jackson
English actress and politician Glenda Jackson died on June 15, 2023. She was born in 1936.
Winnie Ewing
Death of Winnie Ewing, a notable Scottish politician.
Oommen Chandy
Oommen Chandy was an Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Kerala.
Mike Ahern
Mike Ahern, Australian politician and 32nd Premier of Queensland, died on August 11, 2023. He was born in 1942.
Delwar Hossain Sayeedi
Delwar Hossain Sayeedi was a Bangladeshi Islamic lecturer and politician.
Al Quie
Al Quie was an American politician and the 35th Governor of Minnesota.
Dmitry Utkin
Russian army officer and founder of the Wagner Group.
Yevgeny Prigozhin
Russian businessman and chief of the Wagner Group.
Brereton C. Jones
Brereton C. Jones was an American politician and the 58th Governor of Kentucky.
Gaza War Begins
Palestinian nationalist groups launched armed incursions into the Gaza envelope, starting the Gaza war.
Hamas Music Festival Massacre
The military wing of Hamas massacred people attending an open-air music festival in southern Israel.
October 7 attacks
Israelis were murdered or fell in the line of duty during the October 7 attacks.
Martti Ahtisaari
Martti Ahtisaari, former President of Finland and Nobel Prize laureate, has died.
Li Keqiang
Li Keqiang was the premier of China, born in 1955.
Rosalynn Carter
Rosalynn Carter, American mental health activist and former First Lady, died on November 19, 2023. She was born in 1927.
Henry Kissinger
Henry Kissinger, former US secretary of state, has died. He was born in 1923.
Alistair Darling
Alistair Darling was a British politician and Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Sandra Day O'Connor
Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female U.S. Supreme Court Justice, has died. She served from 1981 to 2006 and was born in 1930.
Julian Carroll
Julian Carroll was an American politician who served as the 54th Governor of Kentucky.
Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
Emir of Kuwait.
Protests in Belgrade
A series of mass protests began in Belgrade, Serbia, on December 18, 2023, alleging electoral irregularities in the Serbian parliament and Belgrade city assembly elections.
Cheri Barry
Death of Cheri Barry, an American politician and mayor of Meridian, Mississippi.
Lukas Enembe
Lukas Enembe was an Indonesian politician who served as the Governor of Papua.
Vijayakanth
Indian actor and politician.
Ali Hassan Mwinyi
Ali Hassan Mwinyi was the 2nd President of Tanzania and 3rd President of Zanzibar.
Brian Mulroney
Brian Mulroney was the 18th Prime Minister of Canada.
Esther Coopersmith
Esther Coopersmith was an American diplomat and UNESCO goodwill ambassador.
Josip Manolić
Josip Manolić, Croatian politician, prime minister, and speaker of the Chamber of Counties, has died.
Chris Cannon
Chris Cannon was an American politician.
Pete McCloskey
Pete McCloskey was an American politician.
Labour Party Wins UK General Election
Keir Starmer led the Labour Party to a landslide victory in the United Kingdom general election, ending fourteen years of Conservative rule.
Billy Bean
Billy Bean was an American professional baseball player and executive.
Alberto Fujimori
Alberto Fujimori, former President of Peru, passed away. He was also a politician, professor, and engineer.
Lilly Ledbetter
Lilly Ledbetter was an American activist.
Tito Mboweni
Tito Mboweni was a South African politician.
Frank Field
Frank Field was a British politician. He was born in 1942.
Michael Ancram
English lawyer and politician.
Serge Vohor
Serge Vohor was a Vanuatuan politician who served as the 4th Prime Minister of Vanuatu.
Tina Kaidanow
Tina Kaidanow was an American diplomat and government official.
Igor Kirillov
Igor Kirillov was a Russian general.
North Korean Migrant Workers Unrest
Several thousand North Korean migrant workers in Helong engaged in civil unrest, including a factory occupation and hostage-taking, due to unpaid wages.
Sanath Nishantha
Sanath Nishantha was a Sri Lankan politician.
Sebastian Piñera
Sebastián Piñera was a Chilean businessman and politician who served as the president of Chile.
Alexei Navalny
Alexei Navalny was a Russian activist.
Death of Philippe de Gaulle
Philippe de Gaulle, a French admiral and son of Charles de Gaulle, died.
Crocus City Hall Attack
A bombing and mass shooting at Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, Russia, killed at least 145 people and injured 551. This tragic event caused widespread casualties.
Joe Lieberman
Joe Lieberman was an American politician and lawyer.
Lou Conter
Lou Conter was an American naval commander and one of the last survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Joseph E. Brennan
Joseph E. Brennan, 70th Governor of Maine, died.
Bob Graham
Bob Graham was an American lawyer, author, and politician, and the 38th governor of Florida.
Terry A. Anderson
Terry A. Anderson, an American journalist born in 1947, has died.
Donald Payne Jr.
Donald Payne Jr. was an American politician.
Rex Murphy
Rex Murphy, a Canadian political commentator, died on May 9, 2024. He was born in 1947.
Netiporn Sanesangkhom
Netiporn Sanesangkhom was a Thai political activist.
Assassination attempt on Robert Fico
Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico was hospitalized following an assassination attempt.
Kamla Beniwal
Kamla Beniwal, an Indian politician, has died. She was born in 1927.
Alice Stewart
Alice Stewart was an American political commentator.
Christian Malanga
Christian Malanga, a Congolese politician, businessman, and military officer, died. He was born in 1983.
Varzaqan helicopter crash victims
Several individuals died in the 2024 Varzaqan helicopter crash.
Tin Oo
Tin Oo was a Burmese general and politician.
David Levy
Israeli politician.
Brigitte Bierlein
Former Austrian chancellor.
James Lawson
James Lawson was an American activist, professor, and minister known for his role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Malawi plane crash
A plane crash in Malawi killed nine people, including Vice President Saulos Chilima.
Steele Hall
Steele Hall was an Australian politician and the 36th Premier of South Australia.
Howard Fineman
Howard Fineman, American journalist, has died.
Neil Goldschmidt
Neil Goldschmidt was an American lawyer and politician, and the 33rd Governor of Oregon.
George Nethercutt
George Nethercutt was an American lawyer, author, and politician.
Princess Lalla Latifa Dies
Princess Lalla Latifa, Princess Dowager of Morocco, died. She was born in 1946.
Death of Jane McAlevey
Jane McAlevey, an American labor organizer and author, passed away.
Lou Dobbs
Lou Dobbs was an American political commentator and television host.
Neary's Closes
Neary's, a New York City Irish pub popular with political elites, closed.
Iryna Farion
Iryna Farion, Ukrainian linguist and politician, died.
Sheila Jackson Lee
Sheila Jackson Lee, American lawyer and politician, died.
Nguyễn Phú Trọng
Nguyễn Phú Trọng, a Vietnamese politician and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, died. He was born in 1944.
Hamzah Haz
Hamzah Haz was an Indonesian journalist and politician, and the 9th Vice President of Indonesia.
Martin Indyk
Martin Indyk was an American diplomat.
Pavel Kushnir
Pavel Kushnir was a Russian pianist, writer, activist, and political prisoner.
Onyeka Onwenu
Onyeka Onwenu, a Nigerian singer, actress, and politician, has died. She was born in 1952.
Ismail Haniyeh
Ismail Haniyeh was a Palestinian politician and the political leader of Hamas. He was born in 1962 or 1963.
Steve Symms
Steve Symms was an American politician and lobbyist.
Richard Alatorre
American politician.
Virginia Ogilvy, Countess of Airlie
Virginia Ogilvy, Countess of Airlie, a British countess, died.
Nell McCafferty
Nell McCafferty was a Northern Irish journalist, playwright, and civil rights campaigner.
Bill Pascrell
Bill Pascrell was an American politician.
Salim Al-Huss
Salim Al-Huss was a Lebanese statesman who served as the 34th Prime Minister of Lebanon.
Bob Carr
Bob Carr was an American politician.
Rodolfo Hernández Suárez
Rodolfo Hernández Suárez was a Colombian politician, born in 1945.
Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi
Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi was a Turkish-American activist.
Cathy Merrick
Cathy Merrick was a Canadian First Nations leader.
Jim Sasser
American lawyer and politician, 6th United States Ambassador to China. He was born in 1936.
Sitaram Yechury
Sitaram Yechury was an Indian politician and leader of CPI(M).
Wolfgang Gerhardt
Wolfgang Gerhardt was a German politician.
Pravin Gordhan
Pravin Gordhan is a South African politician.
Jaber Mubarak Al-Sabah
Jaber Mubarak Al-Sabah was a Kuwaiti royal and politician, serving as the 7th Prime Minister of Kuwait.
Song Binbin
Song Binbin was a Chinese revolutionary.
Ibrahim Aqil
Ibrahim Aqil was a Hezbollah militant.
Daniel J. Evans
Daniel J. Evans was an American politician and the 16th Governor of Washington.
Raquel Blandón
Raquel Blandón was a Guatemalan lawyer and activist, and served as the First Lady of Guatemala.
Hassan Nasrallah
Hassan Nasrallah, Lebanese politician and 3rd Secretary-General of Hezbollah, died.
Winfield Dunn
Winfield Dunn, the 43rd Governor of Tennessee, has died.
Humberto Ortega
Humberto Ortega was a Nicaraguan military leader.
Marissa Haque
Marissa Haque was an Indonesian politician.
Mary O'Rourke
Mary O'Rourke, an Irish politician, has died. She was born in 1937.
Dave Hobson
Dave Hobson was an American politician.
Death of Zaw Myint Maung
Zaw Myint Maung, a Burmese politician, physician, and former political prisoner, has died.
Tim Johnson
Tim Johnson was an American lawyer and politician.
Clark R. Rasmussen
Clark R. Rasmussen, an American politician, has died. He was born in 1934.
Ethel Kennedy
Ethel Kennedy was an American philanthropist and the widow of Robert F. Kennedy.
Yahya Sinwar
Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, has died.
Yehuda Bauer
Yehuda Bauer was an Israeli historian of the Holocaust.
Ginés González García
Ginés González García was an Argentine politician and physician.
Indonesian Presidential Inauguration
Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka were sworn in as president and vice president of Indonesia. They became the oldest and youngest individuals to hold these respective offices.
Paul White, Baron Hanningfield
Paul White, Baron Hanningfield was a British life peer.
Paul Stephenson
Paul Stephenson was a British civil rights activist.
Murray Sinclair
Canadian lawyer and politician Murray Sinclair died. He was born in 1951.
John Nott
British politician.
Madeleine Riffaud
French poet, journalist, and Resistance member Madeleine Riffaud died. She was born in 1924.
John Horgan
John Horgan was a Canadian politician and diplomat, and the 36th Premier of British Columbia.
Daim Zainuddin
Daim Zainuddin was a Malaysian politician.
Yuriko, Princess Mikasa
Yuriko, Princess Mikasa, a member of the Japanese imperial family, died on November 15, 2024. She was born in 1923.
Ursula Haverbeck
Ursula Haverbeck was a German Holocaust denier.
John Prescott
John Prescott was a British sailor and politician who served as Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Jodi Rell
Jodi Rell was an American politician and the 87th Governor of Connecticut.
Fred R. Harris
Fred R. Harris, an American politician, died on November 23, 2024. He was born in 1930.
Breyten Breytenbach
Breyten Breytenbach was a South African-French poet and painter. He was a prominent figure in Afrikaans literature and a critic of apartheid.
Prince Johnson
Liberian politician who died in 2024.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares martial law
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law. The circumstances and implications of this declaration are significant for the nation's political landscape.
Mohamed Ali Yusuf
Mohamed Ali Yusuf, a Somali politician, has died. He was born in 1944.
Princess Birgitta of Sweden
Princess Birgitta of Sweden was a Swedish royal.
Syrian Civil War Ends
The Syrian civil war concluded with the surrender of the Syrian Ba'ath Party to the opposition. Bashar al-Assad's party was defeated.
Clarke Reed
Clarke Reed was an American businessman and politician.
S. M. Krishna
S. M. Krishna was an Indian politician and statesman who served as Minister of External Affairs, Chief Minister of Karnataka, and Governor of Maharashtra.
Khalil Haqqani
Khalil Haqqani, an Afghan politician and warlord, has died.
Death of Dési Bouterse
Dési Bouterse, a Surinamese general and politician who served as the 9th President of Suriname, died.
Manmohan Singh
Manmohan Singh was an Indian economist and politician who served as the 13th Prime Minister of India.
Impeachment of Han Duck-soo
The acting president and prime minister of South Korea, Han Duck-soo, was impeached by the National Assembly.
Jimmy Carter
Death of Jimmy Carter, American politician and 39th President of the United States.
Arnold Rüütel
Estonian politician and 3rd President of Estonia Arnold Rüütel died.
Francesc Antich
Francesc Antich was a Spanish politician.
Niko Lekishvili
Niko Lekishvili, Georgian politician, died. He was born in 1947.
Mike Rinder
Mike Rinder was an Australian-American former Scientologist and critic.
Costas Simitis
Costas Simitis was a Greek economist, lawyer, and politician who served as Prime Minister of Greece.
Jean-Marie Le Pen
Jean-Marie Le Pen, French intelligence officer and politician, died.
Death of Tony Rundle
Tony Rundle, an Australian politician and the 40th Premier of Tasmania, died.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Elected Pope Leo XIV
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first U.S.-born pope and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine. He is also the second pope from the Americas.
Jair Bolsonaro sentenced
Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison for his involvement in a coup plot.
Muhsin Hendricks
Muhsin Hendricks, a South African imam, Islamic scholar, and LGBT activist, has died. He was born in 1967.
Bernie Kerik
Bernie Kerik was an American police officer, the 40th Police Commissioner of New York City, and served as interior minister of the Iraqi Coalition Provisional Authority.
Sirikit
Sirikit was the Queen Mother of Thailand.
Julius Chan
Julius Chan, a prominent Papua New Guinean politician, passed away. He served as the 2nd Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.
Edcel Lagman
Edcel Lagman, a Filipino politician, has passed away. He was known for his contributions to Philippine politics.
Alan Simpson
Alan Simpson was a United States senator from Wyoming.
Roger Climpson
Roger Climpson was an English-Australian journalist and television host.
Francisco Pinto Balsemão
Portuguese politician and former Prime Minister of Portugal.
Andrea Gibson
American poet and activist, born in 1975, whose death is noted for this date.
Mangkra Souvanna Phouma
Mangkra Souvanna Phouma, Laotian prince, died.
José Jiménez
José Jiménez, a Puerto Rican activist, was born in 1948.
Didier Guillaume
Didier Guillaume was a French politician and the 25th Minister of State of Monaco.
Punsalmaagiin Ochirbat
Punsalmaagiin Ochirbat was a Mongolian politician and the 1st President of Mongolia.
Cecile Richards
Cecile Richards, an American activist and former Planned Parenthood president, died.
Mauricio Funes
Salvadoran politician and 79th President of El Salvador.
Birth of Athena Mapelli Mozzi
Athena Mapelli Mozzi, daughter of Princess Beatrice and 11th in line to the British throne, was born on January 22, 2025.
Salwan Momika
Salwan Momika was an Iraqi refugee and anti-Islam activist.
Horst Köhler
Horst Köhler, Polish-German economist and politician, 9th President of Germany, died.
Dafydd Elis-Thomas
Dafydd Elis-Thomas, a Welsh academic and politician, died. He was born in 1946.
Sam Nujoma
Sam Nujoma was a Namibian politician and the first President of Namibia.
Jim Guy Tucker
Jim Guy Tucker, former Governor of Arkansas, died.
Frits Bolkestein
Frits Bolkestein, a Dutch politician, died on February 17, 2025. He was born in 1933.
David Boren
David Boren was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 21st Governor of Oklahoma.
Clint Hill
American Secret Service agent Clint Hill is expected to die.
Carl Lundström
Carl Lundström, Swedish businessman and activist, died on this date.
Raúl Grijalva
United States Representative for Arizona's 3rd congressional district.
Nita Lowey
American politician (born 1937).
Death of Kitty Dukakis
Kitty Dukakis, an American author and former First Lady of Massachusetts, died.
Rafah paramedic massacre
During the Gaza war, the Israel Defense Forces killed 15 aid workers in Rafah.
Death of Mia Love
Mia Love, an American politician, passed away.
Dick Carlson
Dick Carlson was an American journalist and diplomat.
Christina McKelvie
Christina McKelvie was a Scottish politician.
Khamtai Siphandone
Khamtai Siphandone was a Laotian politician who served as the 4th President of Laos. He was born in 1924.
Nelsy Cruz
Dominican politician and governor of Monte Cristi.
Richard Armitage
Richard Armitage, American diplomat and government official, has died. He was born in 1945.
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was a Malaysian civil servant and politician who served as the 5th Prime Minister of Malaysia.
George Ryan
George Ryan, former Governor of Illinois, died on May 2, 2025. He was born in 1934.
Kit Bond
Kit Bond, an American lawyer and politician, served as the 47th Governor of Missouri.
José Mujica
José Mujica, a Uruguayan politician, served as the 40th President of Uruguay.
Domingos Maubere
Domingos Maubere was an East Timorese Catholic priest and activist.
Gerry Connolly
American politician and U.S. Representative from Virginia's 11th congressional district.
John E. Thrasher
John E. Thrasher was an American politician.
Mongolian Prime Minister Resigns
Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene resigned as Prime Minister of Mongolia following weeks of widespread protests.
Marc Garneau
Canadian astronaut and Member of Parliament Marc Garneau died.
Suchinda Kraprayoon
Suchinda Kraprayoon was a Thai army general and the 19th Prime Minister of Thailand.
Melissa Hortman
Melissa Hortman was an American lawyer and politician.
Carolyn McCarthy
Carolyn McCarthy was an American nurse and politician.
Bill Moyers
Bill Moyers was an American journalist and served as the 13th White House Press Secretary.
Takutai Tarsh Kemp
Takutai Tarsh Kemp was a New Zealand politician.
David Mabuza
David Mabuza was a South African politician and the 8th Deputy President of South Africa.
Death of Roman Starovoyt
Roman Starovoyt, a Russian politician, passed away.
Death of Norman Tebbit
Norman Tebbit, an English journalist and politician who served as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, passed away.
Death of Edward D. DiPrete
Edward D. DiPrete, an American politician and the 70th Governor of Rhode Island, died.
Death of Ian Blair
Ian Blair, a British police officer, died.
David Gergen
American political consultant.
Muhammadu Buhari
Muhammadu Buhari was a Nigerian general and politician who served as the 7th and 15th President of Nigeria.
Edwin Feulner
Edwin Feulner was an American political scientist.
George Nigh
American politician and former Governor of Oklahoma.
Myint Swe
Myint Swe was a retired army general and acting president of Myanmar.
Miguel Uribe Turbay
Colombian precandidate to the presidency.
Mike Castle
Mike Castle was an American politician and the 69th Governor of Delaware.
Assassination of Andriy Parubiy
Ukrainian politician Andriy Parubiy was assassinated in Lviv, Ukraine.
Katharine, Duchess of Kent
Katharine, Duchess of Kent, born in 1933, was a member of the British royal family.
Charlie Kirk Shot
American political activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at an event at Utah Valley University.
Jim Edgar
Jim Edgar was an American politician and the 38th Governor of Illinois.
Sara Jane Moore
Sara Jane Moore was an American who attempted to assassinate Gerald Ford.
Jim Bolger
Jim Bolger, New Zealand businessman and politician, 35th Prime Minister of New Zealand, died.
Martha Layne Collins
Martha Layne Collins was an American politician and the 56th Governor of Kentucky.
Carlos Manzo
Carlos Manzo was a Mexican politician.
Dick Cheney
Dick Cheney, American businessman and politician, died. He served as the 46th Vice President of the United States.
Kim Yong-nam
Kim Yong-nam, North Korean politician, died.
Rick Hauck
American naval officer, fighter pilot, and NASA astronaut.
Graham Richardson
Australian politician.
Juan Ponce Enrile
Juan Ponce Enrile was a Filipino politician and lawyer.
Dharmendra
Dharmendra is an Indian actor, producer, and politician. He is known for his work in Hindi cinema and is considered one of the most successful actors in Bollywood history.
William J. Bauer
William J. Bauer was a senior United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. He previously served as a United States district judge.
Jim Hunt
Jim Hunt was an American politician and the 69th and 71st Governor of North Carolina.
Osman Hadi
Osman Hadi was a Bangladeshi politician and activist.
Israel recognizes Somaliland
Israel recognizes Somaliland as an independent state, becoming the first country to do so.
Brigitte Bardot
French actress, singer and activist.
Khaleda Zia
Khaleda Zia was a Bangladeshi politician who served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
US Military Operation in Venezuela
The United States launches a military operation in Venezuela, capturing president Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
Michael Reagan
American political commentator Michael Reagan died.
Richard Codey
American politician and 53rd Governor of New Jersey.
Rick Garcia
American LGBTQ rights activist Rick Garcia died.
David Webb
British activist shareholder (born 1965).
Ajit Pawar
Ajit Pawar, an Indian politician, passed away. He previously served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Jose de Venecia Jr.
Filipino politician and journalist, 17th and 21st Speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives.
Jesse Jackson
American civil rights leader, activist, and politician.
Borislav Paravac
Bosnian Serb politician and 8th Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, is a Mexican drug lord.
US and Israel strike Iran
The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior officials.
Ali Khamenei
Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran, is predicted to die.
Aziz Nasirzadeh
Aziz Nasirzadeh, Minister of Defense of the Islamic Republic of Iran, is predicted to die.
Mohammad Pakpour
Mohammad Pakpour, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of the Islamic Republic of Iran, is predicted to die.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the most important politics events in history?
- Notable politics events include: Edward the Confessor dies (1066), Harold Godwinson is crowned king of England (1066), Mongol conquest of Song Dynasty China completed (1292).
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- Our collection includes 1215 historical entries related to politics, spanning centuries of human history.
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