NASA launched STS-93, a space shuttle mission led by Eileen Collins, the first female commander of a U.S. spaceflight. The mission deployed the Chandra X-ray Observatory, advancing astronomical research.
📍 Kennedy Space Center, Florida, United States
Mary Wells, one of the original stars of Motown and known for her hit song 'My Guy', died of cancer. She paved the way for future generations of soul and pop singers.
📍 Los Angeles, California, United States
NASA launched Apollo 15, the first mission to use the Lunar Roving Vehicle. The mission emphasized geological exploration and brought back extensive Moon surface data.
📍 Kennedy Space Center, Florida, United States
The Maldives gained full independence from British protection and established itself as a sovereign republic, marking the beginning of its modern political era.
📍 Malé, Maldives
William Faulkner, renowned American writer known for his complex narratives and Southern Gothic style, died. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1949 for his powerful and unique literary voice.
📍 Byhalia, Mississippi, United States
Fidel Castro and over 100 revolutionaries launched an attack on the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba. Though the attack failed, it marked the start of the Cuban Revolution and led to the formation of the 26th of July Movement.
📍 Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Eva Perón, influential First Lady of Argentina and advocate for labor rights and women’s suffrage, died at age 33. Her legacy endures in Argentine politics and culture.
📍 Buenos Aires, Argentina
The inaugural Pan American Games opened in Buenos Aires, Argentina, featuring athletes from across the Americas. The event fostered regional cooperation and laid the foundation for a major international sporting tradition.
📍 Buenos Aires, Argentina
India’s Constituent Assembly passed key provisions of the new constitution, establishing the groundwork for the nation’s transition from British rule to a sovereign democratic republic.
📍 New Delhi, India
Reza Shah, who ruled Iran from 1925 to 1941 and launched major modernization reforms, died in exile. He laid the groundwork for the modernization of Iran and was succeeded by his son, Mohammad Reza Shah.
📍 Johannesburg, South Africa
William Jennings Bryan, three-time U.S. presidential candidate and Secretary of State, died shortly after serving as a key witness in the famous Scopes 'Monkey' Trial. He was a leading voice for populism and Christian fundamentalism.
📍 Dayton, Tennessee, United States
The Bureau of Investigation, predecessor to the FBI, was formally established under the U.S. Department of Justice. It would evolve into the nation’s leading domestic intelligence and law enforcement agency.
📍 Washington, D.C., United States
Gracie Allen, American vaudeville performer and comedian best known as half of the Burns and Allen comedy duo, was born. She helped shape early radio and television comedy.
📍 San Francisco, California, United States
Aldous Huxley, British writer and philosopher best known for his dystopian novel *Brave New World*, was born. His work explored themes of technology, control, and human nature.
📍 Godalming, England
Carl Jung, Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology and introduced influential concepts such as the collective unconscious and archetypes, was born.
📍 Kesswil, Switzerland
Sam Houston, a key figure in the independence of Texas and namesake of the city of Houston, died. He was the first president of the Republic of Texas and later served as governor and U.S. senator.
📍 Huntsville, Texas, United States
George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright and critic known for works like *Pygmalion* and *Man and Superman*, was born. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925 for his impactful contributions to drama and social commentary.
📍 Dublin, Ireland
Liberia declared its independence, becoming the first African republic founded by freed African American slaves. Its formation represented a landmark in post-colonial African sovereignty.
📍 Monrovia, Liberia
Samuel Morse publicly demonstrated the electric telegraph for the first time, showcasing a revolutionary method of communication that would transform how messages were transmitted across great distances.
📍 New York City, United States
The Second Continental Congress established the United States Post Office with Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General, laying the foundation for national communication infrastructure.
📍 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States