1863: The Battle of Chattanooga commenced, marking a key engagement in the American Civil War.
1936: LIFE magazine released its inaugural issue, revolutionizing photojournalism.
1940: Romania became an official member of the Axis powers by signing the Tripartite Pact.
1942: In World War II, Soviet forces successfully encircled German troops at Stalingrad, a decisive moment in the conflict.
1946: A French naval attack on Haiphong, Vietnam caused the deaths of thousands of civilians.
1963: The sci-fi series Doctor Who premiered in the UK with its first episode, An Unearthly Child.
1971: The People’s Republic of China officially assumed its seat on the United Nations Security Council.
1976: Diver Jacques Mayol became the first person to reach 100 meters underwater without breathing apparatus.
1980: Southern Italy’s Irpinia region was struck by a severe earthquake, claiming around 2,483 lives.
1984: A fire erupted at Oxford Circus station on the London Underground, causing major damage but no fatalities.
1985: EgyptAir Flight 648 was hijacked; after a rescue attempt by Egyptian commandos in Malta, approximately 59 passengers died.
2002: John Herrington became the first Native American (Chickasaw) astronaut in space.
2005: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was elected as President of Liberia, making history as the first female head of an African nation.
2006: Former Russian agent Alexander Litvinenko died after being poisoned with radioactive polonium-210.
