1982: Argentina invades Falklands
The Falkland Islands, a British possession for 149 years, are invaded by Argentina on this day. The British have long claimed the Falklands, based on their discovery by British navigator
John Davis in 1592, but they have also been claimed and occupied at various times by
Spain, France and
Argentina. For several decades, Argentina petitioned the
United Nations for possession of the Falkland Islands but Britain refused to comply, leading Argentine dictator General Leopoldo Galtieri to order a full-scale invasion. After diplomatic efforts failed, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher responded with force and Britain's armed forces overwhelmed the Argentines within six weeks. During the
Falklands War, Britain lost five ships and 256 lives before regaining the islands and Argentina lost its only cruiser and nearly 750 lives. In 1989, the approximately 2,000 residents of the Falkland Islands reaffirmed their allegiance to Britain by rejecting a pro-Argentina
political party. 
2005
Pope John Paull II dies ages 84. 1998
A French Court sentences former French cabinet minister
Maurice Papon to 10 years in jail for his part in deporting Jews from France during the
Second World War. 1992
In America, the trail of New York
Mafia boss John Gotti for amongst many other charges, murder, begins.
1989
Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev arrives in Havana to meet with
Fidel Castro. 1986
A bomb believed to have been planted by Palestinian terrorists explodes on a TWA plane flying over
Greece, killing four people.
1977
In England, Red Rum wins the Grand National for the third time 1972
Having been labelled a communist in the red scare during the 1950's, Charlie Chaplin returns to the United States for the first time since 1952. 1962
A new form of pedestrian crossing, the panda crossing, is introduced in
Britain. 1930
Following the death of Empress Zewditu, Haile Selassie is proclaimed Emperor of
Ethiopia. 1917
In America, the first woman ever elected to Congress, Jeannette Pickering Rankin, takes her seat on Capital Hill. 1900
The Foraker Act is signed by American President
William McKinley, establishing civilian government in Puerto Rico.
1801
Napoleonic Wars: Britain defeats a joint Danish-Norwegian force at the Battle of Copenhagen. 1513
Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon is credited with the first recorded landing in Florida.1960
British athlete Linford Christie.1947
Country & Western singer Emmy Lou Harris.1939
American singer Marvin Gaye.1929
Author Catherine Gaskin.1926
Australian racing driver Sir Jack Brabham.1914
British
actor Sir Alec Guiness.
1905
Russian dancer Serge Lifar. Credited with revolutionizing French ballet during time as principal dancer (then ballet master) of the
Paris Grand Opera (1930-44).
1725
Italian adventurer Giovanni Casanova, the 'world's greatest lover'.
