1981: Spanish rebels storm Parliament
In Spain, Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tejero and 200 members of the civil guard burst into the Cortes in Madrid, firing shots into the air as they take the democratic government of Spain hostage. The right-wing conspirators, resentful of the rapid pace of democratic reform since the death of dictator Francisco Franco, called for an all-out military revolt. The future of Spain was held in suspense into the night as citizens watched the tense events unfold on live television.
The coup was only foiled when King Juan Carlos, who succeeded Franco in 1975 and then gave up power to Parliament, successfully appealed to the Spanish military to remain loyal to the constitution and join him in condemnation of the rebels. At noon on 24th February, the coup was called off after 18 hours, and Spain’s fragile new democracy was preserved.
2006
Uganda holds its first multi-party parliamentary and presidential elections for the first time in twenty five years.
2005
America president George W. Bush holds a summit with Russian president Vladmir Putin, in Slovakia. Bush is the first US president to visit the country.
1997
In America, the film Schindler's List is shown on NBC without any commercial breaks. It is the first time that a film has been shown on U.S. television without advertising breaks during the movie.
1972
In Yemen, the Palestinian hijackers who took over a Lufthansa plane in the skies over India on the 21st February release the crew and surrender, after having previously released all the passengers.
1966
A military coup overthrows the Syrian government.
1958
On the eva of the Havana Gran Prix in Cuba, Argentine racing champion Juan Manuel Fangio is kidnapped by Communist guerrillas loyal to Fidel Castro. Fangio was released by his kidnappers after the race finished.
1955
The first council meeting of the anti-communist South East Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO) take place.
1945
The Second World War: U.S. troops raise the Starts and Strips flag on Mount Suribachi on the island of Iow Jima, but the fighting against the Japanese still continues.
1917
The First World War: On the Western front, German troops begin a planned withdrawal to the Hindenburg line.
1905
Paul P. Harris founds the Rotary Club, in Chicago, U.S.A.
1903
Cuba leases Guantanamo Bay to the United States ‘in perpetuity’.
1893
Rudolf Diesel receives a patent for the diesel engine diesel engine.
1861
In America, fearing an assassination attempt in Baltimore, president-elect Abraham Lincoln arrives secretly in Washington.
1836
The siege of the Alamo begins in America.
1820
British police uncover 'The Cato Street Conspiracy' to assassinate several Cabinet ministers. All those found guilty are executed.