1778: Cook visits Hawaii
On January 18, 1778, English navigator Captain James Cook becomes the first European to visit the Hawaiian Islands. Cook and his crew were welcomed by the native Hawaiians, who attached religious significance to the Europeans' arrival. In 1779, the expedition returned to Hawaii for a month, during which time tensions mounted.
When rough seas forced a third return, misunderstandings lead to violence. Peace negotiations with the Hawaiian king collapsed, and on February 14, 1779, a mob descended on the Englishmen.
They fired at the angry Hawaiians but were overwhelmed, and Captain Cook was amongst the crew members who died in the surf during the retreat to the ship.
1996
In Britain, in what is dubbed the ‘Third Battle of Newbury', six environmentalist groups add their support to an anti-bypass campaign in Newbury, Berkshire.1991
The Israeli cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa come under attack from Iraqi Scud missiles during the Gulf War.1985
U.S. officials walk out of a World Court case concerning U.S. paramilitary activities against the Nicaraguan government.1972
Two leading campaigners from black majority rule in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), the former Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia, Garfield Todd and his daughter, Judith, are both arrested upon the orders of Rhodesian Prime Minster, Ian Smith.1967
In the U.S.A. Albert DeSalvo,'The Boston Strangler', is sentenced to life in prison.1963
In Britain, the leader of the Labour Party, Hugh Gaitskell dies suddenly from a heart condition.
1944
World War II: Soviet forces manage to break the siege of Leningrad (Saint Petersburg).1919
World War I: The Paris Peace Conference opens in Versailles, France.
1919
Bentley Motors is established in London.
1915
World War I: Japan issues the 'Twenty-One Demands' to China, which seek to increase Japanese power within China.
1871
Wilhelm I is crowned the first German Emperor at the Versailles Palace in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War.
1788
Britain establishes a penal settlement at Botany Bay in Australia.
1701
Prince Elector Frederick III of Brandenburg is crowned Frederick I, King of Prussia.
1670
Welshman, Sir Henry Morgan captures Panama.