1492: Reconquest of Spain
The kingdom of Granada falls to the Christian forces of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella - as a result, the Moors lose their last foothold in Spain.
In the 13th century, the Christian Reconquest forced Spanish Muslims to flee south, and Granada was established as the last Moorish refuge. The kingdom flourished for the next 200 years, but in the late 15th century internal feuds and a strengthened Spanish monarchy signaled the end of nearly 800 years of Moorish civilisation in Spain.
On January 2, 1492, King Boabdil surrendered Granada, and in 1502 the Spanish crown ordered all Muslims converted to Christianity. In 1609, the last Moors still adhering to Islam were expelled from Spain.
1993
Warring factions discuss peace for Bosnia in Geneva. It is the first time that the head of the Muslims, Serbs, Bosnians and Croats have met face to face since the outbreak of the war in Yugoslavia.1980
British steel workers call a national strike for the first time in more than fifty years in an attempt to increase their pay.
1979
In response to Soviet military intervention into Afghanistan in December 1979, US President Jimmy Carter requests that the Senate postpone action on the SALT-II nuclear weapons treaty and recalls the US ambassador to the Soviet Union.
1979
Sid Vicious (real name Simon John Ritchie-Beverly), the lead singer of the punk-rock band The Sex Pistols, goes on trial in New York for the murder of his girlfriend Nancy Spungen. Having been released on bail, Vicious dies from a drugs overdose.
1971
Football disaster at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland. 66 football fans are crushed to death on the exit steps of the ground towards the end of a match between Glasgow Rangers and Glasgow Celtic.1968
In Britain, Australian media mogul Rupert Murdoch takes control of the News of the World newspaper group.
1960
Massachusetts Senator, John F. Kennedy announces his candidacy for the Democratic Presidential nomination.
1958
In Rome, celebrated Soprano Maria Callas walks off stage after only the first act of a gala performance of Bellin’s Norma. As was characteristic of the flamboyant star she claimed to be suffering from an illness.
1955
Assassination of Jose Antonio Remon, President of Panama.1942
Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is captured by the Japanese.
1905
The Russian commander of Port Arthur, China, surrenders to the Japanese. This is the first in a series of defeats for Russia which would contribute to the 1905 revolution.
1871
Amadeus I becomes King of Spain.
1842
The first wire suspension bridge opens to traffic in Fairmount Pennsylvania.1788
Named after King George II, Georgia becomes the fourth state of the U.S.A
1757
British General Robert Clive, known to history as 'Clive of India', captures Calcutta after its seizure by the Nawab of Bengal. The latter imprisoned 146 British prisoners in the notorious 'Black Hole'. Only 23 survived.