1924: First Winter Olympics
Winter sports take off in style as the first Winter Olympiad is staged in Chamonix, France. The previously unknown sport of ski jumping thrilled spectators, as did 12 other events involving a total of six sports. Sixteen nations were represented by 281 men and 13 women.
The Olympics offered a particular boost to skiing, a sport which made enormous strides within the next decade. At Chamonix, Scandinavians dominated the slopes, with Norway winning three gold medals.
2004
The second NASA rover, sent to explore Mars, lands on the surface of the planet, where it will look for signs of water.
1999
Six members of the International Olympics Committee face expulsion as they are accused of accepting bribes.
1999
An Earthquake in Columbia leaves three hundred people dead, and roughly a thousand injured.
1998
Pope John Paul II calls for reform in Cuba. The Pope urged for the release of political prisoners, but also condemned American attempts to isolate the country.
1995
Russia almost launches a nuclear attack after a Norwegian research rocket is mistaken for missile attack by the Russian early-warning radar station.
1990
Hurricane strength winds hit Britain, with at least 30 people killed as a result of the bad weather.
1981
In Britain, the 'Gang of Four', Labour Party politicians Roy Jenkins, David Owen, Shirley Williams and Bill Rodgers announce their intention to leave the Labour party to form a new social democratic party.
1981
Jiang Qing, the widow of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, is found guilty of treason and sentenced to death - later commuted to life imprisonment.
1971
In Los Angeles, USA, cult leader Charles Manson is convicted, along with followers Susan Atkins, Leslie Van Houten, and Patricia Krenwinkle, of the 1969 murders of actress Sharon Tate and six others.
1949
The first Emmy awards are held at the Hollywood Athletic Club in Los Angeles, USA.
1942
World War II: Thailand declares war on the Allies.
1905
Brit Arthur MacDonald sets a new land speed record at Daytona Beach, Florida, in America.
1533
In England, King Henry VIII marries Anne Boleyn.
1327
Edward III accedes to the English throne.