1948: Gandhi assassinated
Mohandas Gandhi is assassinated in New Delhi by a Hindu extremist. Gandhi first fought for the rights of Indian people in South Africa before returning home to India in 1915 to join the Indian independence movement.
He gave up western ways to lead a life of spirituality and launched a campaign of civil disobedience against British oppression. In 1947, he was a leading figure in the negotiations that led to Indian statehood. He called the granting of independence the noblest act of the British nation, but was distressed by the religious partition of the former Mogul Empire into India and Pakistan.
When violence broke out between Hindus and Muslims in 1947, he resorted to fasts and visits to the troubled areas in an effort to end the religious strife. He was on one such vigil when Nathuram Godse, a Hindu who objected to Gandhi's tolerance for the Muslims, fatally shot him.
2003
In America, British-born 'shoe bomber' Richard Reid is sentenced to life in prison after he attempted to blow up a flight from Paris to Miami.
1991
The Gulf War: The Allies suffer their first casualties of the war as twelve American soldiers are killed when Iraqi troops take control of the Saudi Arabian border town Al Khafji.
1972
'Bloody Sunday': British troops shoot dead 13 people during a demonstration in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The troops argued that they opened fire in response to shots from gunmen in a nearby block of flats.
1969
The Beatles perform in public together for the last time, on the roof of Apple Records in London.
1968
The Vietnam War: communist forces launch the Tet Offensive, a series of coordinated surprise attacks across South Vietnam.
1965
In London, the State funeral of former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill takes place.
1945
World War II: The German ship Wilhelm Gustloff sinks in the Baltic Sea after being torpedoed by a Soviet submarine. The ship was overfilled with refugees; approximately 9,000 people died.
1913
In Britain, the House of Lords rejects Irish Home Rule Bill.
1835
Richard Lawson attempts to assassinate American President Andrew Jackson. Jackson escapes as both of Lawrence’s pistols misfire.
1826
Opening of the Menai Bridge, linking North Wales to the island of Anglesey.
1790
The world's first purpose-built lifeboat is launched on the River Tyne in north England.
1661
In England, Oliver Cromwell is posthumously executed. His severed head is displayed on a pole outside Westminster Abbey until 1684.
1649
Charles I of England is beheaded after being found guilty of treason.
1649
Charles I of England is beheaded after being found guilty of treason.