1997: Deep Blue beats Kasparov
On May 11, 1997, IBM's supercomputer Deep Blue makes chess history by defeating Gary Kasparov, the chess champion widely regarded as the greatest who has ever lived. The Russian master conceded defeat after 19 moves in the sixth game of the
tournament, losing the match 2.5 to 3.5. It was the first defeat of a reigning world champion by a machine in tournament play. Big Blue, which can analyze 200 million chess moves a second, had met Kasparov once before, but the human held his own against the machine. Before their second meeting, Kasparov had never lost a professional chess match.
1995
In London, Lord Nolan presents his report on standards in public life in an attempt to rid Westminster of constant allegations of individual 'sleaze'.1994
In
South Africa, President Nelson Mandela names his estranged wife, Winnie Mandela, and his main black political rival,
Zulu chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi in the country's new government of national unity.
1994
The town of Deir Al-Balah, in Gaza, becomes the first town to come under Palestinian self-rule.1992
European Community foreign ministers
demand Yugoslav forces withdraw from Bosnia.
European Community nations recall ambassadors from Belgrade.
1989
In London, Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical 'Cats' , based on T.S.Eliot's Old Possum poems, becomes the West End's longest-running musical completing eight years.1988
Athlete Zola Budd flies back to her home in South Africa following the diplomatic row over her eligibility to compete for Britain.1987
Indian Government imposes direct rule on
Punjab following a terror campaign by Sikh extremists.
1987
The trial opens at Lyons, France of suspected war criminal Klaus Barbie1985
At least 50 people are killed as a wooden stand at Bradford City Football Club in England catches fire during a match.1967
Britain, Ireland and
Denmark officially apply to join the
EEC. 1964
In
Britain, interior designer and businessman Terence Conran opens his first
Habitat Shop in London's Fulham Road.
1960
Launch of the world's longest ocean-going cruise liner,
SS France. 1943
World War II: Amphibious US assault troops land on Attu in the Aleutian Islands - the first American territory to be recaptured from the
Japanese. 1910
Britain's first nudist congress held at Wembley.1909
In Bloemfontein, the National Convention agrees a
draft constitution for a unified South Africa.
1871
European powers sign the Treaty of London which guarantees the
neutrality and independence of the Duchy of
Luxembourg. 1868
Abolition of public executions in Britain.1858
In America, Minnesota becomes the 32nd state of
the Union. 1824
British forces take Rangoon,
Burma. 1812
British Prime Minister Spencer
Percival is assassinated in the
House of Commons - apparently mistaken by his killer, bankrupt
broker John Bellingham, for someone else.
868
The first known printed book, the Diamond Sutra, is published in
China. A copy is found by archaeologists in 1900.
330
Constantinople is dedicated as the new capital of the
Roman Empire. The city is named after the Emperor Constantine and built on the site of the ancient city of
Byzantium. 1996
Nigeria's first President,
Nnamdi Azikiwe. He had been President since 1963 and helped bring an end to the Biafran Civil War in the 1960s.
1988
Russian spy
Kim Philby , British intelligence officer and journalist, dies aged 75. He was the 'third man' who helped plan the escape of Soviet spies Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean.
1981
Jamaican-born reggae singer Bob Marley dies of cancer aged 36.1871
British astronomer Sir John Herschel who added more than 500 nebulae and clusters of stars to those already known.1812
British Prime Minister Spencer
Percival is assassinated in the
House of Commons - apparently mistaken by his killer, bankrupt
broker John Bellingham, for someone else.
1778
British politician William Pitt the Elder. Conducted British policy during the
Seven Years' War (1756-1763) during which Britain secured a huge new empire.
