1917: Britain supports creation of Jewish homeland
British Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour submits a declaration of intent to establish a Jewish
homeland in Palestine. The British government hoped that the formal declaration would help garner Jewish support for the Allied effort in World War I. The Balfour Declaration was included in the British mandate over
Palestine, which was approved by the
League of Nations in 1922. Arabs opposed the
Balfour Declaration, fearing that the creation of a Jewish homeland would mean the subjugation of Arab Palestinians. After
World War I, the Jewish population in Palestine increased dramatically, as did Jewish-Arab violence. Arab resistance and failures to reach a compromise led Britain to delay deciding on the future of Palestine. In the aftermath of
World War II and
the Holocaust, much of the international community took up the Zionist cause, and in 1948 the State of
Israel was declared.
2003
Sir Ranulph Fiennes and companion Mike Stroud complete their 7th marathon in 7 days, each in a different country. Fiennes had suffered a heart attack five months previously.1997
American Craig McCaw, who pioneered the
mobile phone, agrees a record
$277 million
divorce settlement with his wife Wendy.
1964
In
Britain, the first episode of the television soap opera 'Crossroads' is broadcast on ITV.
1962
US President John Kennedy announces that the 'Cuban Missile Crisis' is
over - after ships carrying nuclear missiles to
Cuba are ordered to return to Russia.
1960
In Britain, Penguin publishers are cleared of obscenity for printing the D.H.Lawrence novel 'Lady Chatterley's Lover'.1957
American rock 'n roll star Elvis Presley sets an all-time record with 8 hit singles in the
UK Top 30 chart at the same time.
1954
In Britain, the comedy series 'Hancock's Half Hour' is first broadcast on
BBC Radio.
1953
Founding of the Samaritans.1930
Ras Tafari, King of
Ethiopia, is crowned Emperor Haile Selassie.
1924
Almost 11 years after its
appearance in America, the first 'crossword puzzle' is published in a British newspaper, sold to the Sunday
Express by C.W. Shepherd.
1917
Britain issues the 'Balfour Declaration on Palestine' - promoting the idea of creating a national Jewish
homeland in the Middle East.
1903
In Britain, the publication of the 'Daily Mirror' newspaper - designed especially to be read by women.1899
Boer War: Start of the siege of
Ladysmith in Natal when Boers encircle British troops and civilians inside the town.
1871
British police begin their 'Rogue's Gallery' - taking photographs of all convicted prisoners.1841
Start of the Second
Afghan War.
