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25th September

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1957: Central High School integrated


Nine African-American students enter the all white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas under heavily armed guard. In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public educational facilities was unconstitutional. In 1957, the first major confrontation over this decision came when African-American students attempted to integrate Central High School. Governor Orval Faubus surrounded the school with Arkansas National Guard troops and a showdown with federal officials ensued. On 24th September President Dwight Eisenhower sent 1,000 U.S. troops to Little Rock. The next day, the African-American students entered the school for the first time. The episode served as a catalyst for the integration of other segregated schools in the United States.

2005

Spaniard Fernando Alonso becomes the youngest Formula One World Champion.

1996

In Afghanistan, the Taliban are imbedded around Kabul, poised to launch an attack on the capital. 

1983

In Northern Ireland, 38 prisoners break out of the Maze prison. 

1981

Sandra Day O’Connor becomes the first female U.S. Supreme Court justice in history when she is sworn in by Chief Justice Warren Burger.

1978

In America, a Pacific Southwest Airlines jet collides in mid-air with a small Cessna over San Diego, killing 153 people.

1977

In South Africa, 15,000 people attend the funeral of murdered anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko.

1972

In a national referendum Norway votes against joining the European Union.   

1962

Ferhat Abbas is elected President of the provisional government of Algeria.

1959

The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Solomon Bandaranaike, is assassinated by a Buddhist Monk.

1950

The Korean War: The UN force regains control of the South Korean capital Seoul.

1915

The First World War: British forces launch an attack on German positions at Loos in Belgium, beginning the Battle of Loos.

1789

The first Congress of the United States approves 12 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, known as the Bill of rights, and sends them to the states for ratification.

1555

The Peace of Augsburg is signed between the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V and the forces of the Schmalkaldic League thus ending the Schmalkaldic Wars between the Holy Roman Empire and France.

1066

King Harold Godwinson of England defeats the Viking Army of King Harald Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in Yorkshire.

275

Marcus Claudius Tacitus becomes Roman Emperor.

1952

American actor Christopher Reeve. Best-known for his portrayal of 'Superman' in a series of films in 1980s. Confined to a wheelchair after a riding accident leaves him almost totally paralysed.

1946

British actress Felicity Kendall. Stars in the hit BBC TV comedy of the 1970s 'The Good Life' with Richard Briers.

1944

American film actor Michael Douglas born in New Brunswick, New Jersey

1929

British comedian and comic actor Ronnie Barker is born in Bedfordshire. With fellow comedian Ronnie Corbett he stars in 'The Two Ronnies' - a popular comedy programme that runs for 16 years (1971-1987). Makes his reputation as a comic actor in several solo comedy series including 'Open All Hours'; 'Porridge' and 'Going Straight'.

1906

Russian composer Dimitri Shostakovich born in St Petersburg..

1903

American painter Mark Rothko is born in Russia. Emigrates to USA in 1913 and becomes a leading exponent of abstract expressionism. Dies in 1970.

1974

Nikolai Polakov, Coco The Clown.