1976: Chairman Mao dies
Mao Zedong, Chinese revolutionary and statesman, dies at the age of 83. In 1934, during his long civil war with the Nationalists, he broke through enemy lines and led his followers on the
Long March to northern China. There, he built up his
Red Army and fought against the
Japanese invaders. In 1945, civil war resumed, and in 1949 the Nationalists were defeated and Mao proclaimed the People's Republic of China. As leader of Communist
China, Chairman Mao launched the
Great Leap Forward and the
Cultural Revolution, programs that reformed the Chinese economy and society at the cost of millions of lives. Nevertheless, he maintained fanatical followers all across China and remains one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. After Mao's death,
Deng Xiaoping emerged as China's leader.
1997
Former South African President F.W. de Klerk, who was instrumental in scrapping his National Party's
apartheid policy, retires from Parliament.
1995
Aged 59, the former British champion jockey Lester Piggott announces his retirement having won more than 5,000 races around the world.1993
After years of conflict,
Israel and the
PLO, the Palestinian Liberation Organisation agree to officially recognise the other's existence
1963
Scottish driver Jim Clark becomes the world's youngest motor racing champion.1958
Race riots in London's Notting Hill Gate - with television crews accused of encouraging the rioting by staging reconstructions in the streets.1943
World War II: Allied troops, commanded by US Lieutenant General Mark Clark, land at Salerno in
Italy. 1942
World War II: incendiary bombs are dropped on Oregon in one of the few bombing raids made by
Japan on the United States of America.
1914
World War I: the end of the First Battle of the Marne.
German casualties are estimated at 800,000.
1911
The launch of the first airmail service in England - between Hendon and Windsor. 1876
In Britain, the first greyhound race using a mechanical hare for the dogs to chase around the
circuit. .
1850
California becomes the 31st State of USA - admitted to
the Union as a 'Free State'.
1776
The
Continental Congress in Philadelphia changes the name of the American nation from United Colonies to United States.
1513
In England, the Battle of Flodden Field is fought near Branxton in Northumberland.
James IV of Scotland is defeated and killed by English troops commanded by Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey.
1949
British and Olympic ice-skating champion John Curry.1944
British actress Kate O'Mara.1941
American soul singer Otis Redding born in Georgia, USA. 1935
Israeli singer &
actor Topol. Best-known for his performance on stage and on film in 'Fiddler On The Roof' singing 'If I Were A Rich Man'.
1929
Countess Spencer, stepmother to Diana, Princess of Wales.1925
American film actor Cliff Robertson.1828
Russian novelist Count Leo Tolstoy. Best known for his epic story of two families during the Napoleonic wars, 'War and Peace'.1585
Cardinal Richelieu of
France. Becomes the powerful chief minister to the French King,
Louis XIII. 1997
American
actor Burgess Meredith
1976
Chinese leader Mao Tse-tung dies after a series of strokes. 1901
French painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec dies after suffering a second stroke.1087
King
William I of England - 'William the Conqueror'.
