- 1788: Arthur Phillip, leading the First Fleet, arrives in Sydney Cove, Australia, marking the beginning of British colonization. This date is now known as Australia Day, although it's a complex and controversial holiday for many Australians.
- 1905: The world's largest diamond at the time, the Cullinan Diamond, is discovered in South Africa. It weighed a staggering 3,106 carats and was later cut into several smaller diamonds, including two in the British Crown Jewels.
- 1942: The first battle of El Alamein in World War II begins, with Allied forces facing off against German and Italian troops in North Africa. The battle would eventually turn into a decisive victory for the Allies.
- 1950: The Constitution of India comes into effect, officially transforming the country from a British dominion into an independent republic. This date is celebrated as Republic Day in India, with grand parades and celebrations across the nation.
- 1961: The Congolese Republic gains independence from Belgium, marking a significant moment in the decolonization of Africa. However, the country's subsequent history has been plagued by political instability and conflict.
- 1994: The Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico transmits a powerful radio signal into space, aiming to find potential extraterrestrial life. The broadcast contained images, mathematical equations, and musical selections representing human civilization.
- 2001: A devastating earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale strikes Gujarat, India, leaving over 20,000 people dead and millions injured. It remains one of the deadliest earthquakes in recent history.
In 1997, actor Julia Roberts famously tied the knot with a country music star. Can you name her spouse at the time?
