The European Union (EU) was formed. It was established under that name in 1992 by the Maastricht Treaty. Previously it was known as the European Economic Community (EEC).

Jean-Bertrand Aristide was sworn in as Haiti's first democratically elected president.

Grenada became an independent nation. It was previously part of the United Kingdom.

Women in Switzerland were granted the right to vote.

American actor, James Spader, was born in Boston, Massachusetts.

American businessman, Harvey Firestone, was born in Ohio. He was the founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, which is now a subsidiary of the Bridgestone tire company.

American musician, Earl King, was born in New Orleans. He was one of the leading blues musicians of the 20th century.

Charlie Chaplin appeared as 'The Tramp' for the very first time in the silent film, Kid Auto Races at Venice.

Soviet aviation pioneer, Oleg Antonov, was born in Troitske, Russia. He was one of the leading Soviet aircraft designers and the founder of the Antonov ASTC company, which manufactured the Antonov planes.

A huge fire in the American city of Baltimore destroyed more than 1,500 buildings.

The Labour Party of Britain was founded.

American writer, Sinclair Lewis, was born in Minnesota. He was the first American to receive the Nobel prize for literature.

The HMS Orpheus sank off the coast of Auckland, New Zealand resulting in the death of 189 sailors.