In the Netherlands, a referendum was held in which the Dutch people voted down the European constitution.

In Nepal, Crown Prince Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, assassinated his family during a royal dinner. He was himself shot, only to die three days later.

American cartoon artist, Hank Ketcham, died at the age of 81. He was the creator of the world famous "Dennis the Menace" comic strip.

The news channel, Cable News Network (CNN), began broadcasting.

An explosion at a chemical plant in Flixborough, England, resulted in the death of 28 people.

American humanitarian, Helen Keller, died at the age of 87. She lost her sight and hearing before at the age of 19 months. She stands out in history as the ultimate example of how people with severe disabilities have the right and the ability to lead normal lives.

Baseball batters wore protective helmets for the first time.

American entertainment icon, Marilyn Monroe, was born in the county of Los Angeles. She was one of the twentieth-century's most famous entertainment figures.

American adventurer and mercenary, William Walker, conquered Nicaragua. He became its president from 1856 to 1857 after which he was defeated by a coalition army, which was backed by Walkers own, now alienated, financial backer from the United States.

King Otto of Greece was born in Bavaria. We was chosen to be the King of Greece, when it was recognized at an independent country in 1832.

Roman Emperor Marcus Didius was assassinated in his palace. He had been emperor for just over 2 months, after he had "purchased" the throne in an auction performed by the soldiers who had assassinated his predecessor, Emperor Pertinax.