The president of the Philippines, Joseph Estrada, was ousted in a bloodless coup.

Sudan's government imposed Islamic law on the nation.

Soviet forces stormed the city of Baku killing more than 120 pro-independence demonstrator.

Iran terrorists released 52 American hostages that were being held hostage inside the American embassy in Tehran since November 4, 1979.

The first ever pulsar was discovered by Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Antony Hewish of the University of Cambridge, England.

American film director, David Lynch, was born in Montana. He is one of the most controversial as well as critically acclaimed directors of the American filmmaking industry. His unique style has generated a cult type following of his creations.

Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated for a fourth term as President of the United States. He is the only US president to serve more than two terms in office.

Italian film director, Federico Fellini, was born in Rimini. He is widely regarded as having been one of the most important and influential directors of all time.

Greek businessman, Aristotle Onassis, was born in Smyrna. He was born to a middle-class Greek family. He was one of the most famous shipping magnates of all time.

At the YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts, the first official basketball game is played.

The United States Navy to leased Pearl Harbour to use as a naval base.

British forces occupied the island of Hong Kong. Under the treaty of Nanking the island was officially ceded to Great Britain in 1842. On July 1997 the United Kingdom's rule over Hong Kong ended, at which time governorship of the island back to China.

French physicist, Andre Marie Ampere, was born in Poleymieux-au-Mont-d'Or, France. He is credited with the discovery of electromagnetism. The base unit of electric current, the Amp, is named in his honour.