In the United States, energy company, Enron filed for bankruptcy. It was the biggest bankruptcy in history.

Helmut Kohl became the first chancellor to preside over a unified Germany since its partition in 1932.

Benazir Bhutto was sworn in as Prime Minister of Pakistan. She was the first woman to be elected as head of an Islam-dominated state.

Fidel Castro became president of Cuba replacing Osvaldo Dorticos Torrado.

The United Arab Emirates were formed when Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, and Umm Al Quwain merged into one country.

American actress, Lucy Liu, was born in New York City. She gained fame when she starred in the 2000 film, Charlie's Angels.

Riots broke out in the city of Jerusalem in response to the approval of the UN Plan to partition Palestine.

Italian fashion designer, Gianni Versace, was born in Reggio Calabria, Italy. He was widely considered as one of the most talented designers of the late 20th century.

A team led by Enrico Fermi initiated the first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. This was the critical step that would lead to the eventual creation of the atomic bomb.

American soprano, Maria Callas, was born in New York City. She is possibly the best known female opera singer of all time.