Lech Walesa was sworn in as President of Poland.

After a series of violent demonstrations, Ion Iliescu became the president of Romania, effectively ending the reign of Nicolae Ceausescu's communist regime.

The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin was reopened after almost 30 years of division in the German city.

Irish writer, Samuel Beckett, died at the age of 83. He is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest Irish writers of the 20th century. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1969.

Brazilian activist, Chico Mendes, was assassinated because of his efforts to halt the logging, of the Amazon Rainforest.

The islands of Grande Comore, Anjouan and Moheli jointly became the independent nation of Comoros.

Speed limits were applied on all roads in the United Kingdom. The limit was set at 70 miles per hour. Prior to this, there were no speed limits in place.

The Lincoln Tunnel opened for traffic in New York City. The tunnel is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long, running under the Hudson River, connecting New Jersey to Manhattan.

Indian mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan, was born in Tamil Nadu, India. He is widely considered as the greatest mathematical genius of the 20th century, who was entirely self taught.

Italian composer, Giacomo Puccini, was born in Lucca. He is one of the most celebrated opera composers of all time.

French dramatist, Jean Racine, was born in Aisne.