The entire history of mankind is, in any case, nothing but a prolonged fight to the death for the conquest of universal prestige and absolute power.”
Albert Camus, French-Algerian author
1. The Eastman Kodak Company launched Kodachrome
On this day in history in 1935 The Eastman Kodak Company launches Kodachrome. The photographic film was one of the most popular media used by professional and hobby photographers around the world. The product was discontinued in 2009 because of the advent of digital photography.
2. The German concentration camp Bergen-Belsen is liberated
On this day in history in 1945 The German concentration camp Bergen-Belsen was liberated. British and Canadian troops found about 53,000 prisoners inside the camp. Tens of thousands died before and after the liberation.
3. The United States launches retaliatory air strikes against Libya
On this day in history in 1986 The United States launched retaliatory air strikes against Libya. Around 40 Libyans died in Operation El Dorado Canyon, including an infant girl. The attack was the United States’ response to the bombing of a Berlin discotheque on April 5, in which 3 people had died.
4. A small group of students initiates pro-democracy protest on Tiananmen Square in Beijing
On this day in history in 1989 A small group of students initiated pro-democracy protest on Tiananmen Square in Beijing.The death of reformer Hu Yaobang triggered the demonstrations, which grew in size and were brutally dispersed in the Tiananmen Square Massacre on June 4.
5. The World Trade Organization was founded
On this day in history in 1994 The World Trade Organization was founded. The WTO coordinates and strives to liberalize international trade. It has been criticized for ignoring and escalating the negative social and environmental side-effects of globalization.
