“One of the deepest impulses in man is the impulse to record, to scratch a drawing on a tusk or keep a diary… The enduring value of the past is, one might say, the very basis of civilisation.”
John Jay Chapman, American author.
1.The introduction of US dollar
On this day in 1792, the US dollar was introduced. The Mint Act of 1792 established the Dollar as U.S. currency. About two-thirds of global trade today is based on the U.S. Dollar.
2. First Premiere of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony
On this day in 1800, Ludwig Van Beethoven’s first symphony was premiered. The German composer conducted the orchestra himself. The premiere received exceptionally positive reviews.
3. Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey received its world premiere
On this day in 1968, Stanley Kubrick’s A space Odyssey received its world premiere. Upon release, the epic about human evolution, technology, and extraterrestrial life polarized audiences and critics alike. Today, it is considered a classic in its genre.
4. Argentina occupied the Falklands Islands
On this day in 1982, Argentina occupied the Falkland Islands. The invasion escalated a long-standing conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the archipelago in the South Atlantic. It triggered the Falklands War, which was won by the U.K.
5. Israeli forces besieged the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
On this day in history in 2002, the Israel Defense Force had occupied Bethlehem to capture wanted Palestinians. The 39 day siege ensued after some militants fled into the church, which is believed to stand on the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth.
6. Death of Pope John Paul II
On this day in history in 2005, Pope John Paul II died. Bishop of Rome and head of the Roman Catholic Church from 1978, Pope John Paul II, who was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years and the first from a Slavic country, died in Vatican City this day in 2005.
7. John Gotti was convicted
On this day in history in 1992, American organized-crime boss John Gotti was convicted on 13 criminal counts- including the murder of Paul Castellano and others, racketeering, and obstruction of justice. He was sentenced to life imprisonment.
