“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. Igor Stravinsky’s ballet Le Sacre du printemps was premiered
On this day in history in 1913 Igor Stravinsky’s ballet Le Sacre du printemps was premiered. The performance sparked a riot in the audience as many felt its irregular beat and the percussive character was a sacrilege against music. Today, it is considered one of the key works of 20th-century art music.
2. Bing Crosby recorded White Christmas
On this day in history in 1942 Bing Crosby recorded White Christmas. Crosby’s rendition of Irving Berlin’s song became the most successful of his career and the best-selling Christmas single in history.
3. Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay conquered Mount Everest
On this day in history in 1953 Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay conquer Mount Everest. The first successful ascent of the world’s highest mountain came after Tom Bourdillon and Charles Evans had come within 100 meters of the summit just three days previously.
4. Benjamin Netanyahu became Israel’s prime minister
On this day in history in 1996 Benjamin Netanyahu became Israel’s prime minister. The conservative politician is criticized for hampering the peace process that former prime minister, Yitzhak Rabin, had promoted.
5. Olusegun Obasanjo won Nigeria’s first free elections in 16 years
On this day in history in 1999 Olusegun Obasanjo won Nigeria’s first free elections in 16 years. The former Nigerian Army general and military ruler oversaw a democratization process that defines the country’s political system to the present day.