2002 – Israeli forces besiege the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
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.
1982 – Argentina occupies 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.
1968 – Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Oddyssey receives 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.
1800 – Ludwig van Beethoven's First Symphony is premiered
The German composer conducted the orchestra himself. The premiere received exceptionally positive reviews.
1792 – The U.S. dollar is 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.
1939 – Marvin Gaye
American singer-songwriter
1891 – Max Ernst
German painter, sculptor, poet
1840 – Émile Zola
French author, critic
1805 – Hans Christian Andersen
Danish author, poet
1725 – Giacomo Casanova
Italian explorer, author
2015 – Manoel de Oliveira
Portuguese director, screenwriter
2005 – Pope John Paul II
Polish-born Pope of the Catholic Church
1974 – Georges Pompidou
French politician, Prime Minister, President of France
1933 – Ranjitsinhji
Indian cricketer
1872 – Samuel Morse
American painter, inventor, co-invented the Morse code
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