1948
Politics
Genocide Convention Adopted
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The treaty established genocide as a crime under international law.
On This Day in History
1961
Politics
Tanzania Gains Independence
Tanganyika gained independence from Britain with Julius Nyerere as prime minister. The nation later merged with Zanzibar to form Tanzania.
1979
Science
Smallpox Eradicated
A commission of scientists certified that smallpox had been eradicated worldwide. The World Health Organization's vaccination campaign was the first and only time a human disease has been completely eliminated.
1608
Culture
John Milton Born
The English poet who would write Paradise Lost was born in London. Milton's epic poem, exploring the Fall of Man, is considered one of the greatest works in the English language.
1935
Sports
Heisman Trophy First Awarded
The first Downtown Athletic Club Trophy (later renamed the Heisman Trophy) was awarded to Jay Berwanger of the University of Chicago. It became the most prestigious individual award in college football.
1824
War & Conflict
Battle of Ayacucho
South American independence forces under Antonio José de Sucre defeated the Spanish in Peru. The battle effectively ended Spanish colonial rule in South America.
1990
Politics
Lech Wałęsa Elected President of Poland
Solidarity leader Lech Wałęsa was elected president of Poland in the country's first direct presidential election. The former shipyard electrician had led the movement that toppled communism.