The Accession Treaty was signed in Athens, Greece. By the terms of the treaty, 10 new countries were admitted in the ranks of the European Union.

American comedian, Martin Lawrence, was born in New York City. He gained fame after he became the host of the Def Comedy jam - stand up comedy show, which aired on the HBO channel. He has since stared in many hit comedy and action movies.

American basketball player, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, was born in New york City. He is one of the greatest stars to ever grace the halls of the NBA and a name that still echoes in the halls of the sport even decades after his retirement.

Two ships carrying ammonium nitrate exploded in the harbour of Texas City, Texas, resulting in the death of over 600 people and causing a fire to spread into the city. The explosion was of such intensity that it was mistaken for a nuclear blast.

The term 'Cold War' was first used to describe the state of affairs between the United States and the Soviet Union. It was first used by businessman and presidential adviser, Mr. Bernard Baruch.

The Soviet army began its final assault on German forces in Berlin.

Pope Benedict XVI was born in Bavaria. He was elected as the 265th Pope on April 19th 2005.

American composer, Henry Mancini, was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He was probably the most celebrated composer of cinema and television music of the 20th century.

Revolutionary Vladimir (Ilyich) Lenin returned to Russia after several years of exile in Switzerland.

English actor and producer, Charles Chaplin, was born in London, England.

Spanish painter, Francisco de Goya, died at the age 82 in Bordeaux, France. He is considered as one of the greatest painters of all time and one that bridged the gap between the old masters and the moderns. It is said that his work provided the model that influenced the work of many contemporary painters, such as Picasso.