A protest consisting of over 300000 people took place in front of the White House in Washington DC in protest of the war in Iraq.

American children's writer, Dr. Seuss, died at the age of 87. He was one of the most famous children's books writer and cartoonist best of all known for his creation of 'The Cat in the Hat'.

In the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson wins the 100 metres race. Johnson was later disqualified for doping.

Spanish movie director, Pedro Almodovar, was born in Calzada de Calatrava, Spain. He is considered as one of the top directors of the 20th century and one of the few to have been able to bridge the gap between American and Spanish cinema.

The Honda Motor Company was founded.

American singer and activist, Linda McCartney, was born in New York. Best known for her marriage to Sir Paul McCartney, of The Beatles as well as for being one of the most outspoken Animal rights activist in the world.

American novelist, F. Scott Fitzgerald, was born in Minnesota. He is considered as one of the greatest American Novelists of the 20th century, even though he only wrote 4 novels.

The Netherlands surrendered New Amsterdam to England. It would later be renamed to New York.

Christopher Columbus departed on his second expedition to the New World.