American actor, Burt Lancaster, died at the age of 80. He was one of the most celebrated actors of the 1950's, 1960's and 1970's.

A fire-storm in Oakland Hills, USA. causes the death of 25 people as well as the destruction of almost 3500 homes and apartments.

In what is known in the financial world as "Black Monday" the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) fell 22.6% in one day.

The airplane carrying the music band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, crashed in Mississippi, resulting in the death of several band members, including that of lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines.

The Sydney Opera House opened. It is one of the most famous 20th century buildings as well as one of the most famous performing arts halls in the world.

The television series, The Six Million Dollar Man, premiered on the ABC channel. It ran for 5 years and enjoyed worldwide success (known in many other countries as the Bionic Man). The show also produced the also successful spin-off called The Bionic Woman.

American rapper, Snoop Dogg, was born in Long Beach, California. He is one of producer's Dr. Dre's most notable protezes.

Former US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy married shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis.

Iraqi terrorist, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, was born in Jordan. He was the leader of an Islamic militant group in Iraq and was rumoured to be closely associated with Osama Bin Laden's Al-Qaeda terrorist network. He was killed during a raid in Iraq in June 2006.

The Return of the King, the last part of The Lord of the Rings, was published for the first time.

Allied forces under the command of General Douglas MacArthur liberated the Philippines from the Japanese during the Second World War.

Hungarian-born actor, Bela Lugosi, was born in Lugos, Hungary. He is best known for his portrayal of Dracula and his subsequent participation in the films of director Ed Wood.

The Naval battle of Navarino took place in which a combined Turkish and Egyptian fleet was destroyed by an allied British, French, and Russian naval force. The battle took place in the port of Navarino of Pylos, Greece. The battle marked the end of the Greek Liberation War and the affirmation of independence of modern Greece.

The purchase of Louisiana was ratified by the United States Senate. It was purchased from France for 15 million USD. The territory amounted to far more than what is today the state of Louisiana, and at that time was land equalling almost a third of what is today the United States of America.