People’s Republic of China established
In Beijing, with most of the Chinese mainland held by the communist People’s Liberation Army, its dynamic leader, Mao Zedong, proclaimed the establishment of the People’s Republic of China on this day in 1949. 1949.
Claudia Sheinbaum is sworn-in as president of Mexico; she is the first woman and the first Jewish person to be elected to the post. 2024.
The Republic of Palau officially became a sovereign state. 1994.
In what is regarded by many as the greatest prizefight of all time (the “Thrilla in Manila”), Muhammad Ali defeated Joe Frazier after the latter’s corner called a halt to the bout after 14 brutal rounds. 1975.
Napoleon induced a reluctant King Charles IV of Spain to cede Louisiana back to France. 1800.
With her coronation, Mary I became the first queen to rule England in her own right; she was later nicknamed “Bloody Mary” because of her persecution of Protestants in a vain attempt to restore Roman Catholicism in the country. 1553.
Alexander the Great of Macedonia defeated Darius III of Persia at the Battle of Gaugamela, spelling the end of the Persian empire. 331 bce.
