| 1536 |
Spanish conquistador Pedro de Mendoza founded the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. |
| 1709 |
Scottish sailor Alexander Selkirk rescued after four years alone on an island off the coast of Chile. |
| 1943 |
Germany surrenders at Stalingrad, Russia. |
| 1971 |
Idi Amin became dictator of Uganda. |
| 1989 |
The last Soviet armored column leaves from Afghanistan. |
| 1990 |
South African President De Klerk lifted the 30-year ban African National Congress. |
| 2003 |
Czech Republic President Vaclav Havel stepped down after 13 years. |
