2002 Israeli forces besieged the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem

The Israel Defense Force had occupied Bethlehem to capture wanted Palestinians. The 39-day siege ensued after some militants fled into the church, which is believed to stand on the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth.

1982 Argentina occupies the Falkland Islands

The invasion escalated a long-standing conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the archipelago in the South Atlantic. It triggered the Falklands War, which was won by the U.K.

1968 Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey receives its world premiere

Upon release, the epic about human evolution, technology, and extraterrestrial life polarized audiences and critics alike. Today, it is considered a classic in its genre.

1800 Ludwig van Beethoven’s First Symphony is premiered

The German composer conducted the orchestra himself. The premiere received exceptionally positive reviews.

1792 The U.S. dollar is introduced

The Mint Act of 1792 established the Dollar as U.S. currency. About two-thirds of global trade today is based on the U.S. Dollar.