In 2001 President Laurent Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo is shot by one of his own bodyguards. He later died from the wounds and his son, Joseph Kabila, took over as leader.
In 1979 the Shah of Iran flees the country after months of violence against his regime. He never returned, dying a year later while in Egypt.
In 1970 Colonel Gaddafi takes over control of Libya as Prime Minister
Colonel Muammar Gaddafi ‘s ‘Free Unionist Officers’ overthrew King Idris, while the king was receiving medical treatment in Turkey, in a bloodless coup on the 1st of September 1969. Gaddafi became Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and chairman of the “Free Unionist Council”. Publically he left civilian ministers in charge however these ministers had to consult with Gaddafi’s Free Unionist Council and therefore Gaddafi had ultimate control of the country. A few months later on the 16th of January 1970 Gaddafi ended the charade and took direct control of Libya as “Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council”, “Prime Minister of Libya” and “Brotherly Leader and Guide of the Revolution of Libya”. Gaddafi remained leader of Libya, but changing his title on several occasions, until an uprising of the Libyan people led to his assassination on the 20th of October 2011.
In 1945 Hitler descends into his bunker for the last months of the war. Hitler’s bunker situated 55ft below ground had its own water and electricity supply for the 18 roomed complex. Here Hitler remained with his companion (and soon to be wife) Eva Braun as well as his Alsatian called Blondi, for 105 days until both Hitler and Eva committed suicide.
In 1920 the first meeting of the League of Nations was held. This association of nations was set at the end of World War I with the primary purpose of preventing another war of similar magnitude through negotiations and diplomacy. The League of Nations was dissolved on the 20th of April 1946 when it was evident from World War II that it had failed and it was replaced with the United Nations.
In 1919 prohibition began across the United States of America. The 18th Amendment (also known as the Prohibition Amendment forbade the "manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes,". This law proved too difficult to enforce and gave organised crime a new revenue stream. The U.S. Government was forced to bring in the 21st Amendment in 1933 which ended Prohibition.
In 1780 ‘The Battle of Moonlight’ took place where the British Navy forced a Spanish fleet into surrender. The British fleet of 18 battle ships met with the Spanish fleet of 11 battleships and the Spanish began to flee. The British Admiral Sir George Rodney ordered the fleet to give chase (Britain and Spain were at war since the Spanish backed American Independence, seeing it as an opportunity to defeat the British). Due to the technological advantage the British had by using copper hulls (barnacles were unable to attach) which allowed British ships to travel faster. They soon overtook the Spanish fleet and confronted them off the Portuguese coast. Some of the Spanish battleships escaped but Admiral Rodney took the flag ship and five others (a painting by Francis Holman depicts the battle). The battle got its name as it was very rare for ships of the time, powered by sails, to fight at night.
