Alcatraz / Germany / Hip-Hop / Al-Qaeda

-3114 BC

The Mesoamerican Long Count calendar begins, used by several pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations, notably the Mayans.

-1919

Social democratic member Friedrich Ebert signs into law the Weimar Constitution, creating Germany's first parliamentary democracy.

-1934

Federal prisoners classified as "most dangerous" arrived at Alcatraz Island, a 22-acre rocky outcrop 1.5 miles offshore in San Francisco Bay.

-1945

The Allies reject Japan's offer to surrender if Emperor Hirohito remains in power.

-1945

The Watts Rebellion begins after two white cops beat up a black driver suspected of drunken driving.

-1973

Hip-hop was born at a back-to-school party in the recreation room of a West Bronx apartment building.

-1973

George Lucas' nostalgic teenage coming-of-age movie American Graffiti opens in theaters.

-1978

"C'est Chic", Chic's second studio album, was released with the single "Le Freak". (Billboard Album of the Year 1979)

-1988

Al-Qaeda was formed at a meeting between Osama Bin Laden, Ayman al-Zawahiri, and Jamal al-Fadl in Peshawar, Pakistan.

-2003

NATO takes over peacekeeping in Afghanistan, its first major operation outside Europe in 54 years of history.