16 October

1793 – After the French Revolution began, Marie-Antoinette, queen consort of Louis XVI, was targeted by agitators who, enraged by her extravagance and attempts to save the monarchy, ultimately guillotined her.

1964 – China, eager to join the nuclear race, successfully detonated its first atomic bomb. 1968 – During the awards ceremony for the 200m race at the Mexico City Olympics, American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos gave a Black-power salute and were ordered to leave the Games.