Today in History

1885 - The first practical public electric tramway in the world is opened in Blackpool, England.

1911 - Italy declares war on Turkey, eventually conquering Libya.

1923 - Britain begins ruling Palestine under a League of Nations mandate.

1944 - Soviet troops invade Yugoslavia.

1972 - China and Japan normalise relations.

1976 - Syrian troops in Lebanon drive out Palestinian militants from most of their key mountain positions east of Beirut.

1996 - Bosnia’s first postwar elections are watched by international groups.

2003 - Adventurer David Hempleman-Adams succeeded in his third attempt to cross the Atlantic by balloon.

2017 - At least 15 people are killed in Mumbai railway bridge stampede.