Today in History

• 2006 Eco Morales becomes Bolivia’s first indigenous president

  The left-wing politician has focused mainly on combating poverty and curbing the influence of transnational corporations.

• 1973 The U.S. Supreme Court legalizes abortion

  The liberalization that was caused by the Roe v. Wade decision entailed fierce resistance from the Pro-Life movement, but the Supreme Court has so far upheld the decision.

• 1970 The Boeing 747 takes off on its first scheduled flight

  The Pan Am jumbo jet flew from New York to London.

• 1963 The Élysée Treaty formalizes the reconciliation between Germany and France

  The treaty effectively ended centuries of enmity between the two European countries.

• 1943 World record for fastest temperature change

  The fastest temperature change recorded in history occurred on this day in Spearfish, South Dakota. The temperature increased from −4°F (−20°C) to +45°F (+7°C) in the span of two minutes.