1954
NATO joining
West Germany joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
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1797
Andre-Jacques Garnerin made the first parachute jump from a balloon.
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1836
Sam Houston was inaugurated as the first president of the Republic of Texas.
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1962
President Kennedy announced an air and naval blockade of Cuba, following the discovery of Soviet missile bases on the island.
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1973
Spanish cellist, conductor, and composer Pablo Casals died in Puerto Rico, at age 96.
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1979
Muhammad Reza Shah Pahlevi, the deposed Shah of Iran, was allowed in the United States for medical treatment. This action led to the Iran hostage crisis.
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