1937 - Russian chess player Alexander Alekhine recaptures his final world title from Dutch grand master Max Euwe by a large margin (+10−4=11) 1941 - Japanese Emperor Hirohito signs a declaration of war on the United States and the British Empire 1966 - A fire at an army barracks in Erzurum, Turkey kills 68 people. 1973 - Orioles sell pitcher Eddie Watt to the Phillies 1988 - A 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Spitak, Armenia, kills 25,000 to 50,000 people and leaves up to 500,000 homeless 2006 - A Tornado strikes Kensal Green in northwest London, seriously damaging around 150 properties 2018 - Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer is elected the new leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union party, replacing Angela Merkel 2024 - Restored Notre Dame Cathedral re-opens after the 2019 fire with a VIP ceremony attended by world leaders in Paris, France More Historical Events »