Pope Innocent IV issues the papal bull ad extirpanda, which authorizes, but also limits, the torture of heretics in the Medieval Inquisition.

Eight Communist bloc countries, including the Soviet Union, sign a mutual defense treaty called the Warsaw Pact.

The inaugural Formula One World Championship race takes place at Silverstone Circuit.

A train derailment in Philadelphia kills eight people and injures more than 200.

India conducts three underground atomic tests in Pokhran

Sony introduces the Betamax videocassette recorder.

Westray Mine disaster kills 26 workers in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Greek War of Independence: The Greeks defeat the Turks at the Battle of Gravia Inn.

Greece’s independence is recognized by the Treaty of London.

Louis XIV of France moves his court to the Palace of Versailles.