The captured American U2 spy-plane pilot Gary Powers is exchanged for captured Soviet spy Rudolf Abel.

The Balkan Entente is formed.

The Devil’s Footprints appear in southern Devon.

The 11th Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified. ]

Otto becomes the first modern King of Greece.

The Philippine–American War begins with the Battle of Manila.

Rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, are killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa.

The first ship with Chinese immigrants arrives in San Francisco to start the California Gold Rush.

France declares war on the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.