Arnold Schwarzenegger inaugurated as governor of California

Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger, an Austrian-born American bodybuilder and film actor, was inaugurated on this day in 2003 as the governor of California following a recall election that ousted the sitting governor. 2003. 

During the Watergate scandal, U.S. President Richard Nixon held a press conference in which he declared, “I am not a crook.” 1973. 

American filmmaker Martin Scorsese, who was known for his harsh, often violent depictions of American culture, was born. 1942.

After 10 years of construction, the Suez Canal opened in Egypt. 1869. 

Death of Mao

Marxist revolutionary Mao Zedong, who died this day in 1976, emerged as the undisputed Chinese Communist Party leader following the Long March (1934–35) and dominated China in the period after the communist takeover in 1949. 1976 

Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning monarch in British history, surpassing Victoria‘s record reign of 63 years and 216 days. 2015. 

Special Prosecutor Kenneth W. Starr sent to Congress the report on his investigation into the actions of U.S. President Bill Clinton in the Whitewater affair and subsequent matters, including Clinton’s improper sexual relationship with intern Monica Lewinsky. 1998. 

American tennis player Pete Sampras defeated Andre Agassi at the U.S. Open to capture his first of 14 Grand Slam singles titles. 1990.

American comedian and actor Adam Sandler, who was known for his portrayal of infantile but endearing characters, was born. 1966. 

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) was proclaimed, setting the stage for the Korean War. 1948. 

American singer and songwriter Otis Redding, considered one of the great soul stylists of the 1960s, was born. 1941.