April 11, 1990: A Look Back
April 11, 1990, fell on a Wednesday. Here's a glimpse of what happened on this day:
World Events:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the world was free from smallpox. This was a significant milestone in global health, marking the eradication of a disease that had plagued humanity for centuries.
- The United States and the Soviet Union signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), a landmark agreement to reduce their nuclear arsenals.
- A major earthquake struck the Philippines, killing over 1,600 people. The magnitude 7.8 quake devastated parts of Luzon island.
Other Notable Events:
- The first episode of the popular TV show "The Simpsons" aired in the United States. This animated sitcom would go on to become a cultural phenomenon, running for over 30 seasons.
- The first edition of the "Harry Potter" book, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," was published in the United Kingdom. This book, written by J.K. Rowling, would become a global bestseller and launch a highly successful franchise.
Interesting Trivia:
- The population of the world on April 11, 1990, was estimated to be around 5.2 billion.
- The average price of a gallon of gasoline in the United States was $1.19.
- The song "Vogue" by Madonna topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
While these are just a few highlights, April 11, 1990, was a day filled with both positive and tragic events. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing progress and challenges faced by humanity.
