This day in history

Following the failed coup attempt against Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet leader starts to purge those senior communist officials that supported the coup.

Armenia declares independence from the Soviet Union.

Hans-Joachim Tiedge, the head of West German counter-intelligence, is revealed as an East German spy.

Alexander Godunov, a member of the Bolshoi Ballet, is given political asylum in the United States.

Germany and Russia sign a non-aggression pact.

Faisal I is crowned King of Iraq.

France introduces national conscription, calling all unmarried men aged 18-25 to join the country’s armed forces.

Scottish nationalist leader William Wallace is executed by the English.