This day in history

After seven years of revolution and civil upheaval, Mexican President Venustiano Carranza proclaims the modern Mexican constitution, which promises the restoration of lands to native peoples, the separation of church and state and dramatic economic and educational reforms.

The progressive political document, approved by an elected constitutional convention, combined revolutionary demands for land reform with advanced social theory. It would be decades, however, before most of the sweeping reforms promised by the constitution became reality.

Carranza was deposed and killed in 1920, and lasting stability eluded Mexico until after World War II, when industrialism spurred by the war grew into a major part of the economy and Miguel Alemán became the first in an unbroken series of civilian presidents.

Patty Hearst, the daughter of millionaire American publisher, Randolph Hearst, is kidnapped.

Britain is defeated as Spanish and French forces capture the Mediterranean island of Menorca.