Events January 2 - Richard Nixon signs a bill lowering the maximum U.S speed limit to 55 MPH in order to conserve gasoline during an OPEC embargo. January 4 - U.S. President Richard Nixon refuses to hand over materials subpoenaed by the Senate Watergate Committee. February 28 - After seven years, the United States and Egypt re-establish diplomatic relations. February 28 - General election in the U.K results in no majority for any party. See UK general election, 1974 (February). March 1 - Watergate scandal: Seven are indicted for their role in the Watergate break-in and charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice. April 25 - Portuguese democratic revolution. May 18 - "Smiling Buddha" nuclear weapon test by India. July 20 - Turkey invades the country of Cyprus and occupies the northern third of the island (later declared the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus). August 9 - Resignation of U.S. President Richard Nixon. September 12 - Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie ousted in a coup by the Derg. October 10 - General election in the U.K. is won narrowly by Labour. See UK general election, 1974 (October). Births Deaths