This day in history: 11 october

Europa

• Second Vatican Council Opens (1962)
  On October 11, 1962, Pope John XXIII opened the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II) in Rome. This landmark event brought significant reforms to the Roman Catholic Church, including changes in liturgy and a new approach to engaging with the modern world. The council lasted for three years and is considered one of the most important religious events of the 20th century.
• Boer War Begins (1899)
  The Second Boer War started on October 11, 1899, between the British Empire and the two Boer republics in South Africa: the South African Republic (Transvaal) and the Orange Free State. While the war took place in Africa, it was a major event for Europe, particularly for Britain, as it marked a significant colonial conflict and shaped British imperial policy.
• Battle of Camperdown (1797)
  On this day in 1797, the British Royal Navy decisively defeated the Dutch fleet at the Battle of Camperdown during the French Revolutionary Wars. This victory secured British control of the North Sea and was a key naval engagement in European history.
• Battle of Kappel (1531)
  The Battle of Kappel occurred on October 11, 1531, during the Swiss Reformation. Protestant troops under Jörg Göldli were defeated by Roman Catholic forces, shaping the religious and political landscape of Switzerland.
• King Henry VIII Named “Defender of the Faith” (1521)
  On October 11, 1521, Pope Leo X granted King Henry VIII of England the title “Fidei Defensor” (Defender of the Faith) in recognition of his opposition to Martin Luther’s teachings. Ironically, Henry VIII would later break from the Catholic Church to establish the Church of England.
• World War I: Battle of Flanders Begins (1914)
  On October 11, 1914, the Battle of Flanders began on the Western Front, marking the start of a prolonged and bloody struggle for control of the Belgian coast during World War I. This battle included major engagements such as the Battle of the Yser and the First Battle of Ypres.
• 1634: The Burchardi flood devastated North Friesland (then part of Denmark and Germany), killing around 15,000 people.
• 1311: The Ordinances of 1311 were enacted in England, curbing the powers of the monarchy and strengthening the influence of the peerage and clergy.

America

• 1776: The first naval battle of Lake Champlain, known as the Battle of Valcour Island, was fought. General Benedict Arnold led American forces, suffering heavy losses but delaying British advancement, a key moment in the American Revolution.
• 1811: The Juliana, the first steam-powered ferryboat, began operation between New York City and Hoboken, New Jersey, marking a milestone in American transportation.
• 1869: Thomas Edison filed for his first patent, an electric vote recorder for Congress, showcasing the beginnings of his prolific inventing career.
• 1890: The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), a major patriotic organization, was founded in Washington, D.C..
• 1910: Former President Theodore Roosevelt became the first U.S. president to fly in an airplane, piloted by Arch Hoxsey at Kinlock Field, Missouri.
• 1958: The U.S. launched Pioneer 1, its first lunar probe, though it failed to reach the Moon.
• 1968: NASA launched Apollo 7, the first successful crewed Apollo mission, which included the first live television broadcasts from orbit.
• 1975: The iconic TV show Saturday Night Live premiered on NBC, becoming a staple of American pop culture.
• 1984: Astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan became the first American woman to perform a spacewalk, aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger.
• 1991: During Supreme Court confirmation hearings, Anita Hill testified before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, accusing nominee Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment, a pivotal moment in discussions of workplace rights and gender equality.
• 2000: NASA launched its 100th Space Shuttle mission, marking a milestone in American space exploration.
• 2002: Former President Jimmy Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in promoting peace, democracy, and human rights worldwide.
• 1987: The AIDS Memorial Quilt was displayed for the first time on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., during the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

Asia

• 1138: The Aleppo Earthquake
  On October 11, 1138, a catastrophic earthquake struck Aleppo (in present-day Syria), resulting in one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. The earthquake is estimated to have killed around 230,000 people, leaving a profound mark on the region’s history.
• 1911: Wuchang Uprising in China
  The Wuchang Uprising began on October 11, 1911, in Wuchang, China. This event triggered the Xinhai Revolution, which ultimately led to the fall of the Qing dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China. The day is commemorated as a significant holiday in Taiwan.
• 1987: Operation Pawan (India-Sri Lanka)
  On this day in 1987, the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) launched Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka. The operation aimed to take control of the Jaffna Peninsula from the LTTE (Tamil Tigers) during the Sri Lankan civil war, marking a major military intervention by India in the region.
• 2022: Japan Reopens Borders Post-COVID
  On October 11, 2022, Japan reopened its borders to tourists after two years of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, signaling a significant step toward post-pandemic recovery in Asia.
• 2018: Soyuz MS-10 Emergency Landing in Kazakhstan
  The Russian Soyuz MS-10 spacecraft, carrying astronauts to the International Space Station, suffered a malfunction and made an emergency landing in Kazakhstan on October 11, 2018. Both crew members survived, and the incident highlighted the risks of human spaceflight in Asia.

Africa

• 1899: The Second Boer War Begins
  On October 11, 1899, the Second Boer War (also called the South African War or Anglo-Boer War) erupted in South Africa. This conflict was fought between the British Empire and the two Boer republics: the South African Republic (Transvaal) and the Orange Free State. The war was triggered after the Boers issued an ultimatum demanding the withdrawal of British troops from their borders, which was ignored, leading to open conflict. The war lasted until 1902 and had a profound impact on the region, ultimately resulting in British victory and the annexation of both Boer republics into the British Empire.