Europa
- Siege of Vienna Ends (1529)
On October 15, 1529, the Siege of Vienna concluded when Austrian forces successfully repelled the invading Ottoman army. This marked a decisive end to the Ottoman Empire’s major expansion into Central Europe, shaping the continent’s political and cultural boundaries for centuries. - Adoption of the Gregorian Calendar (1582)
October 15, 1582, was the first day of the Gregorian calendar in several Catholic countries, including Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Poland. Pope Gregory XIII introduced this reform to correct inaccuracies in the Julian calendar, aligning the calendar year more closely with the solar year. Many Protestant and Orthodox countries adopted the new system later, but this date marked a significant shift in European timekeeping. - Trial of Marie Antoinette (1793)
On this day, Marie Antoinette, the former Queen of France, was tried and convicted of treason during the French Revolution. She was sentenced to death and executed the following day, symbolizing the radical transformation of French society. - Napoleon Begins Exile on Saint Helena (1815)
After his defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon Bonaparte began his final exile on the remote island of Saint Helena on October 15, 1815. This exile marked the definitive end of the Napoleonic era in European history. - Execution of Mata Hari (1917)
Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan Mata Hari was executed by a French firing squad for espionage. Accused of spying for Germany during World War I, her trial and execution became one of the most sensationalized spy cases of the era. - World War I Naval Engagement (1917)
The “Action of 15 October 1917” was a naval clash off the coast of Ireland between the U.S. destroyer USS Cassin and the German submarine U-61. The Cassin was damaged, but the U-boat was forced to withdraw, highlighting the intensity of naval warfare in European waters during World War I. - Britain Declares War on Bulgaria (1915)
On October 15, 1915, Britain and Montenegro declared war on Bulgaria during World War I, as Bulgaria joined the Central Powers and captured the Serbian town of Vranje. This event further complicated the Balkan front and shifted alliances in the region. - Sudetenland Occupation (1938)
German troops occupied the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia on October 15, 1938, following the Munich Agreement. This occupation was a key prelude to World War II, as it emboldened Nazi Germany’s territorial ambitions in Europe. - The Great Storm of 1987
During the night of October 15–16, 1987, a violent extratropical cyclone struck the United Kingdom and northern France, causing widespread damage and over 20 deaths. It remains one of the most severe weather events in modern European history.
America
- 1864 – Civil War: Surrender at Glasgow, Missouri
The Union garrison at Glasgow, Missouri, surrendered to Confederate forces, marking a notable event in the later stages of the American Civil War. - 1878 – Edison Electric Light Company Founded
Thomas Edison established the Edison Electric Light Company, a milestone in the development of electric power and lighting in the United States. - 1910 – Airship America’s Transatlantic Attempt
The airship America was launched from New Jersey in the first attempt to cross the Atlantic Ocean by a powered aircraft, reflecting early American aviation ambitions. - 1912 – Theodore Roosevelt Recovering from Assassination Attempt
Former President Theodore Roosevelt, after being shot by an assassin in Milwaukee, was reported to be recovering in a Chicago hospital. Remarkably, he delivered a 50-minute speech before seeking medical attention, famously stating, “It takes more than that to kill a Bull Moose”. - 1939 – Dedication of New York Municipal Airport (LaGuardia)
The New York Municipal Airport, later renamed LaGuardia Airport, was dedicated, becoming a major hub for air travel in the United States. - 1944 – Antarctic Treaty Conference Begins
The final conference leading to the Antarctic Treaty convened in Washington, D.C. The treaty, signed by 12 countries, preserved Antarctica for peaceful and scientific purposes. - 1951 – “I Love Lucy” Premieres
The iconic American sitcom “I Love Lucy” premiered on CBS, starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. The show became a cultural phenomenon and is still celebrated today. - 1966 – Founding of the Black Panther Party
Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale founded the Black Panther Party in Oakland, California, a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement and Black empowerment in the U.S.. - 1991 – Clarence Thomas Confirmed to Supreme Court
Despite sexual harassment allegations by Anita Hill, the U.S. Senate narrowly confirmed Clarence Thomas as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a decision that had lasting political and social implications. - 2017 – #MeToo Movement Goes Viral
Actress Alyssa Milano encouraged women who had experienced sexual harassment or assault to write “Me too” on social media. The hashtag quickly went viral, sparking a global movement against sexual misconduct. - 1863: The Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley sank during a test, killing its inventor and crew, but later became the first submarine to sink an enemy ship in combat.
- 1952: E.B. White’s classic children’s novel “Charlotte’s Web” was published.
- 1966: The U.S. Department of Transportation was established.
Asia
- Qing Forces Capture Zhoushan (1651)
On October 15, 1651, Qing dynasty forces captured the island of Zhoushan, off the coast of China. This was a significant event during the consolidation of Qing rule over China, as Zhu Yihai, Prince of Lu and regent of the Southern Ming, was forced to flee to Kinmen. - Akbar the Great Born (1542)
Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar, one of the most influential Mughal emperors, was born on October 15, 1542, in present-day Pakistan. Akbar expanded the Mughal Empire across much of the Indian subcontinent and is remembered for his policies of religious tolerance and administrative reforms. - China’s First Human Space Flight (2003)
On October 15, 2003, China launched Shenzhou 5, its first human space flight mission, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. This historic mission made China the third country, after the Soviet Union/Russia and the United States, to independently send humans into space. - Birth of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (1931)
A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, renowned Indian scientist and the 11th President of India, was born on October 15, 1931. He played a pivotal role in India’s missile and space programs and is celebrated as the “People’s President”. - Aurangzeb Signs Peace with Bijapur (1686)
On October 15, 1686, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb signed a peace agreement with the Sultanate of Bijapur, marking a turning point in the Mughal conquest of the Deccan region. - Afghanistan: On October 15, 1988, the withdrawal of six Soviet regiments from Afghanistan began, marking a significant step toward the end of the Soviet-Afghan War.
- India: October 15 is also observed as the death anniversary of Sai Baba of Shirdi, a revered spiritual leader.
Africa
- Assassination of Thomas Sankara (1987)
On October 15, 1987, a coup d’état in Burkina Faso resulted in the overthrow and assassination of President Thomas Sankara, a revolutionary leader often called “Africa’s Che Guevara.” His death marked a major turning point in Burkina Faso’s history and remains one of the continent’s most significant political events of the late 20th century. - Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Mandela and de Klerk (1993)
On this day in 1993, South African leaders Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The prize recognized their efforts in dismantling apartheid and laying the groundwork for a democratic South Africa. - Lesotho Military Coup: October 15 has seen political upheaval in Africa, including a military coup that deposed the Lesotho government (year not specified in the search results).
- Solidarity Actions Against Apartheid: The date has also marked significant anti-apartheid activism, such as solidarity fasts and international calls for the release of Nelson Mandela and an end to apartheid in South Africa.
- Release of Walter Sisulu: South African anti-apartheid leader Walter Sisulu was freed from prison on October 15, an important milestone in the country’s transition away from apartheid.
This day in history: 15 october