This day in history: 24 october

Europa

• Peace of Westphalia (1648):
  On October 24, 1648, the Peace of Westphalia was signed in the Westphalian cities of Osnabrück and Münster, ending the Thirty Years’ War, one of the most devastating conflicts in European history. The treaties brought peace to the Holy Roman Empire after three decades of religious and political warfare that killed millions. The Peace of Westphalia is widely regarded as a foundational moment in the development of the modern state system in Europe, introducing principles of state sovereignty and non-interference in domestic affairs.
• End of the Thirty Years’ War:
  The Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648) was primarily fought in Central Europe and involved most of the great European powers of the time. Its conclusion with the Peace of Westphalia not only ended widespread violence but also led to significant territorial and political changes, including the recognition of Dutch independence by Spain and greater autonomy for various German states.
• 1912: The Battle of Kumanovo concluded with a Serbian victory against the Ottoman Empire during the First Balkan War.
• 1917: Italy suffered a disastrous defeat at the Battle of Caporetto on the Austro-Italian front during World War I.
• 1918: Italian forces achieved victory at the Battle of Vittorio Veneto, a critical moment in World War I that contributed to the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
• 1795: The Third Partition of Poland took place, dividing Polish territories among Austria, Prussia, and Russia, erasing Poland from the map for over a century.

America

• United Nations Established (1945)
  On October 24, 1945, the United Nations officially came into existence as its charter, ratified by 29 nations, took effect. This day is now recognized as United Nations Day, marking a pivotal moment in international relations with the aim of maintaining world peace and cooperation.
• First Transcontinental Telegraph Completed (1861)
  The United States completed its first transcontinental telegraph line on this day. Chief Justice Stephen J. Field of California sent the inaugural message from San Francisco to President Abraham Lincoln in Washington, D.C., effectively ending the Pony Express and revolutionizing communication across the continent.
• Black Thursday – Wall Street Crash (1929)
  October 24, 1929, became known as “Black Thursday,” the day a massive sell-off on the New York Stock Exchange signaled the beginning of the Wall Street Crash of 1929, which led to the Great Depression.
• George Washington Bridge Dedicated (1931)
  The George Washington Bridge, connecting New York City and New Jersey, was officially dedicated on this day. At the time, it was the world’s longest suspension bridge.
• The 40-Hour Work Week Enacted (1940)
  The 40-hour work week went into effect in the United States under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, transforming labor rights and working conditions nationwide.
• In 1901, Annie Edson Taylor became the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel.
• During World War II, the Battle of Leyte Gulf continued on October 24, 1944, marking the first use of kamikaze attacks by Japanese forces against American ships.
• In 1962, President John F. Kennedy’s naval quarantine of Cuba went into effect during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Asia

• October 24 is celebrated as United Nations Day across Asia and the world, marking the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945. This day is significant in many Asian countries, as most are member states and active participants in the UN’s work for peace, development, and international cooperation.
• 1886: The Normanton Incident occurred when the British merchant vessel Normanton sank off the coast of Japan. The European officers reportedly commandeered the lifeboats for themselves, leaving Asian crew and passengers to perish. This incident caused significant political outrage in Japan and highlighted issues of racial inequality in maritime law at the time.
• 1894: During the First Sino-Japanese War, the Battle of Jiuliancheng took place. The Imperial Japanese Army, under General Yamagata Aritomo, covertly crossed the Yalu River into Qing territory and launched an assault on fortifications at Hushan, marking a significant Japanese military victory.
• October 24, 1844: The Treaty of Wanghia was signed between the United States and China, marking an early step in the development of the “Open Door Policy” that would shape foreign relations in China for decades.
• 2018: Indian cricketer Virat Kohli became the fastest-ever to score 10,000 runs in one-day international cricket, setting a new world record.
• October 2024: The anniversary of the Tak Bai massacre (which occurred on October 25, 2004) is often marked by separatist attacks and bombings in southern Thailand. In 2024, a series of coordinated bombings and attacks occurred between October 14 and 24, targeting security forces and commemorating the 20th anniversary of the massacre.
• October 24 is also recognized as World Development Information Day, observed in several Asian countries to raise awareness about development problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them.

Africa

• Zambia Gains Independence (1964)
  On October 24, 1964, Zambia officially gained independence from British colonial rule. Kenneth Kaunda became the first president of the newly independent nation, marking a significant milestone in Africa’s decolonization movement and the broader wave of independence across the continent during the 1960s.
• United Nations Day
  October 24 is recognized as United Nations Day, marking the anniversary of the UN Charter coming into force in 1945. Many African nations observe this day, reflecting their active participation in the international community and the UN’s ongoing role in African development and peacekeeping.
• Italy Invades Ethiopia (1935)
  On October 24, 1935, Italy invaded Ethiopia, an act that drew widespread international condemnation. The invasion was a critical event in African and world history, highlighting the era of European imperial aggression and the resistance of African nations to colonization.
• Recent Political Developments
  On October 24, 2024, Mozambique’s National Elections Commission announced a landslide victory for the ruling party, FRELIMO, in the country’s presidential elections, reflecting ongoing political dynamics in Southern Africa.
• Throughout history, October has seen significant anti-colonial movements, independence milestones, and political changes across Africa, though October 24 is most prominently marked by Zambia’s independence and the commemoration of United Nations Day.