Europa
- Martin Luther’s 95 Theses and the Protestant Reformation (1517)
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther, a German monk and theologian, famously posted his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. This act is widely regarded as the catalyst for the Protestant Reformation, a movement that profoundly reshaped the religious and political landscape of Europe. - Dissolution of Austria-Hungary (1918)
On October 31, 1918, Hungary withdrew from its union with Austria, effectively dissolving the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This event marked the end of one of Europe’s major powers and was a significant turning point at the close of World War I. - Benito Mussolini Becomes Prime Minister of Italy (1922)
On this day in 1922, Benito Mussolini was appointed Prime Minister of Italy. Mussolini’s rise marked the beginning of fascist rule in Italy and set a precedent for authoritarian regimes in Europe during the 20th century. - End of the Battle of Britain (1940)
October 31, 1940, is recognized as the official end of the Battle of Britain during World War II. The failure of Germany to gain air superiority forced Hitler to abandon plans for an invasion of Britain (Operation Sea Lion), marking a crucial turning point in the war. - 1587: Leiden University Library opened in the Netherlands, becoming one of Europe’s oldest university libraries.
- 802: Empress Irene of the Byzantine Empire was deposed and exiled to Lesbos, with Nikephoros taking the throne.
- 1888: Scottish inventor John Boyd Dunlop patented the pneumatic bicycle tire, an innovation that revolutionized cycling.
America
- Mount Rushmore Completed (1941)
On October 31, 1941, work was completed on the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota. This iconic monument features the carved faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. - USS Reuben James Sunk (1941)
The same day, the USS Reuben James, a U.S. Navy destroyer, was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat off the coast of Iceland, resulting in the loss of over 100 American sailors. This was the first U.S. Navy ship sunk by hostile action in World War II, occurring before the U.S. officially entered the war. - Nevada Becomes a State (1864)
Nevada was admitted as the 36th state of the United States on October 31, 1864, during the Civil War. Its statehood was expedited to support President Lincoln’s reelection and to help pass the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery. - Death of Harry Houdini (1926)
Famed magician and escape artist Harry Houdini died on October 31, 1926, in Detroit, Michigan, from peritonitis caused by a ruptured appendix. His death is commemorated annually as National Magic Day in his honor. - San Francisco’s Halloween Mask Ban (1915)
In 1915, San Francisco enacted a ban on wearing masks for Halloween, aiming to reduce crime and maintain public order during the holiday. This was one of the earliest municipal regulations of Halloween celebrations in the U.S.. - First Successful U.S. Military Airplane Flight (1920)
On October 31, 1920, the U.S. military achieved a significant milestone with the first successful flight of an aircraft at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas, demonstrating the growing importance of aviation in both military and civilian spheres. - In 1861, Union General Winfield Scott resigned as Commander of the U.S. Army during the Civil War.
- In 1846, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was officially unified as a city after the Milwaukee Bridge War.
Asia
- Assassination of Indira Gandhi (1984)
On October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi, the first and then-current female Prime Minister of India, was assassinated by two of her own Sikh bodyguards. Her assassination triggered widespread anti-Sikh riots across India, particularly in New Delhi, resulting in thousands of deaths. This event marked a major turning point in Indian political and social history. - Adoption of Constitution by South Yemen (1978)
On this day in 1978, the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen, commonly known as South Yemen, adopted its constitution. South Yemen existed as a separate socialist state until its unification with North Yemen in 1990, forming the current Republic of Yemen. - Birth of Chiang Kai-shek (1887)
October 31 marks the birthday of Chiang Kai-shek, a prominent Chinese military and political leader who served as the President of the Republic of China. He played a critical role in Chinese history during the early to mid-20th century, especially in the Chinese Civil War and the fight against Japanese invasion. - Birth of Vallabhbhai Patel (1875)
Also born on October 31 is Vallabhbhai Patel, an influential Indian independence activist and the first Deputy Prime Minister of India. He was a key figure in the integration of princely states into independent India and is honored as the “Iron Man of India”. - UN Designates October 31 as the Day of Seven Billion (2011)
On or around October 31, 2011, the global population officially reached seven billion people, as designated by the United Nations Population Fund. This milestone has significant implications for Asia, which contains the majority of the world’s population. - The Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, depicting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, was unveiled in India on October 31, 2018. Located near the Narmada Dam in Gujarat, it symbolizes India’s unity and commemorates Patel’s legacy.
Africa
- Fall of Blaise Compaoré in Burkina Faso (2014)
On October 31, 2014, President Blaise Compaoré resigned after 27 years in power, following a massive popular uprising in Burkina Faso. Citizens, unions, and opposition parties protested against his attempt to amend the constitution to seek a fifth term, leading to his departure and the start of a transitional period marked by military intervention and eventual civilian rule. Compaoré fled the country, first to Côte d’Ivoire, marking the end of an era and a significant moment in West African political history. - Martyrs’ Day in Burkina Faso
October 31 is observed as Martyrs’ Day in Burkina Faso, commemorating those who lost their lives in the struggle for justice and democracy, particularly in connection with the events surrounding Compaoré’s ousting. - Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security
The African Union and various African governments annually observe Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security around October 31. The day serves as a platform to discuss solutions and promote initiatives aimed at improving food and nutrition security across the continent.
This day in history: 31 october