Europa
- Gregorian Calendar Introduced (1582)
On October 4, 1582, Pope Gregory XIII implemented the Gregorian Calendar in several Catholic countries including Italy, Poland, Portugal, and Spain. As a result, October 4 was immediately followed by October 15 in those countries, skipping 10 days to correct inaccuracies in the Julian calendar. This reform is the basis of the calendar used by most of the world today. - Otto IV Crowned Holy Roman Emperor (1209)
Otto IV was crowned Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire by Pope Innocent III on October 4, 1209, marking a significant moment in medieval European politics. - Formation of the Holy League (1511)
On this day in 1511, the Holy League was formed by Ferdinand II of Aragon, the Papal States, and the Republic of Venice as an alliance against France, influencing the balance of power in Renaissance Europe. - Belgium Gains Independence (1830)
October 4, 1830, is recognized as the date when Belgium declared its independence from the Netherlands, leading to the creation of the Belgian state after years of unrest and revolution. - Napoleon’s “Whiff of Grapeshot” (1795)
On October 4, 1795, Napoleon Bonaparte rose to national prominence in France by using artillery to suppress a royalist uprising in Paris, an event known as the “Whiff of Grapeshot.” This action helped secure the French Revolution and propelled Napoleon’s military and political career. - Battle of Wittstock (1636)
The Swedish Army defeated the combined armies of Saxony and the Holy Roman Empire at the Battle of Wittstock during the Thirty Years’ War on October 4, 1636, significantly affecting the course of the war in Central Europe. - Declaration of the Portuguese Republic (1910)
On October 4, 1910, the Portuguese monarchy was overthrown, and Portugal was declared a republic, ending centuries of royal rule and forcing King Manuel II into exile. - Launch of Sputnik I (1957)
While not a European event per se, the launch of Sputnik I by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, had a profound impact on Europe and the world, marking the beginning of the Space Age and intensifying the Cold War rivalry between East and West.
America
- Battle of Germantown (1777)
On October 4, 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, General George Washington led Continental Army troops in an assault against British forces at Germantown, Pennsylvania. Despite initial success and bold strategy, the Americans were ultimately repelled by the British under General William Howe. The battle was marked by confusion, fog, and fierce fighting, but it demonstrated the determination and resilience of American forces, boosting morale and impressing foreign observers, which later helped secure French support for the American cause. - Abraham Lincoln Denounces Slavery (1854)
On October 4, 1854, Abraham Lincoln delivered a significant speech in Peoria, Illinois, publicly denouncing slavery. His remarks were a direct response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act and marked a pivotal moment in his political career, solidifying his reputation as a leading opponent of slavery and foreshadowing his future role in the abolitionist movement. - First African American Daily Newspaper Founded (1864)
The New Orleans Tribune, the first daily newspaper in the United States published by African Americans, was founded on October 4, 1864. Established during the Civil War, it became a vital platform for advocacy, civil rights, and community engagement in the post-war South. - Mount Rushmore Sculpting Begins (1927)
On October 4, 1927, sculptor Gutzon Borglum began work on Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, carving the faces of four U.S. presidents. The project became a symbol of American ideals and has since become an iconic national monument. - Dedication of United Nations Headquarters (1949)
The United Nations Headquarters in New York City was dedicated on October 4, 1949, symbolizing America’s commitment to international cooperation and diplomacy in the post-World War II era. - Sputnik I Launch (1957)
While not an American achievement, the launch of Sputnik I by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, profoundly impacted the United States, sparking the Space Race and leading to major investments in science and technology education and research.
Asia
- Sack of Chang’an, China (AD 23)
On October 4, AD 23, rebels sacked the Chinese capital of Chang’an during a major peasant uprising. This event was a pivotal moment in the fall of the Xin dynasty and the restoration of the Han dynasty, marking a significant turning point in ancient Chinese history. - Battle of Lake Poyang, China (1363)
On October 4, 1363, the Battle of Lake Poyang—one of the largest naval battles in history—concluded with Zhu Yuanzhang’s rebel forces defeating those of Chen Youliang. This victory was crucial for Zhu, who later became the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty, shaping the future of China. - Flooding in Cambodia (2011)
On October 4, 2011, severe flooding along Cambodia’s Mekong River and flash floods resulted in a death toll reaching 164 people. This disaster had a significant humanitarian impact in Southeast Asia. - Sectarian Violence in Pakistan (2011)
On the same day in 2011, gunmen killed 12 Shiite Muslims near Quetta, Pakistan, in an apparent sectarian attack, highlighting ongoing tensions and violence in the region. - Sputnik I Launch (1957) – Asian Impact
While the launch of Sputnik I by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957, is not an Asian event per se, it had a profound effect on Asia, particularly in countries like China and Japan, which accelerated their own space and science programs in response to the dawn of the Space Age.
Africa
- End of the Mozambican Civil War (1992)
On October 4, 1992, the devastating 15-year Mozambican Civil War officially ended with the signing of the Rome General Peace Accords. The conflict, fought between the Mozambique Resistance Movement (RENAMO) and the Mozambican government, resulted in massive loss of life and displacement. The peace agreement marked a significant turning point for Mozambique and is commemorated as a day of national reconciliation. - Lesotho Gains Independence (1966)
On October 4, 1966, the Kingdom of Lesotho achieved independence from British colonial rule. This event is celebrated annually as Lesotho’s National Day, marking the country’s emergence as a sovereign African state. - Uganda’s Path to Independence (1962)
The week of October 4, 1962, saw the East African nation of Uganda become independent from British rule, with independence officially declared on October 9. The days leading up to independence were filled with significant political activity and preparation for self-governance. - While not specific to October 4, the month of October includes several important milestones in African and Black history, such as Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960.
This day in history: 4 october