Europa
- Charlemagne Crowned King of the Franks (768)
On October 9, 768, Charlemagne (Charles the Great) and his brother Carloman I were crowned kings of the Franks after the death of their father, Pepin the Short. Charlemagne would go on to become one of the most influential rulers in European history, laying the foundations for the Carolingian Empire and shaping the future of Western Europe through military conquests, governance reforms, and the Carolingian Renaissance—a revival of art, culture, and learning. - Leipzig Monday Demonstration (1989)
October 9, 1989, marked a turning point in the peaceful revolution in East Germany. Around 70,000 people gathered in Leipzig to protest against the ruling Socialist Unity Party, chanting “Wir sind das Volk” (“We are the people”). This demonstration was a milestone for freedom in Germany and Europe, initiating four weeks of peaceful protests that ultimately led to the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, and the collapse of communist regimes across Central and Eastern Europe. - Assassination of King Alexander I of Yugoslavia (1934)
On October 9, 1934, King Alexander I of Yugoslavia was assassinated in Marseille, France, along with French Foreign Minister Louis Barthou. This event had significant repercussions for European diplomacy and the stability of the Balkans in the interwar period. - End of the Siege of Antwerp (1914)
During World War I, the Siege of Antwerp ended on October 9, 1914, with the city falling to German forces. This marked a significant development on the Western Front, impacting the course of the early war in Western Europe. - 1238: James I of Aragon founded the Kingdom of Valencia, establishing a key Christian stronghold during the Reconquista.
- 1410: The first known mention of Prague’s astronomical clock, a symbol of medieval European science and craftsmanship.
- 1874: The Universal Postal Union was created by the Treaty of Bern, facilitating international mail exchange and cooperation.
America
- Leif Erikson Day
October 9 is recognized in the United States as Leif Erikson Day, commemorating the Norse explorer believed to be the first European to set foot in North America around the year 1000, long before Columbus. - Opening of the Washington Monument (1888)
On October 9, 1888, the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., was officially opened to the public. This iconic structure honors George Washington and became the tallest man-made structure in the world at the time, symbolizing American resilience and unity. - Formation of NBC (1926)
The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) was formed on October 9, 1926. NBC was the first major television network in the United States, revolutionizing American media and entertainment. - Apollo 7 Launch (1967)
On October 9, 1967, the United States launched Apollo 7, the first manned mission of the Apollo program. This successful mission paved the way for the eventual Moon landing. - Great Chicago Fire (1871)
The Great Chicago Fire began on October 9, 1871, destroying much of the city and profoundly impacting its development and architecture. - 1635: Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island, was banished from Massachusetts for advocating religious freedom.
- 1701: The Collegiate School of Connecticut, later renamed Yale University, was chartered.
- 1776: Spanish missionaries settled in what is now San Francisco, California.
- 1781: The last major battle of the American Revolutionary War took place in Yorktown, Virginia, where American forces led by George Washington defeated the British.
- 1858: Mail service via stagecoach began between San Francisco and St. Louis.
- 1872: Aaron Montgomery started his mail-order business, which became Montgomery Ward.
- 1835: Edgar Allan Poe published his first short story, “Berenice,” marking the beginning of his influential literary career.
- October 9 also marks the birth of John Lennon, whose music and activism had a global impact, including in America.
Asia
- Wuchang Uprising (1911) – China
On October 9, 1911, an accidental bomb explosion in Wuchang triggered the Wuchang Uprising against the Qing dynasty, which became the catalyst for the Xinhai Revolution. This movement ultimately led to the fall of the Qing dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China. - Hangul Day (Korea)
October 9 is celebrated as Hangul Day in South Korea, marking the publication of the Korean alphabet (Hangul) in 1446 by King Sejong the Great. This innovation revolutionized literacy and communication in Korea. - Assassination Attempt on Malala Yousafzai (2012) – Pakistan
On October 9, 2012, Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai was shot by the Taliban for advocating girls’ education. She survived the attack and later became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate. - Goyang Geumjeong Cave Massacre Begins (1950) – Korea
The Goyang Geumjeong Cave massacre began on October 9, 1950, during the Korean War, when South Korean police killed hundreds of civilians suspected of collaborating with North Korea. - Assassination Attempt on South Korean President (1983) – Myanmar
On October 9, 1983, South Korean President Chun Doo-hwan survived an assassination attempt in Rangoon (Yangon), Burma (Myanmar). The attack killed 21 people and injured 17 others, straining relations between South Korea and North Korea, which was blamed for the incident. - Khmer Republic Proclaimed (1970) – Cambodia
On October 9, 1970, the Khmer Republic was officially proclaimed, replacing the Kingdom of Cambodia after a coup led by General Lon Nol. - First Presidential Election in Afghanistan (2004)
On October 9, 2004, Afghanistan held its first-ever presidential election, a milestone in the country’s post-Taliban transition. Hamid Karzai was elected as the first president.
Africa
- Uganda Gains Independence (1962)
On October 9, 1962, Uganda became an independent nation, ending nearly 70 years of British colonial rule. Milton Obote became the country’s first prime minister. The choice of October 9 as Independence Day was linked to the conclusion of the Lancaster Conference in London, where Uganda’s constitutional future was determined. - Theories Behind the Date
Some theories suggest October 9 was chosen to honor Kabaka Muteesa I, an influential Buganda king who played a key role in opening Uganda to Christian missionaries and Western influences. He died on October 9, 1884, and some believe the date was selected as a tribute to his legacy, though official records primarily cite the Lancaster Conference’s conclusion as the reason. - October 9, 1917: During World War I, Belgian forces captured Mahenge in German East Africa (now Tanzania), marking a significant moment in the East African Campaign.
- October 9, 1914: The pro-German Boer revolt began in South Africa, reflecting tensions within the country during the early stages of World War I.
This day in history: 9 october