TODAY IN HISTORY: OCTOBER 24

 

October 24

October 24th is a date that holds significance for various reasons. From historical events to notable births and deaths, this day has witnessed significant occurrences throughout the years. In this article, we will explore some of the major events that took place on October 24th and their impact on history.

One of the most notable events in world history that occurred on October 24th was the stock market crash of 1929, also known as Black Thursday. This event marked the beginning of the Great Depression, a global economic crisis that had devastating effects on the world economy, lasting throughout the 1930s. On this day, the New York Stock Exchange experienced a massive sell-off, leading to a collapse in stock prices and widespread panic among investors. This event had far-reaching consequences, leading to business failures, unemployment, and a decline in global trade.

Moving on to more positive events, October 24th also marks United Nations Day. Established in 1945, the United Nations is an international organization aimed at promoting peace, security, and cooperation among nations. This important day commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the UN and serves as a reminder of its commitment to maintaining global peace and resolving conflicts through diplomatic means. Celebrations and events are held worldwide to promote the UN's work and encourage international cooperation.

Sports enthusiasts will associate October 24th with remarkable moments in the field of sports. In 2005, Major League Baseball experienced one of its most iconic moments – the Chicago White Sox won their first World Series in 88 years. This victory was especially significant for the team and its fans, as they ended a long-standing drought and brought glory to their city.

Another significant sporting event related to October 24th occurred in 2002 during the Rugby Union World Cup. England faced Australia in the final match, which ended with a dramatic drop goal by Jonny Wilkinson in the final seconds of extra time. England claimed victory with a score of 20-17, becoming the first and only northern hemisphere team to win the Rugby World Cup.

October 24th has also seen the birth and passing of notable individuals who have left their mark on various fields. In the world of music, Bob Kane was born on this day in 1915. He is famously known as the co-creator of Batman, one of the most iconic superheroes in comic book history. Bob Kane's contributions to the superhero genre have had a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations, merchandise, and a dedicated fanbase.

In the field of literature, Nobel Prize-winning author Annie Proulx was born on October 24th, 1935. Proulx is renowned for her evocative storytelling and her ability to capture the essence of American life. Her most famous work, \Brokeback Mountain,\ was adapted into an award-winning film that brought her work to a wider audience.

In the world of science and innovation, October 24th marks the passing of Alexander Graham Bell in 1922. Bell, known as the inventor of the telephone, revolutionized communication with his groundbreaking invention. His contributions extend beyond the telephone, as he made significant advancements in fields such as aeronautics, speech therapy, and hydrofoils.

In conclusion, October 24th is a date that has witnessed both tragic and momentous events throughout history. From economic collapses to the celebration of global peace, this day reminds us of the fragility and resilience of our world. It is a day to reflect on significant moments in sports, music, literature, and innovation. Whether through commemorating historical events or honoring the birth and passing of notable individuals, October 24th serves as a reflection of our shared human experience.

Here are more events on this day:

AD 69 – In the Second Battle of Bedriacum, troops loyal to Vespasian defeat those of Emperor Vitellius.

1260 – Chartres Cathedral is dedicated in the presence of King Louis IX of France.

1360 – The Treaty of Brétigny is ratified, marking the end of the first phase of the Hundred Years' War.

1590 – John White, the governor of the second Roanoke Colony, returns to England after an unsuccessful search for the "lost" colonists.

1596 – The second Spanish armada sets sail to strike against England, but is smashed by storms off Cape Finisterre forcing a retreat to port.

 

1641 – Felim O'Neill of Kinard, the leader of the Irish Rebellion, issues his Proclamation of Dungannon, justifying the uprising and declaring continued loyalty to King Charles I of England.

1648 – The Peace of Westphalia is signed, marking the end of the Thirty Years' War and the Eighty Years' War.

1795 – Poland is completely consumed by Russia, Prussia and Austria.

1812 – Napoleonic Wars: The Battle of Maloyaroslavets takes place near Moscow.

1851 – William Lassell discovers the moons Umbriel and Ariel orbiting Uranus.

1857 – Sheffield F.C., the world's oldest association football club still in operation, is founded in England.

1861 – The first transcontinental telegraph line across the United States is completed.

1871 – An estimated 17 to 22 Chinese immigrants are lynched in Los Angeles, California.

1889 – Henry Parkes delivers the Tenterfield Oration, effectively starting the federation process in Australia.

1900 – U.S. Government announces plans to buy Danish West Indies for $7 million.

 

1901 – Annie Edson Taylor becomes the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

1902 – Guatemala's Santa María Volcano begins to erupt, becoming the third-largest eruption of the 20th century.

1911 – Orville Wright remains in the air nine minutes and 45 seconds in a glider at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina.

1912 – First Balkan War: The Battle of Kirk Kilisse concludes with a Bulgarian victory against the Ottoman Empire.

1912 – First Balkan War: The Battle of Kumanovo concludes with the Serbian victory against the Ottoman Empire.

1917 – World War I: Italy suffers a disastrous defeat at the Battle of Caporetto on the Austro-Italian front.

1918 – World War I: Italian victory in the Battle of Vittorio Veneto.

1926 – Harry Houdini's last performance takes place at the Garrick Theatre in Detroit.

1929 – "Black Thursday" on the New York Stock Exchange.

1930 – A bloodless coup d'état in Brazil ends the First Republic, replacing it with the Vargas Era.

1931 – The George Washington Bridge opens to public traffic over the Hudson River.

1944 – World War II: Japan's center force is temporarily repulsed in the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

1945 – The United Nations Charter comes into effect.

1946 – A camera on board the V-2 No. 13 rocket takes the first photograph of earth from outer space.

1947 – Famed animator Walt Disney testifies before the House Un-American Activities Committee, naming Disney employees he believes to be communists.

1949 – The cornerstone of the United Nations Headquarters is laid.

1954 – US President Dwight D. Eisenhower pledges United States support to South Vietnam.

1957 – The United States Air Force starts the X-20 Dyna-Soar manned space program.

1960 – Nedelin catastrophe: An R-16 ballistic missile explodes on the launch pad at the Soviet Union's Baikonur Cosmodrome space facility, killing over 100 people, including Field Marshal Mitrofan Nedelin.

1963 – An oxygen leak from an R-9 Desna missile at the Baikonur Cosmodrome triggers a fire that kills seven people.

1964 – Northern Rhodesia gains independence from the United Kingdom and becomes Zambia.

1975 – In Iceland, 90% of women take part in a national strike, refusing to work in protest of gender inequality.

1980 – The government of Poland legalizes the Solidarity trade union.

1986 – Nezar Hindawi is sentenced to 45 years in prison, the longest sentence handed down by a British court, for the attempted bombing of an El Al flight at Heathrow Airport.

1990 – Italian prime minister Giulio Andreotti reveals to the Italian parliament the existence of Gladio, the Italian NATO force formed in 1956, intended to be activated in the event of a Warsaw Pact invasion.

1992 – The Toronto Blue Jays become the first Major League Baseball team based outside the United States to win the World Series.

1998 – Deep Space 1 is launched to explore the asteroid belt and test new spacecraft technologies.

2003 – Concorde makes its last commercial flight.

2004 – Arsenal Football Club loses to Manchester United, ending a row of unbeaten matches at 49 matches, which is the record in the Premier League.

2005 – Hurricane Wilma makes landfall in Florida, resulting in 35 direct and 26 indirect fatalities and causing $20.6B USD in damage.

2007 – Chang'e 1, the first satellite in the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program, is launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

2008 – "Bloody Friday" saw many of the world's stock exchanges experience the worst declines in their history, with drops of around 10% in most indices.

2014 – The China National Space Administration launches an experimental lunar mission, Chang'e 5-T1, which will loop behind the Moon and return to Earth.

2015 – A driver crashes into the Oklahoma State Homecoming parade, killing four people and injuring 34.

2016 – A French surveillance aircraft flying to Libya crashes on takeoff in Malta, killing all five people on board.