TODAY IN HISTORY: OCTOBER 28

 

October 28

October 28th, a date that holds significance for many, marks an undeniable milestone in history. It is a day that carries with it a blend of both triumphs and tragedies, shaping the course of humanity in various ways. Throughout the years, October 28th has witnessed events that have altered political landscapes, scientific breakthroughs, and even cultural shifts. From political assassinations to scientific discoveries, this date remains etched in the collective memory of individuals across the globe.

In the realm of politics, October 28th has seen some of the most consequential events in history. It was on this day in 1922 when Benito Mussolini and his Fascist Party staged the March on Rome, a pivotal moment that led to Mussolini's rise to power as the Prime Minister of Italy. This marked the beginning of his fascist regime, which would have profound consequences for Italy and the world during the tumultuous years that followed.

Moving forward in time to 1962, October 28th witnessed the Cuban Missile Crisis coming to an end. After nearly two weeks of intense negotiations and fears of a nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union, an agreement was reached. The crisis brought about a realization of the immense destructive power of nuclear weapons and highlighted the need for diplomacy in averting catastrophic conflicts.

On a somber note, October 28th holds the painful memory of political assassinations. In 1886, the Scottish radical socialist John Maclean was born, who dedicated his life to challenging the capitalist establishment. Similarly, in 1922, the assassination of Alfredo Baquerizo Moreno, former President of Ecuador, marked a tragic loss for the nation. These incidents serve as a reminder of the violence and vulnerability that often accompanies political dissent and change.

Shifting gears to the realm of science, October 28th has been a day of scientific breakthroughs and advancements. On this date in 1886, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated in New York City. This iconic symbol of freedom and opportunity stands as a testament to human ingenuity and engineering marvel, captivating millions of visitors from around the world over the years.

Additionally, in 1927, the world witnessed the first transatlantic telephone call between New York City and London. This monumental achievement was made possible by the efforts of several scientists and engineers who worked tirelessly to bridge the communication gap between continents. It opened up new possibilities for global communication and connected people in ways previously unimaginable.

In the realm of culture and entertainment, October 28th has also had its fair share of significant events. In 1965, American singer-songwriter and folk legend Bob Dylan was awarded the prestigious Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. This recognition not only celebrated Dylan's immense artistic contributions but also acknowledged the profound impact of music in shaping society and sparking important conversations.

Furthermore, in 1975, the iconic rock band Queen released their magnum opus, \Bohemian Rhapsody.\ This groundbreaking song, known for its complex composition and genre-blending style, quickly became a global hit and solidified Queen's place in music history. The song's lasting legacy is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and touch the hearts of people across generations.

Finally, on a lighter note, October 28th is also celebrated globally as National Chocolate Day. This delectable treat, loved by many, has a day dedicated to its indulgence and celebration. From rich dark chocolates to creamy milk chocolates, this day serves as a reminder to savor life's sweet moments and take pleasure in the simple joys that chocolate brings.

In conclusion, October 28th has witnessed a tapestry of events that have shaped the world we inhabit today. From political milestones to scientific breakthroughs, this date stands as a testament to the triumphs and tragedies of human history. Remembered for its significance in various fields, it serves as a reminder of the remarkable capacity of individuals to drive change, conquer challenges, and leave an indelible mark on society.

Here are more events of this day:

97 – Roman emperor Nerva is forced by the Praetorian Guard to adopt general Marcus Ulpius Trajanus as his heir and successor.

306 – Maxentius is proclaimed Roman emperor.

312 – Constantine I defeats Maxentius, becoming the sole Roman emperor in the West.

969 – The Byzantine Empire recovers Antioch from Arab rule.

1344 – The lower town of Smyrna is captured by Crusaders in response to Aydınid piracy.

1420 – Beijing is officially designated the capital of the Ming dynasty when the Forbidden City is completed.

1449 – Christian I is crowned king of Denmark.

1453 – Ladislaus the Posthumous is crowned king of Bohemia in Prague.

1492 – Christopher Columbus lands in Cuba on his first voyage to the New World, surmising that it is Japan.

1516 – Second Ottoman–Mamluk War: Mamluks fail to stop the Ottoman advance towards Egypt at the Battle of Yaunis Khan.

1520 – Ferdinand Magellan reaches the Pacific Ocean.

1531 – Abyssinian–Adal war: The Adal Sultanate seizes southern Ethiopia.

1538 – The Universidad Santo Tomás de Aquino is founded in what is now the Dominican Republic.

 

1628 – French Wars of Religion: The Siege of La Rochelle ends with the surrender of the Huguenots after fourteen months.

1636 – The Massachusetts Bay Colony votes to establish a theological college, which would later become Harvard University.

1664 – The Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foot, later to be known as the Royal Marines, is established.

1707 – The 1707 Hōei earthquake causes more than 5,000 deaths in Japan.

1726 – The novel Gulliver's Travels written by Jonathan Swift is published.

1776 – American Revolutionary War: British troops attack and capture Chatterton Hill from the Continental Army.

1834 – The Pinjarra massacre occurs in the Swan River Colony. An estimated 30 Noongar people are killed by British colonists.

1835 – The United Tribes of New Zealand are established with the signature of the Declaration of Independence.

1864 – American Civil War: A Union attack on the Confederate capital of Richmond is repulsed.

1886 – US president Grover Cleveland dedicates the Statue of Liberty.

1891 – The Mino–Owari earthquake, the largest inland earthquake in Japan's history, occurs.

1893 – Pyotr Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Pathétique receives its première performance only nine days before the composer's death.

 

1918 – World War I: A new Polish government in western Galicia is established, triggering the Polish–Ukrainian War.

1918 – World War I: Czech politicians peacefully take over the city of Prague, thus establishing the First Czechoslovak Republic.

1919 – The U.S. Congress passes the Volstead Act over President Woodrow Wilson's veto, paving the way for Prohibition to begin the following January.

1922 – Italian fascists led by Benito Mussolini march on Rome and take over the Italian government.

1928 – Indonesia Raya, now the national anthem of Indonesia, is first played during the Second Indonesian Youth Congress.

1940 – World War II: Greece rejects Italy's ultimatum. Italy invades Greece through Albania a few hours later.

1942 – The Alaska Highway first connects Alaska to the North American railway network at Dawson Creek in Canada.

1948 – Paul Hermann Müller is awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of the insecticidal properties of DDT.

1949 – An Air France Lockheed Constellation crashes in the Azores, killing all 48 people on board.

1956 – Hungarian Revolution: A de facto ceasefire comes into effect between armed revolutionaries and Soviet troops, who begin to withdraw from Budapest. Communist officials and facilities come under attack by revolutionaries.

1958 – John XXIII is elected Pope.

1962 – The Cuban Missile Crisis ends and Premier Nikita Khrushchev orders the removal of Soviet missiles from Cuba.

1965 – Pope Paul VI promulgates Nostra aetate, by which the Roman Catholic Church officially recognizes the legitimacy of non-Christian faiths.

1971 – Prospero becomes the only British satellite to be launched by a British rocket.

1982 – The Spanish general election begins fourteen years of rule by the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party.

1990 – Georgia holds its only free election under Soviet rule.

1995 – The Baku Metro fire sees 289 people killed and 270 injured.

2006 – A funeral service takes place at the Bykivnia graves for Ukrainians who were killed by the Soviet secret police.

2007 – Cristina Fernández de Kirchner becomes the first directly elected female President of Argentina.

2009 – The 28 October 2009 Peshawar bombing kills 117 and wounds 213.

2009 – NASA successfully launches the Ares I-X mission, the only rocket launch for its short-lived Constellation program.

2009 – US President Barack Obama signs the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

2013 – Five people are killed and 38 are injured after a car crashes into barriers at Tiananmen Square in China.

2014 – A rocket carrying NASA's Cygnus CRS Orb-3 resupply mission to the International Space Station explodes seconds after taking off from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in Wallops Island, Virginia.

2018 – Jair Bolsonaro is elected president of Brazil with 57 million votes, with Workers' Party candidate Fernando Haddad as the runner-up. It is the first time in 16 years that a Workers' Party candidate is not elected president.