TODAY IN HISTORY: OCTOBER 8

 

 

October 8

 

October 8th is a day that holds significance for many people around the world. It marks the 281st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with 84 days remaining until the end of the year. This day is filled with historical events, notable births and deaths, and a host of other interesting occurrences. So, let's take a closer look at this fascinating day in history.

One of the most significant events that took place on October 8th occurred in 1871, when the Great Chicago Fire broke out. The fire, which lasted for two days, destroyed much of the city of Chicago, leaving thousands homeless and causing immense devastation. This event marked a turning point in the city's history and led to significant changes in urban planning and fire safety regulations.

In the world of technology, October 8th witnessed the birth of a revolutionary product. In 1971, the first ever microprocessor, the Intel 4004, was unveiled. This tiny piece of silicon laid the foundation for the development of modern computers and paved the way for the digital revolution that would transform the world.

On a more somber note, October 8th is also the day when we remember the tragic death of iconic musician John Lennon. In 1980, Lennon was shot and killed outside his apartment building in New York City, leaving the world in shock and mourning the loss of a true musical genius and peace advocate.

October 8th also marks the birthday of several notable individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields. In 1941, Jesse Jackson, an American civil rights activist and politician, was born. Jackson played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and advocating for equal rights for all.

In the world of literature, October 8th is the birthday of American author R.L. Stine, known for his hugely popular \Goosebumps\ series. Stine's books have captivated millions of young readers with their spooky and thrilling stories, making him one of the most successful children's authors of all time.

In the world of sports, October 8th is marked by remarkable achievements. In 1971, American tennis player Stan Smith became the world number one. Smith's skill and sportsmanship made him a beloved figure in the tennis world, and he remains an influential figure in the sport to this day.

October 8th is also a day filled with unique cultural traditions and celebrations. In the UK, it is observed as National Poetry Day, a day dedicated to celebrating and promoting the art of poetry. This day encourages people to engage with poetry and explore its beauty and power.

In Japan, October 8th is the day of the Kanname Festival, which celebrates the harvest season. This festival is an opportunity for people to give thanks for a successful harvest and pray for an abundant future. It is a colorful and lively affair, filled with traditional performances, food stalls, and joyful celebrations.

Furthermore, October 8th holds significance for many individuals on a more personal level. Birthdays, anniversaries, and other important milestones are celebrated on this day, creating cherished memories and moments that will be remembered for years to come.

In conclusion, October 8th is a day that is filled with historical events, notable births and deaths, and unique cultural celebrations. From the devastating Great Chicago Fire to the birth of the first microprocessor, this day has witnessed significant moments in history. It is also a day that holds personal significance for many individuals around the world. Whether it is a birthday, anniversary, or the celebration of a cultural tradition, October 8th is a day that will continue to hold significance in the years to come.

Here are more events:

314 – Constantine I defeats Roman Emperor Licinius, who loses his European territories.

451 – The first session of the Council of Chalcedon begins.

876 – Frankish forces led by Louis the Younger prevent a West Frankish invasion and defeat emperor Charles II ("the Bald").

1075 – Dmitar Zvonimir is crowned King of Croatia.

1200 – Isabella of Angoulême is crowned Queen consort of England.

1322 – Mladen II Šubić of Bribir is deposed as the Croatian Ban after the Battle of Bliska.

1480 – The Great Stand on the Ugra River puts an end to Tartar rule over Moscow

1573 – End of the Spanish siege of Alkmaar, the first Dutch victory in the Eighty Years' War.

 

1645 – Jeanne Mance opens the first lay hospital of North America in Montreal.

1813 – The Treaty of Ried is signed between Bavaria and Austria.

1821 – The Peruvian Navy is established during the War of Independence.

1829 – Stephenson's Rocket wins the Rainhill Trials.

1856 – The Second Opium War between several western powers and China begins with the Arrow Incident.

1862 – American Civil War: The Confederate invasion of Kentucky is halted at the Battle of Perryville.

1871 – Slash-and-burn land management, months of drought, and the passage of a strong cold front cause the Peshtigo Fire, the Great Chicago Fire and the Great Michigan Fires to break out.

1879 – War of the Pacific: The Chilean Navy defeats the Peruvian Navy in the Battle of Angamos.

1895 – Korean Empress Myeongseong is assassinated by Japanese infiltrators.

 

1912 – The First Balkan War begins when Montenegro declares war against the Ottoman Empire.

1918 – World War I: Corporal Alvin C. York kills 28 German soldiers and captures 132 for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

1921 – KDKA in Pittsburgh's Forbes Field conducts the first live broadcast of a football game.

1939 – World War II: Germany annexes western Poland.

1941 – World War II: During the preliminaries of the Battle of Rostov, German forces reach the Sea of Azov with the capture of Mariupol.

1943 – World War II: Around 30 civilians are executed by Friedrich Schubert's paramilitary group in Kallikratis, Crete.

1944 – World War II: Captain Bobbie Brown earns a Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Crucifix Hill, just outside Aachen.

1952 – The Harrow and Wealdstone rail crash kills 112 people.

1956 – The New York Yankees's Don Larsen pitches the only perfect game in a World Series.

1962 – Der Spiegel publishes an article disclosing the sorry state of the Bundeswehr, and is soon accused of treason.

1967 – Guerrilla leader Che Guevara and his men are captured in Bolivia.

1969 – The opening rally of the Days of Rage occurs, organized by the Weather Underground in Chicago.

1970 – Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn wins the Nobel Prize in literature.

1973 – Yom Kippur War: Israel loses more than 150 tanks in a failed attack on Egyptian-occupied positions.

1973 – Spyros Markezinis begins his 48-day term as prime minister in an abortive attempt to lead Greece to parliamentary rule.

1974 – Franklin National Bank collapses due to fraud and mismanagement; at the time it is the largest bank failure in the history of the United States.

1978 – Australia's Ken Warby sets the current world water speed record of 275.97 knots at Blowering Dam, Australia.

1982 – Poland bans Solidarity and all other trade unions.

1982 – After its London premiere, Cats opens on Broadway and runs for nearly 18 years before closing on September 10, 2000.

1990 – First Intifada: Israeli police kill 17 Palestinians and wound over 100 near the Dome of the Rock.

1991 – Upon the expiration of the Brioni Agreement, Croatia and Slovenia sever all official relations with Yugoslavia.

2001 – A twin engine Cessna and a Scandinavian Airlines System jetliner collide in heavy fog during takeoff from Milan, Italy, killing 118 people.

2001 – U.S. President George W. Bush announces the establishment of the Office of Homeland Security.

2005 – The 7.6 M_w  Kashmir earthquake leaves 86,000–87,351 people dead, 69,000–75,266 injured, and 2.8 million homeless.

2014 – Thomas Eric Duncan, the first person in the United States to be diagnosed with Ebola, dies.

2016 – In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, the death toll rises to nearly 900.

2019 – About 200 Extinction Rebellion activists block the gates of Leinster House (parliament) in the Republic of Ireland.

2020 – Second Nagorno-Karabakh War: Azerbaijan twice deliberately targeted the Church of the Holy Savior Ghazanchetsots of Shusha.