Odoacer Deposes Romulus Augustulus, Ending the Western Roman Empire
On September 4, 476, Odoacer deposed Romulus Augustulus, ending the line of Western Roman emperors and ruling Italy himself.
The Concordat of Worms Ends the Investiture Controversy
On September 23, 1122, the Concordat of Worms ended the Investiture Controversy between the papacy and the Holy Roman Empire.
Portugal Is Recognised as a Kingdom
On October 5, 1143, the Treaty of Zamora recognised Portugal as a kingdom under Afonso Henriques.
Amsterdam Receives Its First Rights
On October 27, 1275, a Dutch count granted Amsterdam's early residents toll freedom, the town's first known record.
Henry VII Is Crowned King of England
On October 30, 1485, Henry Tudor was crowned Henry VII, ending the Wars of the Roses.
Parliament Names Henry VIII Head of the English Church
On November 3, 1534, Parliament made Henry VIII head of the Church of England.
The Peace of Augsburg Settles Religion in the Holy Roman Empire
On September 25, 1555, the Peace of Augsburg let each German prince choose the religion of his own territory.
San Marino Adopts the Written Constitution It Still Uses
San Marino adopted its written constitution on October 8, 1600, and the Statutes of 1600 still underpin the republic's law.
The Qing Court Moves to Beijing
On October 30, 1644, the Qing dynasty made Beijing its capital, when the young Shunzhi emperor was enthroned there after the fall of the Ming.
The Peace of Westphalia Is Signed
The Peace of Westphalia was signed on October 24, 1648, ending the Thirty Years' War. It established the modern system of sovereign states.
William Penn Founds Philadelphia
On October 27, 1682, William Penn founded Philadelphia, a planned city of wide streets in Pennsylvania.
Louis XIV Dies
On September 1, 1715, Louis XIV died at Versailles after a 72-year reign, the longest of any major European monarch.
George III Becomes King of Britain
George III became king of Britain on October 25, 1760, at age twenty-two, after the death of his grandfather George II.
The Royal Proclamation Closes the West to Colonial Settlement
On October 7, 1763, the Royal Proclamation closed land west of the Appalachians to settlement and reserved it for Native Americans.
The Continental Congress Names the Country the United States
On September 9, 1776, Congress resolved that the new nation be called the United States rather than the United Colonies.
Benedict Arnold Gives the British the Plans of West Point
On September 21, 1780, Benedict Arnold gave the British the plans of West Point, the fort he commanded, in the most famous treason in American history.
Los Angeles Is Founded by Spanish Settlers
On September 4, 1781, forty-four settlers founded the pueblo of Los Angeles on the Porciuncula River under Spanish governor Felipe de Neve.
Treaty of Paris Recognises American Independence
On September 3, 1783, Britain and the United States signed the Treaty of Paris, ending the Revolutionary War and setting the border at the Mississippi.
Delegates Sign the United States Constitution in Philadelphia
On September 17, 1787, delegates in Philadelphia signed the United States Constitution, replacing the Articles of Confederation.
George Washington Proclaims the First National Thanksgiving
On October 3, 1789, George Washington proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving, to be held on November 26.
The Women's March on Versailles
On October 5, 1789, thousands of women marched to Versailles and forced the royal family back to Paris.
The French National Convention Abolishes the Monarchy
On September 21, 1792, the French National Convention abolished the monarchy and declared the country a republic.
The French First Republic Is Proclaimed and the Republican Calendar Begins
On September 22, 1792, the French Republic was proclaimed and Year One of the Republican Calendar began, backdated to the abolition of the monarchy.
George Washington Lays the Cornerstone of the United States Capitol
On September 18, 1793, George Washington laid the cornerstone of the United States Capitol in the new federal city.
The Third Partition of Poland
On October 24, 1795, Russia, Prussia and Austria signed the third partition of Poland and divided the remaining Polish lands between them.
George Washington's Farewell Address Is Published
On September 19, 1796, Washington's Farewell Address was published, announcing his retirement and warning against foreign entanglements.
The Senate Approves the Louisiana Purchase
On October 20, 1803, the US Senate ratified the Louisiana Purchase, in which France sold a vast territory for about 15 million dollars.
Russia, Austria and Prussia Form the Holy Alliance
On September 26, 1815, Russia, Austria and Prussia signed the Holy Alliance, promising to govern by Christian principles after Napoleon's defeat.
Brazil Declares Independence from Portugal
On September 7, 1822, Dom Pedro declared Brazil independent from Portugal at Ipiranga, beginning the Brazilian empire.
Belgium Proclaims Independence From the Netherlands
On October 4, 1830, Belgium declared independence from the Netherlands after an uprising in Brussels.
Theodore Roosevelt Is Born in New York
On October 27, 1858, Theodore Roosevelt, who became the 26th US president and won the Nobel peace prize, was born in New York City.
The Xinyou Coup at the Qing Court
On November 2, 1861, Cixi and Prince Gong seized the regency set up for the child emperor Tongzhi and arrested the eight regents.
Lincoln Issues the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation
On September 22, 1862, Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves in the states still in rebellion from January 1.
The International Workingmen's Association Is Founded in London
On September 28, 1864, the First International was founded in London, bringing together trade unionists, socialists and political exiles.
The Meiji Era Begins
On October 23, 1868, the reign name Meiji was adopted in Japan, beginning the era of rapid reform after the fall of the shogunate.
Spain Abolishes Slavery in Cuba
A Spanish royal decree ended slavery in Cuba on October 7, 1886, two years before Brazil, closing the last slave economy in the Americas.
North Dakota and South Dakota Join the Union
On November 2, 1889, North Dakota and South Dakota became the 39th and 40th U.S. states.
Yosemite National Park Is Established
On October 1, 1890, Yosemite National Park was created in California, the second American national park.
New Zealand Grants Women the Vote
On September 19, 1893, New Zealand became the first self-governing country to give all women the right to vote.
Empress Elisabeth of Austria Is Stabbed in Geneva
On September 10, 1898, Empress Elisabeth of Austria was assassinated in Geneva by Italian anarchist Luigi Lucheni.
President William McKinley Is Shot in Buffalo
On September 6, 1901, President William McKinley was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz in Buffalo; he died of gangrene eight days later.
The Boxer Protocol Is Signed in Beijing
On September 7, 1901, China signed the Boxer Protocol with eleven powers, agreeing to a huge indemnity and foreign troops in Beijing.
Pravda Is Founded in Vienna
On October 3, 1908, the first issue of Pravda was published in Vienna by Russian exiles including Trotsky.
Portugal Becomes a Republic
On October 5, 1910, a republic was proclaimed in Portugal and King Manuel II fled into exile.
Yuan Shikai Becomes Prime Minister of the Qing Court
On November 1, 1911, the Qing court named Yuan Shikai prime minister and called on him to hold the army together.
Theodore Roosevelt Is Shot While Campaigning
Theodore Roosevelt was shot in the chest in Milwaukee on October 14, 1912, and went on to deliver his speech before seeing a doctor.
Russia Is Proclaimed a Republic
On September 14, 1917, Russia's Provisional Government declared the country a republic, weeks before the Bolshevik seizure of power.
Britain Issues the Balfour Declaration on Palestine
On November 2, 1917, Britain's Balfour Declaration backed a Jewish national home in Palestine.
Nellie Tayloe Ross Becomes the First Woman Governor
On November 4, 1924, Nellie Tayloe Ross became the first woman elected U.S. governor.
The Soviet Union Launches Its First Five-Year Plan
On October 1, 1928, the Soviet Union launched its first five-year plan, forcing industrialization and collectivization.
The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes Becomes Yugoslavia
On October 3, 1929, the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes was renamed Yugoslavia under King Alexander.
Haile Selassie Is Crowned Emperor of Ethiopia
On November 2, 1930, Haile Selassie was crowned emperor of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa.
The Mukden Incident Gives Japan a Pretext to Invade Manchuria
On September 18, 1931, the staged Mukden Incident gave Japan's Kwantung Army a pretext to invade and occupy Manchuria.
Al Capone Is Convicted of Tax Evasion
Al Capone was convicted of tax evasion on October 17, 1931, and sentenced to eleven years, the charge that finally ended his power.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Is Proclaimed
On September 23, 1932, Ibn Saud proclaimed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, uniting Hejaz and Nejd under one state.
Iraq Becomes Independent
On October 3, 1932, Iraq became independent from Britain and joined the League of Nations.
Germany Leaves the League of Nations
Germany left the League of Nations on October 14, 1933, Hitler's first open break with the Versailles system and the start of rearmament.
King Alexander I of Yugoslavia Is Assassinated in Marseille
King Alexander I of Yugoslavia was assassinated in Marseille on October 9, 1934, along with French Foreign Minister Louis Barthou.
Nazi Germany Enacts the Nuremberg Laws
On September 15, 1935, Nazi Germany enacted the Nuremberg Laws, stripping Jews of citizenship and banning mixed marriages.
The Three Red Armies Meet in Gansu
On October 22, 1936, the main Red Army forces met at Jiangtaibao in Gansu, completing the Long March that had begun in 1934.
Mussolini Names the Berlin-Rome Axis
On November 1, 1936, Mussolini called the Italy-Germany alliance an "axis," naming the era's central pact.
Britain, France, Germany and Italy Sign the Munich Agreement
On September 29, 1938, the Munich Agreement was signed, handing the Sudetenland to Germany without Czechoslovakia at the table.
Nazi Germany Invalidates Jewish Passports
On October 5, 1938, Nazi Germany invalidated Jewish passports and ordered them stamped with a J.
Roosevelt Signs the First Peacetime Draft in American History
On September 16, 1940, Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service Act, the first peacetime military draft in United States history.
Construction Begins on the Pentagon
On September 11, 1941, work began on the Pentagon in Virginia; it was finished 16 months later as the world's largest office building.
Japan Signs the Instrument of Surrender Aboard USS Missouri
On September 2, 1945, Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, formally bringing World War II to an end.
French Women Vote for the First Time
French women voted for the first time on October 21, 1945. The right had been granted the previous year after the liberation of France.
Vidkun Quisling Is Executed
On October 24, 1945, Vidkun Quisling, the Norwegian leader who collaborated with the German occupation, was executed in Oslo for treason.
The United Nations Comes into Being
The United Nations was founded on October 24, 1945, when its Charter took effect. Fifty-one nations were the original members.
China Resumes Sovereignty Over Taiwan
On October 25, 1945, Japan surrendered its forces in Taiwan to China, ending fifty years of colonial rule and returning the island to Chinese sovereignty.
Jawaharlal Nehru Takes Charge of India's Interim Government
On September 2, 1946, Nehru was sworn into the Interim Government of India, the first Indian cabinet with real executive power under British rule.
Japan Promulgates a New Peace Constitution
On November 3, 1946, Japan promulgated a new constitution renouncing war.
The National Security Act Creates the CIA
On September 18, 1947, the National Security Act created the CIA, the National Security Council and an independent Air Force.
Truman Makes the First Televised Presidential Address
On October 5, 1947, Truman gave the first televised presidential address, asking Americans to save grain.
HUAC Opens Hollywood Hearings
HUAC began hearings on Communist influence in Hollywood on October 20, 1947. The investigation led to a blacklist that ended careers for years.
The Maharaja of Kashmir Accedes to India
On October 26, 1947, Kashmir's ruler acceded to India, bringing Indian troops and the first Indo-Pakistani war over the disputed state.
Juliana Becomes Queen of the Netherlands
On September 6, 1948, Juliana became Queen of the Netherlands after her mother Wilhelmina abdicated, reigning until 1980.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea Is Proclaimed
On September 9, 1948, the DPRK was proclaimed in the north of Korea with Kim Il Sung as premier, splitting the peninsula.
The First Plenary Session of the CPPCC Opens in Beiping
On September 21, 1949, the first CPPCC plenary session opened in Beiping and began the process that established the People's Republic of China.
The People's Republic of China Is Proclaimed
On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the People's Republic of China from the Tiananmen Gate in Beijing.
The German Democratic Republic Is Founded in the Soviet Zone
The German Democratic Republic was founded on October 7, 1949, in the Soviet occupation zone, four months after the West German state.
The Government Administration Council Is Set Up
On October 21, 1949, the Government Administration Council of the Central People's Government was formed, with Zhou Enlai as premier.
The Hague Agreement Transfers Sovereignty to Indonesia
On November 2, 1949, the Hague Agreement handed sovereignty over Indonesia to a new republic.
Forty-Eight Nations Sign the Treaty of San Francisco with Japan
On September 8, 1951, 48 nations signed a peace treaty with Japan at San Francisco; China was not invited and rejected its validity.
Winston Churchill Returns as Prime Minister
Winston Churchill became prime minister again on 26 October 1951 at the age of 77, after the Conservatives won an election with a majority of 17.
West Germany Joins NATO
West Germany joined NATO on October 22, 1954, rearming a defeated nation. The move deepened the Cold War division of Europe.
Ngo Dinh Diem Becomes President of South Vietnam
On October 26, 1955, Ngo Dinh Diem made himself president of South Vietnam after a rigged vote against Bao Dai.
Austria Declares Permanent Neutrality
On October 26, 1955, Austria adopted a constitutional law of permanent neutrality, after the state treaty that ended the allied occupation.
The Hungarian Revolution Begins
The Hungarian Revolution began on October 23, 1956, with a demonstration in Budapest. Soviet forces crushed it weeks later.
Soviet Tanks Crush the Hungarian Revolution
On November 4, 1956, Soviet tanks rolled into Budapest and crushed the Hungarian Revolution.
Guinea Becomes Independent From France
On October 2, 1958, Guinea became independent from France after rejecting the French Community.
The Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Is Established
On October 25, 1958, the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region was established in north west China, with Yinchuan as its capital.
Khrushchev Becomes the First Soviet Leader to Visit the United States
On September 15, 1959, Nikita Khrushchev became the first Soviet leader to visit the United States, spending 13 days in the country.
The First Televised Presidential Debate Is Held in Chicago
On September 26, 1960, the first televised presidential debate was held in Chicago between Kennedy and Nixon, before 70 million viewers.
Nigeria Becomes Independent From Britain
On October 1, 1960, Nigeria became independent from Britain with about 45 million people and three regions.
Algerian Protesters Are Killed by Police in Paris
A peaceful Algerian march in Paris was put down by police on October 17, 1961, and hundreds are estimated to have died.
Kennedy Announces the Cuba Quarantine
President Kennedy announced the discovery of Soviet missiles in Cuba on October 22, 1962, and ordered a naval quarantine. The Cuban Missile Crisis began.
The Federation of Malaysia Is Proclaimed
On September 16, 1963, Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak formed the Federation of Malaysia. Singapore was expelled less than two years later.
The Partial Test Ban Treaty Takes Effect
The Partial Test Ban Treaty took effect on October 10, 1963, ending nuclear tests in the atmosphere, in space and under water.
South Vietnam's President Ngo Dinh Diem Is Killed
On November 2, 1963, South Vietnam's President Diem was killed in a coup in Saigon.
Lesotho Becomes Independent
On October 4, 1966, Basutoland became independent from Britain as the Kingdom of Lesotho.
Gibraltar Votes to Remain British
On September 10, 1967, Gibraltar voted overwhelmingly to remain British rather than transfer to Spanish sovereignty.
Thurgood Marshall Joins the Supreme Court
On October 2, 1967, Thurgood Marshall became the first African American justice of the US Supreme Court.
Che Guevara Is Executed at La Higuera
Che Guevara was executed at La Higuera in Bolivia on October 9, 1967, one day after Bolivian Rangers captured him.
Protesters March on the Pentagon
More than 50,000 people marched on the Pentagon on October 21, 1967 to protest the Vietnam War. Hundreds were arrested.
Swaziland Gains Independence from Britain
On September 6, 1968, Swaziland gained independence from Britain with King Sobhuza II as head of state; it renamed itself Eswatini in 2018.
The Tlatelolco Massacre in Mexico City
On October 2, 1968, soldiers fired on students at Tlatelolco in Mexico City, days before the Olympics.
Gaddafi Seizes Power in Libya
On September 1, 1969, Muammar Gaddafi and a group of army officers overthrew King Idris I of Libya without a shot being fired.
Gamal Abdel Nasser Dies in Cairo at 52
On September 28, 1970, Gamal Abdel Nasser died of a heart attack in Cairo at 52, and millions mourned him across the Arab world.
Fiji Becomes Independent After 96 Years as a British Colony
Fiji became independent on October 10, 1970, after 96 years as a British colony, with Ratu Kamisese Mara as its first prime minister.
Salvador Allende Is Elected in Chile
Salvador Allende was confirmed as president of Chile on October 24, 1970, the first Marxist elected democratically. His government fell in a 1973 coup.
Nikita Khrushchev Dies in Moscow
On September 11, 1971, Nikita Khrushchev died in Moscow, seven years after the party removed him from power.
China and Japan Sign the Joint Statement Normalising Relations
On September 29, 1972, China and Japan signed a joint statement in Beijing normalising diplomatic relations after 25 years.
East and West Germany Are Admitted to the United Nations
On September 18, 1973, East and West Germany both joined the United Nations, 24 years after the two states were founded.
The Arab Oil Embargo Triggers the Energy Crisis
The Arab oil embargo began on October 16, 1973, after an OPEC price rise, and oil prices roughly quadrupled within months.
President Ford Pardons Richard Nixon
On September 8, 1974, President Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon for any crimes committed during his presidency.
The Gang of Four Are Arrested, Ending the Cultural Revolution
Four of China's most powerful radicals, including Mao Zedong's widow, were arrested in Beijing on October 6, 1976.
The Thammasat University Massacre in Bangkok
Police and paramilitaries killed 46 students at Thammasat University in Bangkok on October 6, 1976, and the army took power.
Vietnam Is Admitted to the United Nations
On September 20, 1977, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam joined the United Nations, two years after reunification ended the Vietnam War.
Deng Xiaoping Visits Japan
On October 22, 1978, Deng Xiaoping arrived in Tokyo, the first Chinese leader to visit Japan since 1949, for the treaty of peace and friendship.
Park Chung-hee Is Assassinated
On October 26, 1979, South Korea's president Park Chung-hee was shot by his own spy chief, Kim Jae-gyu, in Seoul.
Solidarity Is Founded at the Lenin Shipyard in Gdansk
On September 17, 1980, Polish workers founded Solidarity at Gdansk, the first independent trade union in the Soviet bloc.
Solidarity Is Recognized in Poland
Poland recognized the independent union Solidarity on October 24, 1980. It was the first free union in the Soviet bloc.
Anwar Sadat Is Assassinated at a Military Parade in Cairo
Egyptian President Anwar Sadat was assassinated at a military parade in Cairo on October 6, 1981, by Islamist officers.
A Suicide Bomber Attacks the US Embassy Annex in Beirut
On September 20, 1984, a suicide bombing at the US embassy annex in Beirut killed 23 people and deepened the American withdrawal from Lebanon.
Britain and China Initial the Joint Declaration on Hong Kong
On September 26, 1984, Britain and China initialled the Joint Declaration on Hong Kong, setting the terms for the 1997 handover.
The Hijacking of the Achille Lauro and the Killing of Leon Klinghoffer
Gunmen from the Palestine Liberation Front seized the cruise ship Achille Lauro on October 7, 1985, and killed passenger Leon Klinghoffer.
Reagan and Gorbachev Meet at Reykjavik
Reagan and Gorbachev met at Reykjavik on October 11, 1986, and came close to abolishing nuclear weapons before talks broke down over SDI.
Mozambique's President Dies in a Plane Crash
On October 19, 1986, Mozambican president Samora Machel died when his plane crashed into a hillside in South Africa; 34 people were killed.
Marshal Ye Jianying Dies
On October 22, 1986, Marshal Ye Jianying, one of the ten marshals of the People's Liberation Army, died in Beijing at the age of 89.
North and South Korea Join the United Nations Together
On September 17, 1991, North and South Korea joined the United Nations as separate states, after decades of rival claims to represent all of Korea.
The Paris Peace Agreements End the Cambodian Conflict
On October 23, 1991, the Paris peace agreements were signed, ending Cambodia's long conflict and placing the country under a UN authority.
The Maastricht Treaty Brings the European Union Into Being
On November 1, 1993, the Maastricht Treaty took effect and created the European Union.
The United States and North Korea Sign a Nuclear Agreement
On October 21, 1994, the United States and North Korea signed the Agreed Framework in Geneva to freeze the North Korean nuclear programme.
Yitzhak Rabin Is Assassinated at a Peace Rally
On November 4, 1995, Yitzhak Rabin was shot dead after a peace rally in Tel Aviv.
The Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales
On September 6, 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales, was buried from Westminster Abbey after a car crash in Paris; billions watched worldwide.
Jiang Zemin Visits the United States
On October 26, 1997, Jiang Zemin arrived in the United States for the first state visit by a Chinese head of state since 1985.
Augusto Pinochet Is Arrested in London
Augusto Pinochet was arrested in London on October 17, 1998, on a Spanish warrant, a first for a former head of state.
Maurice Papon Is Convicted
Maurice Papon was jailed on October 22, 1999 for complicity in deporting Jews from wartime France. The case forced France to face its past.
The September 11 Attacks on the United States
On September 11, 2001, hijackers flew four planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, killing nearly 3,000 people.
George W. Bush Announces the War on Terror to Congress
On September 20, 2001, Bush addressed Congress after 9/11 and demanded the Taliban surrender al-Qaeda, setting out what became the war on terror.
Trial of Saddam Hussein Begins
Saddam Hussein's trial began in Baghdad on October 19, 2005. He was charged over the 1982 killings in Dujail and executed the next year.
European Leaders Agree the Lisbon Treaty
On October 19, 2007, European Union leaders meeting in Lisbon approved a new treaty to replace the rejected constitution.
Barack Obama Wins the U.S. Presidency
On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama was elected the first Black U.S. president.
Muammar Gaddafi Is Killed
Muammar Gaddafi was captured and killed in Sirte on October 20, 2011, ending his 42-year rule of Libya. His death left the country in chaos.