Nathan Hale Is Hanged as a Spy in New York
On September 22, 1776, Nathan Hale was hanged by the British in New York for spying, at the age of 21.
British Spy John Andre Is Hanged
On October 2, 1780, British major John Andre was hanged as a spy after the plot to surrender West Point.
Edith Cavell Is Executed by a German Firing Squad
British nurse Edith Cavell was executed in Brussels on October 12, 1915, for helping Allied soldiers escape occupied Belgium.
Mata Hari Is Executed by a French Firing Squad
Mata Hari, the Dutch dancer Margaretha Zelle, was executed by firing squad at Vincennes on October 15, 1917, for espionage.
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.
Hermann Goering Takes Poison Before His Execution
Hermann Goering took cyanide in his Nuremberg cell on October 15, 1946, hours before his execution for war crimes.
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.