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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Italy Signs the Armistice of Cassibile With the Allies
On September 3, 1943, Italy signed the Armistice of Cassibile with the Allies, a secret surrender announced five days later as German troops moved in.
German Commandos Rescue Benito Mussolini
On September 12, 1943, German commandos rescued Mussolini from house arrest on the Gran Sasso in central Italy.
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 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.
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.
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.
Nikita Khrushchev Dies in Moscow
On September 11, 1971, Nikita Khrushchev died in Moscow, seven years after the party removed him from power.
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.