The Continental Congress Establishes the Continental Navy
The Continental Congress voted on October 13, 1775 to fit out two warships, the origin of the United States Navy.
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.
Belgium Proclaims Independence From the Netherlands
On October 4, 1830, Belgium declared independence from the Netherlands after an uprising in Brussels.
The Texas Revolution Begins at Gonzales
On October 2, 1835, Texian militia turned back Mexican cavalry at Gonzales, starting the Texas Revolution.
Portugal Becomes a Republic
On October 5, 1910, a republic was proclaimed in Portugal and King Manuel II fled into exile.
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.
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 Hungarian Revolution Begins
The Hungarian Revolution began on October 23, 1956, with a demonstration in Budapest. Soviet forces crushed it weeks later.
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.