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 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.
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.
The Arrow Incident Opens the Second Opium War
On October 23, 1856, British forces attacked the forts on the Pearl river near Guangzhou, opening the Second Opium War.
The Convention of Beijing Ends the Second Opium War
On October 24, 1860, the Qing court signed the Convention of Beijing with Britain, ending the Second Opium War on terms imposed on China.
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.
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.
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 Suez War Begins
On October 29, 1956, Israeli forces entered Sinai and the Suez war began, after Egypt nationalised the Suez Canal company.
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.
The IOC Restores China's Seat
On October 25, 1979, the International Olympic Committee adopted the Nagoya resolution, restoring the People's Republic of China's seat.
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.