Written by Sarette Agnew
Modified & Updated: 07 Dec 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
Every day in history is filled with significant events that have shaped our world. October 28th is no exception. From political milestones to notable births and deaths, this day has witnessed its fair share of remarkable occurrences. Exploring the facts and events that happened on October 28th allows us to gain insights into the past and understand how it has influenced the present. Whether it’s a scientific breakthrough, a historical turning point, or a momentous cultural event, each happening on this date adds another layer to our collective knowledge. In this article, we will dive into the noteworthy events and fascinating facts that took place on October 28th throughout history.
Key Takeaways:
- October 28th marks the end of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the dedication of the Statue of Liberty, showing how history is filled with pivotal moments and iconic events.
- On October 28th, scientific breakthroughs like the eradication of smallpox and the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb have left a lasting impact on the world.
HISTORICAL EVENTS
- 1962: The Cuban Missile Crisis ended as the United States and the Soviet Union reached a negotiated settlement, with both sides agreeing to remove their nuclear weapons from Cuba.
- 1919: The Volstead Act was passed by the United States Congress, enforcing Prohibition and banning the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages.
- 1886: The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the United States, was dedicated in New York Harbor by President Grover Cleveland.
- 1636: Harvard College, the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, was founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- 312: Roman Emperor Constantine the Great defeated Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge, securing his position as the sole ruler of the Roman Empire.
SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS
- 1980: The World Health Organization declared that smallpox, a deadly infectious disease, had been eradicated from the face of the Earth, making it the first disease to be eradicated by human effort.
- 1922: British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the entrance to the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.
- 1901: The American physicist and inventor, Nikola Tesla, received the patent for the “Means for Transmitting Electrical Energy”, which laid the foundation for the development of wireless power transmission.
- 1846: William Morton successfully demonstrated the use of ether as an anesthetic for surgery, revolutionizing the field of medicine.
- 1676: Danish astronomer Ole Rømer made the first quantitative measurement of the speed of light, determining it to be approximately 225,000 kilometers per second.
POLITICAL MILESTONES
- 1929: The Wall Street Crash of 1929 began, leading to the Great Depression and a prolonged economic downturn worldwide.
- 1949: The People’s Republic of China was formally established, with Mao Zedong being proclaimed as its Chairman.
- 1918: Czechoslovakia, an independent state, was proclaimed in Prague, marking the culmination of the Czechoslovak National Council’s struggle for independence.
- 1834: The British Parliament passed the Poor Law Amendment Act, which reformed the welfare system and established workhouses for the poor.
- 1531: The Battle of Amba Sel took place in Ethiopia, where Ethiopian forces led by Emperor Gelawdewos defeated an invading army of Somalis and Egyptians.
CULTURAL EVENTS
- 1965: The Beatles were awarded the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II, recognizing their contributions to music and popular culture.
- 1992: Francis Ford Coppola’s film “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” was released in theaters, receiving critical acclaim for its visual style and innovative interpretation of the classic vampire tale.
- 1962: American author Ken Kesey’s novel “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” was published, exploring the themes of conformity and rebellion in a mental institution.
- 1955: “Rebel Without a Cause,” starring James Dean, was released in theaters, becoming a cultural icon and symbolizing the disillusionment of American youth in the 1950s.
- 1848: The first performance of Jacques Offenbach’s operetta “Orpheus in the Underworld” took place in Paris, introducing the famous “Can-can” dance to the world.
BIRTHS
- 1955: Bill Gates, American business magnate, software developer, and co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, was born in Seattle, Washington.
- 1967: Julia Roberts, American actress and one of the highest-paid actresses in the world, was born in Smyrna, Georgia.
- 1949: Bruce Jenner (now known as Caitlyn Jenner), former Olympic gold medalist and reality television personality, was born in Mount Kisco, New York.
- 1914: Jonas Salk, American medical researcher and virologist who developed the first successful polio vaccine, was born in New York City, New York.
- 1897: Edith Head, American costume designer who won eight Academy Awards for her work in films, was born in San Bernardino, California.
NOTABLE DEATHS
- 1991: Miles Davis, American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer, passed away in Santa Monica, California.
- 1976: Bing Crosby, American singer, actor, and one of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century, died in Madrid, Spain.
- 1492: Piero della Francesca, Italian painter of the Early Renaissance, known for his mathematical approach to perspective, died in Sansepolcro, Italy.
- 1912: Ito Hirobumi, Japanese statesman and the first Prime Minister of Japan, was assassinated by a Korean nationalist in Harbin, China.
- 1849: Frédéric Chopin, Polish composer and virtuoso pianist, passed away in Paris, France.
Conclusion
October 28th has witnessed numerous significant events in history, ranging from political milestones and scientific breakthroughs to cultural events and noteworthy births and deaths. It marks pivotal moments such as the end of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the founding of Harvard College, and the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China. Scientific achievements like the eradication of smallpox and the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb have had lasting impacts. Cultural events like the Beatles receiving the MBE and the release of iconic films reflect the influence of October 28th. It is also a day to remember the birth of notable personalities like Bill Gates and Julia Roberts. Sadly, it is also a day that saw the passing of legends like Miles Davis and Frédéric Chopin. These events remind us of the rich tapestry of history that has unfolded on October 28th.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of October 28th in history?
A: October 28th has witnessed significant historical events, scientific breakthroughs, political milestones, cultural events, and notable births and deaths.
Q: What are some notable events that occurred on October 28th?
A: Some notable events that occurred on October 28th include the end of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the dedication of the Statue of Liberty, the eradication of smallpox, the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China, and the release of iconic films like “Rebel Without a Cause.
Q: Who was born on October 28th?
A: Bill Gates, Julia Roberts, Bruce Jenner (now known as Caitlyn Jenner), Jonas Salk, and Edith Head are some notable personalities born on October 28th.
Q: Who passed away on October 28th?
A: Miles Davis, Bing Crosby, Piero della Francesca, Ito Hirobumi, and Frédéric Chopin are some notable individuals who passed away on October 28th.
Q: Are there any scientific breakthroughs associated with October 28th?
A: Yes, scientific breakthroughs such as the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb and the measurement of the speed of light were achieved on October 28th.
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