October 31 has been a significant date throughout history, marked by notable events that have shaped various aspects of our world.
From religious reforms and political upheavals to achievements in exploration and technology, this date reflects a wide array of impactful moments.
This article explores 20 such events, offering a chronological overview of their historical importance and lasting legacy.
October 31st – On this Day in History
475 – Romulus Augustulus is Proclaimed Western Roman Emperor
In the year 475, Romulus Augustulus was proclaimed the Western Roman Emperor. He ascended to power at a very young age, being just a teenager, and his reign was marked by the rapid decline of the Western Roman Empire.
His father, Orestes, a Roman general, played a pivotal role in his rise by deposing the previous emperor, Julius Nepos.
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Romulus Augustulus, often considered the last Roman emperor of the West, saw his rule come to an abrupt end in 476 when he was overthrown by the Germanic chieftain Odoacer.
This event is traditionally marked as the fall of the Western Roman Empire, signaling the end of ancient Rome’s dominance and the beginning of the Middle Ages in Europe.
802 – Empress Irene is Deposed as Ruler of the Byzantine Empire

On October 31, 802, Empress Irene of Athens was deposed from her position as ruler of the Byzantine Empire. Irene was notable for being the first woman to rule the empire in her own right.
She initially served as regent for her young son, Constantine VI, but later ruled as empress after his removal. Irene’s reign was marked by her efforts to restore the veneration of icons, which had been banned during the period of Iconoclasm.
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Despite her efforts to solidify her rule, Irene faced significant opposition and was eventually overthrown in a palace coup led by Nikephoros, who then became emperor. Her deposition marked the end of a unique period of female leadership in the Byzantine Empire.
1517 – Martin Luther Posts his 95 Theses
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther, a German monk and theologian, nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Palace church.
This act is widely regarded as the spark that ignited the Protestant Reformation. Luther’s theses criticized the Catholic Church’s practice of selling indulgences and called for a return to what he saw as the true teachings of the Bible.
His actions challenged the authority of the Pope and the Catholic Church, leading to a religious upheaval across Europe. The Reformation resulted in the establishment of various Protestant denominations and had profound effects on the religious, cultural, and political landscape of the continent.
1587 – Leiden University Library Opens
On October 31, 1587, Leiden University Library opened its doors to the public. Established in 1575 by the Dutch States-General in gratitude for Leiden’s resistance against Spanish forces, the library quickly became a center of learning and scholarship in Europe. It was one of the first libraries to be founded as a part of a university, setting a precedent for other academic institutions.
The library housed an impressive collection of books and manuscripts, attracting scholars from all over the world. Its establishment marked an important moment in the history of education and knowledge dissemination, contributing significantly to the intellectual climate of the Renaissance.
1793 – Execution of Girondists During the Reign of Terror
On October 31, 1793, twenty-one leaders of the Girondist political faction were executed by guillotine in Paris during the Reign of Terror.

The Girondists were a group of moderate republicans who had played a significant role in the early phases of the French Revolution. However, they fell out of favor with the more radical Jacobins, who accused them of being counter-revolutionaries.
Their execution was part of the broader campaign of political repression and violence orchestrated by the Jacobins, aimed at eliminating perceived enemies of the revolution. The fall of the Girondists highlighted the increasing radicalization of the revolution and the pervasive atmosphere of fear and mistrust that characterized the Reign of Terror.
1864 – Nevada is Admitted as the 36th U.S. State
On October 31, 1864, Nevada was officially admitted to the Union as the 36th state. The process of Nevada’s statehood was expedited due to its significant contributions to the Union during the American Civil War, particularly in terms of its rich silver resources.
President Abraham Lincoln supported Nevada’s statehood as a way to bolster support for his administration and the war effort. The state’s motto, “Battle Born,” reflects its birth during the Civil War.
Nevada’s admission to the Union helped ensure Lincoln’s re-election and strengthened the Republican Party’s influence in Congress, playing a critical role in the Union’s victory and the subsequent reconstruction period.
1903 – The First Automobiles Arrive in the Philippines
On October 31, 1903, the Philippines witnessed the arrival of its first automobiles, marking a significant moment in the country’s modernization and transportation history. These early vehicles were imported by American entrepreneurs following the Philippines’ acquisition by the United States after the Spanish-American War.
The introduction of automobiles revolutionized transportation in the archipelago, previously reliant on horses, carabaos, and traditional boats. This advancement facilitated improved connectivity between cities and regions, contributing to economic development and the transformation of urban landscapes.
The arrival of automobiles symbolized the broader influence of American culture and technology in the Philippines during the early 20th century.
1917 – The Battle of Beersheba Takes Place During World War I

On October 31, 1917, the Battle of Beersheba occurred as part of the Sinai and Palestine Campaign during World War I. The battle saw Allied forces, primarily Australian and New Zealand troops, launching a surprise attack on the Ottoman defenses in the town of Beersheba, in present-day Israel.
The successful capture of Beersheba by the Allied forces was notable for the use of a dramatic cavalry charge by the Australian Light Horse Brigade, one of the last successful cavalry charges in military history. This victory was a turning point in the campaign, allowing the Allies to break through the Ottoman defensive line and eventually capture Jerusalem.
The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of combined arms tactics and significantly boosted Allied morale in the Middle Eastern theater.
1922 – Benito Mussolini is Made Prime Minister of Italy
On October 31, 1922, Benito Mussolini was appointed Prime Minister of Italy by King Victor Emmanuel III. This appointment followed the infamous “March on Rome,” during which Mussolini’s National Fascist Party demonstrated its growing power by mobilizing thousands of Blackshirts to converge on the capital.
The king’s decision to invite Mussolini to form a government was influenced by the desire to prevent civil unrest and maintain stability in the face of political chaos and widespread social unrest.
Mussolini’s rise to power marked the beginning of fascist rule in Italy, leading to significant changes in the country’s political structure, social policies, and alignment in international affairs. Mussolini’s regime emphasized authoritarian control, nationalism, and the suppression of political dissent, setting the stage for Italy’s involvement in World War II alongside Nazi Germany.
1926 – Magician Harry Houdini Dies
On October 31, 1926, the world-famous magician and escape artist Harry Houdini died from complications of a ruptured appendix. Born Erik Weisz in Hungary, Houdini gained international fame for his daring escape acts and illusions, captivating audiences with his performances that included escaping from handcuffs, straitjackets, and water-filled tanks.
Houdini’s death came shortly after he suffered a blow to the abdomen from a college student who was testing Houdini’s claim that he could withstand strong punches. The injury aggravated an existing appendicitis condition, leading to peritonitis and ultimately his death.
Houdini’s passing on Halloween added to his mystique, and he left a lasting legacy in the world of magic and entertainment. His life and career continue to inspire magicians and illusionists, and his contributions to the art of escape performance remain unparalleled.
1938 – Orson Welles’ Radio Adaptation of “The War of the Worlds” Causes Panic
On October 31, 1938, Orson Welles’ radio adaptation of H.G. Wells’ science fiction novel “The War of the Worlds” was broadcast on CBS. This broadcast became infamous for allegedly causing widespread panic among listeners.
Presented as a series of realistic news bulletins, the program described an ongoing Martian invasion of Earth, leading many to believe that an actual extraterrestrial invasion was taking place.
The show was so convincing that it reportedly caused people to flee their homes, stock up on supplies, and inundate police with calls. Although the extent of the panic was likely exaggerated in subsequent reports, the broadcast highlighted the power of radio as a medium and showcased Welles’ innovative approach to storytelling.
1941 – Mount Rushmore is Completed
On October 31, 1941, the monumental carving of Mount Rushmore in South Dakota was declared complete. This colossal sculpture features the 60-foot heads of four U.S. Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
Conceived by historian Doane Robinson and executed by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, the project aimed to promote tourism in the region and celebrate the nation’s history and democratic ideals. Work on the mountain began in 1927 and spanned 14 years, involving the labor of over 400 workers who faced dangerous conditions to carve the granite cliffs.
Mount Rushmore has since become an iconic symbol of American heritage and a major tourist attraction, embodying the country’s values and achievements.
1956 – Rear Admiral G.J. Dufek Becomes the First Person to Land an Airplane at the South Pole
On October 31, 1956, Rear Admiral George J. Dufek of the United States Navy became the first person to land an airplane at the South Pole.
This historic landing was part of Operation Deep Freeze, a series of missions aimed at establishing American scientific research stations in Antarctica. Dufek’s successful flight and landing represented a significant achievement in polar exploration and underscored the strategic and scientific importance of the Antarctic region.
The operation facilitated extensive scientific research, contributing valuable data on the continent’s geology, meteorology, and biology. Dufek’s accomplishment also paved the way for future exploration and research activities in one of the most remote and inhospitable places on Earth.
1961 – Stalin’s Body is Removed from Lenin’s Tomb
On October 31, 1961, the Soviet Union’s leadership, under Nikita Khrushchev, ordered the removal of Joseph Stalin’s body from Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow’s Red Square.

This action was part of the broader process of de-Stalinization, initiated by Khrushchev to dismantle the cult of personality surrounding Stalin and to distance the government from the atrocities committed during his regime.
Stalin had been entombed alongside Vladimir Lenin since his death in 1953, but increasing awareness of his brutal policies, including purges, forced labor camps, and mass executions, led to a reevaluation of his legacy.
Removing Stalin’s body from the mausoleum symbolized the Soviet Union’s effort to confront and rectify the excesses of his rule, marking a significant shift in the country’s political and cultural landscape.
1984 – Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is Assassinated
On October 31, 1984, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her own bodyguards at her residence in New Delhi. The assassination was carried out by Satwant Singh and Beant Singh, both of whom were Sikh nationalists angered by Operation Blue Star, a military action ordered by Gandhi to remove Sikh militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Gandhi’s death led to widespread anti-Sikh riots, resulting in thousands of deaths and extensive violence. Indira Gandhi, the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, was a central figure in Indian politics, known for her strong leadership and controversial policies.
Her assassination marked a tragic and tumultuous moment in Indian history, highlighting the deep-seated religious and political tensions within the country.
1993 – The Maastricht Treaty Takes Effect, Establishing the European Union
On October 31, 1993, the Maastricht Treaty officially came into effect, marking a significant milestone in the history of European integration. Signed in the Dutch city of Maastricht on February 7, 1992, the treaty laid the groundwork for the creation of the European Union (EU) and introduced new forms of cooperation between the member states in areas such as foreign policy, security, and justice.
It also established the criteria for the future introduction of a single European currency, the euro, which would later come into circulation in 2002. The Maastricht Treaty represented a major step toward closer political and economic union in Europe, aiming to foster greater stability, prosperity, and solidarity among its member states.
The establishment of the EU has since played a crucial role in shaping the political and economic landscape of the continent, promoting peace, and enhancing collaboration on various global challenges.
1994 – American Eagle Flight 4184 Crashes in Roselawn, Indiana
On October 31, 1994, American Eagle Flight 4184, a commuter flight operated by Simmons Airlines on behalf of American Airlines, tragically crashed in a field near Roselawn, Indiana. All 68 people on board were killed. The aircraft, an ATR 72-212, encountered severe icing conditions that led to a loss of control.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation revealed that the plane’s de-icing system was inadequate for the extreme icing conditions encountered during the flight. The crash highlighted critical safety issues regarding aircraft certification standards and the need for improved de-icing systems.
This disaster led to significant changes in aviation regulations, including stricter standards for aircraft performance in icing conditions and enhanced training for pilots to handle such situations.
1999 – EgyptAir Flight 990 Crashes into the Atlantic Ocean
On October 31, 1999, EgyptAir Flight 990, a Boeing 767-300ER, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, killing all 217 people on board. The flight was en route from Los Angeles to Cairo with a stopover in New York City.
The subsequent investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded that the crash was a result of actions taken by the relief first officer, who was alone in the cockpit at the time of the incident. However, the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority disputed this conclusion, attributing the crash to mechanical failure.
The disaster remains a topic of controversy and debate, highlighting challenges in international aviation safety investigations and the complexities of determining the causes of such tragedies.
2011 – The Global Population Reaches 7 Billion
On October 31, 2011, the world’s population was estimated to have reached 7 billion, according to the United Nations. This milestone underscored significant demographic changes and posed both opportunities and challenges for sustainable development.
The rapid population growth, particularly in developing regions, highlighted issues such as resource allocation, environmental sustainability, and social infrastructure. The increase also emphasized the need for effective policies on health, education, and economic development to ensure a better quality of life for the growing global population.
This demographic landmark sparked discussions about the balance between population growth and resource management, as well as the importance of addressing inequalities and promoting sustainable practices to support future generations.
2015 – Metrojet Flight 9268 Crashes in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula
On October 31, 2015, Metrojet Flight 9268, an Airbus A321-200, crashed in the Sinai Peninsula shortly after taking off from Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, en route to Saint Petersburg, Russia. All 224 passengers and crew on board were killed.
The investigation revealed that the aircraft had been brought down by an explosive device, leading to widespread suspicions of a terrorist attack. The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the bombing.
This tragic incident had significant repercussions for international aviation security and the tourism industry in Egypt, leading to increased security measures at airports worldwide. The crash underscored the persistent threat of terrorism and the need for enhanced cooperation among nations to combat such threats and ensure the safety of air travel.