Throughout history, October 24 has been the stage for many remarkable events. Today, we look back at the major historical events that unfolded on October 24 across different years, exploring how they influenced the world and left their mark on history.
Major Historical Events on October 24- Today in History
- Antonie van Leeuwenhoek Observes Microorganisms – 1632 AD
- The Peace of Westphalia Ends Major Wars – 1648 AD
- First Transcontinental Telegram Marks End of Pony Express – 1861 AD
- Battle of Caporetto Sees Italian Forces Crumble – 1917 AD
- Benito Mussolini’s Rise to Power Begins – 1922 AD
- Stock Market Panic on “Black Thursday” – 1929 AD
- 40-Hour Workweek Becomes U.S. Standard – 1940 AD
- United Nations Charter Takes Effect – 1945 AD
- Walt Disney Testifies Before HUAC – 1947 AD
- The Manchurian Candidate Thrills Audiences – 1962 AD
- Salvador Allende Elected as First Marxist President of Chile – 1970 AD
- Toronto Blue Jays Win Historic World Series – 1992 AD
- Concorde Supersonic Passenger Flights End – 2003 AD
- Civil Rights Icon Rosa Parks Passes Away – 2005 AD
- Fats Domino, Rock Pioneer, Dies at 89 – 2017 AD
- Einstein’s “Theory of Happiness” Note Sells for $1.56 Million – 2017 AD
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek Observes Microorganisms – 1632 AD
Dutch scientist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, born on this day, became the first person to observe bacteria and protozoa, revolutionizing microbiology with his handcrafted microscopes.
The Peace of Westphalia Ends Major Wars – 1648 AD
The Peace of Westphalia ended two major European conflicts: the Eighty Years’ War between Spain and the Dutch, and the German phase of the Thirty Years’ War, reshaping the political landscape of Europe.
First Transcontinental Telegram Marks End of Pony Express – 1861 AD
The first transcontinental telegram in the U.S. was sent, connecting the country coast to coast via telegraph, which brought an end to the Pony Express.
Battle of Caporetto Sees Italian Forces Crumble – 1917 AD
Over 600,000 Italian soldiers surrendered or retreated at the Battle of Caporetto during World War I, marking one of the most significant defeats for Italy in the conflict.
Benito Mussolini’s Rise to Power Begins – 1922 AD
Benito Mussolini organized the March on Rome, which started on October 28 and led to his dictatorship in Italy, establishing a fascist regime.
Stock Market Panic on “Black Thursday” – 1929 AD
On “Black Thursday,” a record-breaking 12.8 million shares were traded, sparking the Wall Street Crash of 1929, which led to the Great Depression.
40-Hour Workweek Becomes U.S. Standard – 1940 AD
The U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 established the 40-hour workweek, forever changing labor laws and workers’ rights in America.
United Nations Charter Takes Effect – 1945 AD
The United Nations, established to promote global peace and cooperation after World War II, came into force on this day in 1945, becoming the world’s leading international organization.
Walt Disney Testifies Before HUAC – 1947 AD
Walt Disney testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), naming people he believed were communists within his studio. This was during a period of heightened anti-communist sentiment in the United States
The Manchurian Candidate Thrills Audiences – 1962 AD
The Cold War thriller The Manchurian Candidate hit American theaters, praised for its intense narrative and Angela Lansbury’s standout performance.
Salvador Allende Elected as First Marxist President of Chile – 1970 AD
Salvador Allende’s election was confirmed, making him the first Marxist president of Chile and signaling a new era in the country’s politics.
Toronto Blue Jays Win Historic World Series – 1992 AD
The Toronto Blue Jays became the first non-U.S. team to win the World Series, defeating the Atlanta Braves in a momentous victory for Canada.
Concorde Supersonic Passenger Flights End – 2003 AD
British Airways flew its last Concorde flight, marking the end of supersonic passenger travel, five months after Air France ceased similar operations.
Civil Rights Icon Rosa Parks Passes Away – 2005 AD
Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her bus seat in 1955 ignited the American civil rights movement, passed away at age 92, leaving a lasting legacy.
Fats Domino, Rock Pioneer, Dies at 89 – 2017 AD
Fats Domino, a pioneer of rock and roll who helped shape the New Orleans sound, passed away at age 89, remembered as a music legend.
Einstein’s “Theory of Happiness” Note Sells for $1.56 Million – 2017 AD
In 2017, a handwritten note by Albert Einstein, known as the “Theory of Happiness,” fetched $1.56 million at an auction in Jerusalem. The note, penned in 1922 while Einstein was staying at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, was given to a bellboy instead of a traditional tip.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on October 23- Today in History
