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On This Day

October 31

YEAR 2011

The global population of humans reaches seven billion. This day is now recognized by the United Nations as the Day of Seven Billion.

The global population of humans reaches seven billion. This day is now recognized by the United Nations as the Day of Seven Billion.

YEAR 2000

Soyuz TM-31 launches, carrying the first resident crew to the International Space Station. The ISS has been crewed continuously since then.

Soyuz TM-31 launches, carrying the first resident crew to the International Space Station. The ISS has been crewed continuously since then.

YEAR 1998

Iraq disarmament crisis begins: Iraq announces it would no longer cooperate with United Nations weapons inspectors.

Iraq disarmament crisis begins: Iraq announces it would no longer cooperate with United Nations weapons inspectors.

YEAR 1994

American Eagle Flight 4184 crashes near Roselawn, Indiana killing all 68 people on board.

American Eagle Flight 4184 crashes near Roselawn, Indiana killing all 68 people on board.

YEAR 1984

Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is assassinated by two Sikh security guards. Riots break out in New Delhi and other cities and around 3,000 Sikhs...

Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is assassinated by two Sikh security guards. Riots break out in New Delhi and other cities and around 3,000 Sikhs are killed.

YEAR 1968

Vietnam War October surprise: Citing progress with the Paris peace talks, US President Lyndon B. Johnson announces to the nation that he has ordered a...

Vietnam War October surprise: Citing progress with the Paris peace talks, US President Lyndon B. Johnson announces to the nation that he has ordered a complete cessation of "all air, naval, and artillery bombardment of North Vietnam" effective Novemb...

YEAR 1968

Great Drought of 1968: Amidst a collapse of hydropower President of Chile Eduardo Frei Montalva decrees the establishment of daylight saving time.

Great Drought of 1968: Amidst a collapse of hydropower President of Chile Eduardo Frei Montalva decrees the establishment of daylight saving time.

YEAR 1963

Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum gas explosion: A gas explosion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum in Indianapolis kills 81 people and injure...

Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum gas explosion: A gas explosion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum in Indianapolis kills 81 people and injures another 400 during an ice show.

YEAR 1956

Hungarian Revolution of 1956: A Revolutionary Headquarters is established in Hungary. Following Imre Nagy's announcement of October 30, banned non-Com...

Hungarian Revolution of 1956: A Revolutionary Headquarters is established in Hungary. Following Imre Nagy's announcement of October 30, banned non-Communist political parties are reformed, and the MDP is replaced by the MSZMP. József Mindszenty is r...

YEAR 1943

World War II: An F4U Corsair accomplishes the first successful radar-guided interception by a United States Navy or Marine Corps aircraft.

World War II: An F4U Corsair accomplishes the first successful radar-guided interception by a United States Navy or Marine Corps aircraft.

YEAR 1941

World War II: The destroyer USS Reuben James is torpedoed by a German U-boat near Iceland, killing more than 100 U.S. Navy sailors. It is the first U....

World War II: The destroyer USS Reuben James is torpedoed by a German U-boat near Iceland, killing more than 100 U.S. Navy sailors. It is the first U.S. Navy vessel sunk by enemy action in WWII.

YEAR 1940

World War II: The Battle of Britain ends, causing Germany to abandon Operation Sea Lion.

World War II: The Battle of Britain ends, causing Germany to abandon Operation Sea Lion.

YEAR 1923

The first of 160 consecutive days of 100° Fahrenheit at Marble Bar, Western Australia.

The first of 160 consecutive days of 100° Fahrenheit at Marble Bar, Western Australia.

YEAR 1918

World War I: The Aster Revolution terminates the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, and Hungary achieves full sovereignty.

World War I: The Aster Revolution terminates the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, and Hungary achieves full sovereignty.

YEAR 1917

World War I: Battle of Beersheba: The "last successful cavalry charge in history".

World War I: Battle of Beersheba: The "last successful cavalry charge in history".

YEAR 1913

Dedication of the Lincoln Highway, the first automobile highway across United States.

Dedication of the Lincoln Highway, the first automobile highway across United States.

YEAR 1913

The Indianapolis Streetcar Strike and subsequent riot begins.

The Indianapolis Streetcar Strike and subsequent riot begins.

YEAR 1903

The Purdue Wreck, a railroad train collision in Indianapolis, kills 17 people, including 14 players of the Purdue University football team.

The Purdue Wreck, a railroad train collision in Indianapolis, kills 17 people, including 14 players of the Purdue University football team.

YEAR 1822

Emperor Agustín de Iturbide attempts to dissolve the Congress of the Mexican Empire.

Emperor Agustín de Iturbide attempts to dissolve the Congress of the Mexican Empire.