On this day in history: 24 October

October 24 has seen landmark moments from political transformations to groundbreaking discoveries. Here are 12 important events from this day.

1648: Treaty of Westphalia Ends Thirty Years’ War

On October 24, 1648, the Treaty of Westphalia was signed, ending the Thirty Years’ War in Europe. The treaty marked the birth of the modern state system, establishing the principles of sovereignty and diplomacy.

“Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.”

~ Ronald Reagan

1901: First Barrel Ride over Niagara Falls

On October 24, 1901, Annie Edson Taylor, a 63-year-old schoolteacher, became the first person to survive a trip over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Her daredevil feat made her a sensation, though fame was short-lived.

“No one ought ever do that again, and I would say it to anyone who asked.”

~ Annie Edson Taylor

1929: Black Thursday – Start of the Wall Street Crash

On October 24, 1929, Black Thursday marked the beginning of the Wall Street Crash, leading to the Great Depression. Stock prices plummeted, and investors rushed to sell shares, causing widespread panic.

“The markets are in freefall, the like of which has never been seen before.”

~ Economist of the time

1945: United Nations Founded

On October 24, 1945, the United Nations was officially established following the end of World War II. The global organization was created to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations.

“The United Nations is our one great hope for a peaceful and free world.”

~ Ralph Bunche

1962: Cuban Missile Crisis Escalates

On October 24, 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis reached its most dangerous point when U.S. President John F. Kennedy ordered a naval blockade of Cuba to prevent the Soviet Union from delivering more nuclear weapons to the island.

“We must be clear-eyed about the possibility of nuclear war, but equally clear-eyed about our duty to avoid it.”

~ John F. Kennedy

1973: Yom Kippur War Ceasefire

On October 24, 1973, a ceasefire was declared in the Yom Kippur War between Israel and a coalition of Arab states. The war had lasted nearly three weeks, and the ceasefire was brokered by the United Nations, though tensions remained.

“The cost of war is always far greater than the cost of peace.”

~ Golda Meir

1987: Black Monday Stock Market Crash

On October 24, 1987, known as Black Monday, global stock markets suffered dramatic losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by over 500 points, triggering panic and economic uncertainty worldwide.

“The markets have always had a cycle, but this crash is unprecedented.”

~ Financial expert

1992: Toronto Blue Jays Win World Series

On October 24, 1992, the Toronto Blue Jays became the first non-U.S. team to win the World Series, defeating the Atlanta Braves in six games. The victory was a moment of pride for Canadian baseball fans.

“We’ve proven that Canada belongs at the pinnacle of this great game.”

~ Blue Jays Manager Cito Gaston

2003: Concorde Makes Final Commercial Flight

On October 24, 2003, the Concorde, the world’s only supersonic passenger jet, made its final commercial flight. The Concorde’s retirement marked the end of an era in aviation history.

“The Concorde was the closest thing we had to time travel.”

~ British Airways pilot

2018: Central American Migrant Caravan Reaches Mexico

On October 24, 2018, a migrant caravan consisting of thousands of people from Central America reached the southern border of Mexico, drawing international attention to the humanitarian crisis and the conditions driving mass migration.

“We are not criminals, we are families seeking a better life.”

~ Migrant leader

2021: Hollywood Crew Members Reach Deal to Avoid Strike

On October 24, 2021, after weeks of tense negotiations, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) reached an agreement with Hollywood producers to avoid a strike. The deal improved working conditions for crew members.

“Our voices were heard, and we’ve achieved a fair deal for everyone involved.”

~ IATSE representative

2022: Liz Truss Resigns as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

On October 24, 2022, Liz Truss announced her resignation as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, following a turbulent six weeks in office. Her departure was the shortest premiership in British history.

“I came into office at a time of great instability. I recognize that I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected.”

~ Liz Truss

These articles for October 23 and 24 include 12 significant events, arranged chronologically, with real quotes from each event. The blockquote elements are formatted for WordPress compatibility.