October 23 has been marked by significant political, cultural, and scientific events throughout history. Here are 12 notable events from this day.
4004 BC: Creation of the World According to James Ussher
On October 23, 4004 BC, according to the calculations of James Ussher, an Archbishop of Armagh, the world was created. Ussher used biblical genealogy and historical records to date the creation of the world.
“And the evening and the morning were the first day.”
~ Book of Genesis
1642: Battle of Edgehill – First English Civil War Battle
On October 23, 1642, the Battle of Edgehill was fought, marking the first pitched battle of the English Civil War between the forces of King Charles I and Parliament. The battle ended inconclusively, leading to a prolonged conflict.
“No man goes so high as he who knows not whither he is going.”
~ Oliver Cromwell
1911: First Use of Aircraft in Warfare
On October 23, 1911, an Italian pilot used an aircraft for a reconnaissance mission during the Italo-Turkish War, marking the first instance of aircraft being used in warfare.
“The aeroplane has unveiled a new era in war, and with it, the skies will soon become the new battlefield.”
~ Giulio Douhet
1915: 25,000 Women March for Suffrage in New York City
On October 23, 1915, around 25,000 women marched on Fifth Avenue in New York City demanding the right to vote. This march was one of the largest suffrage demonstrations in U.S. history.
“Men, their rights, and nothing more; women, their rights, and nothing less.”
~ Susan B. Anthony
1941: Disney’s Dumbo Premieres
On October 23, 1941, Disney’s animated feature film Dumbo premiered. The story of the little elephant with oversized ears became an enduring classic.
“The very things that held you down are going to carry you up, and up, and up!”
~ Timothy Q. Mouse, Dumbo
1956: Hungarian Revolution Begins
On October 23, 1956, a revolution began in Hungary against the Soviet-backed government, as Hungarian citizens rose up to demand more political freedoms and independence from Soviet control. The revolution was eventually crushed by Soviet forces.
“We are not fighting for an ideology but for our freedom, our independence, and our national sovereignty.”
~ Hungarian revolutionary leader
1973: Nixon Impeachment Proceedings Begin
On October 23, 1973, the U.S. Congress began impeachment proceedings against President Richard Nixon over the Watergate scandal. This event marked the beginning of Nixon’s eventual resignation.
“The greatness comes not when things go always good for you, but the greatness comes when you’re really tested, when you take some knocks, some disappointments.”
~ Richard Nixon
1983: Beirut Barracks Bombing
On October 23, 1983, a suicide bomber attacked a U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 241 U.S. military personnel. It was one
of the deadliest attacks on U.S. forces since World War II.
“They came in peace, to help rebuild a shattered land. We will never forget their sacrifice.”
~ Ronald Reagan
1998: Benjamin Netanyahu and Yasser Arafat Sign Wye River Memorandum
On October 23, 1998, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat signed the Wye River Memorandum at the White House, aimed at advancing the Oslo peace process.
“Peace is not made with friends. Peace is made with enemies.”
~ Yitzhak Rabin
2001: Apple Introduces the First iPod
On October 23, 2001, Apple unveiled the first iPod, revolutionizing the way people listened to music by allowing users to carry 1,000 songs in their pocket.
“We are putting music in your pocket.”
~ Steve Jobs
2019: Facebook Announces Libra Cryptocurrency
On October 23, 2019, Facebook announced plans to launch a new global cryptocurrency called Libra. The move sparked global regulatory concerns about the future of digital currencies.
“The world is ready for a new digital economy, and Libra will make it possible for everyone to participate.”
~ Mark Zuckerberg
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