October 29 is a day marked by significant political, cultural, and economic events. Here are 12 notable events from this day, arranged in chronological order.
1390: First Witch Trial in Paris
On October 29, 1390, the first recorded witch trial took place in Paris, France. Several individuals were tried and executed for practicing witchcraft, setting a precedent for witch hunts that would spread across Europe.
“The devil is not to be trusted, for he deceives the innocent and corrupts the soul of the weak.”
~ Nicholas Eymerich, Inquisitor General of Aragon
1787: Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” Premieres
On October 29, 1787, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s opera Don Giovanni premiered in Prague. The opera, based on the legendary seducer Don Juan, is now regarded as one of the greatest works in the history of classical music.
“I pay no attention whatever to anybody’s praise or blame. I simply follow my own feelings.”
~ Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
1863: International Red Cross Established
On October 29, 1863, the International Red Cross was officially established in Geneva, Switzerland. This humanitarian organization was created to provide medical care and protection to those affected by armed conflict.
“The Red Cross will alleviate human suffering wherever it is found, bringing relief to soldiers on battlefields and to victims of calamities.”
~ Henry Dunant
1923: Turkey Declared a Republic
On October 29, 1923, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk declared the establishment of the Republic of Turkey, officially ending the Ottoman Empire. Atatürk’s leadership modernized Turkey and transformed it into a secular state.
“Sovereignty is not given, it is taken.”
~ Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
1929: Black Tuesday – Stock Market Crash
On October 29, 1929, the U.S. stock market crashed, marking the beginning of the Great Depression. Black Tuesday was the most devastating financial collapse in American history, leading to widespread unemployment and economic hardship.
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
1942: Alaska Highway Completed
On October 29, 1942, the Alaska Highway, a key military supply route during World War II, was officially completed. Stretching over 1,700 miles, the highway connected Alaska to the contiguous United States.
“The construction of the Alcan Highway is one of the most astonishing feats in the history of engineering.”
~ General Brehon B. Somervell
1956: Suez Crisis Begins
On October 29, 1956, Israel, followed by Britain and France, launched military operations against Egypt in response to President Gamal Abdel Nasser’s nationalization of the Suez Canal. The conflict, known as the Suez Crisis, reshaped Middle Eastern geopolitics.
“We must never let go of the canal, for it is the lifeline of our nation.”
~ Gamal Abdel Nasser
1964: Star of India Stolen from American Museum of Natural History
On October 29, 1964, the Star of India, the world’s largest sapphire, was stolen from the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The gem was later recovered, and the heist became one of the most famous jewel thefts in history.
“The Star of India is truly the most beautiful gem in existence.”
~ Museum curator
1969: First Message Sent on ARPANET
On October 29, 1969, the first-ever message was sent over ARPANET, the precursor to the internet. The message, sent from UCLA to the Stanford Research Institute, consisted of the word “login” but crashed after the letters “l” and “o.”
“This is the start of something that will one day change the way people communicate forever.”
~ Leonard Kleinrock, ARPANET engineer
1986: Thatcher Deregulates London’s Financial Markets
On October 29, 1986, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher deregulated the London financial markets, an event known as the Big Bang. This move transformed London into one of the world’s leading financial centers.
“The City of London is now open for business like never before.”
~ Margaret Thatcher
1998: John Glenn Returns to Space
On October 29, 1998, at the age of 77, astronaut John Glenn returned to space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, becoming the oldest person to fly in space. Glenn’s mission highlighted the advances in space exploration since his first flight in 1962.
“I feel privileged to have the opportunity to fly again. Age is just a number when it comes to reaching for the stars.”
~ John Glenn
2015: China Abandons One-Child Policy
On October 29, 2015, China officially announced the end of its controversial one-child policy, allowing families to have two children. The policy change was a response to the country’s aging population and declining birth rates.
“We must think of our future generations and give them the opportunity to thrive.”
~ Chinese government official
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