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A new Emperor (476 CE) -

On October 31, 475 CE, Romulus Augustulus was proclaimed the Western Roman Emperor. His reign marked the final chapter of the Western Roman Empire, as it would soon collapse in 476.

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Martin Luther’s 95 Theses (1517) -

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church in Germany. This act is considered the spark that ignited the Protestant Reformation, changing the course of religious history in Europe.

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The opening of Leiden University Library (1587) -

Leiden University Library first opened its doors in 1575 and became fully operational on October 31, 1587. Located in the vault of the current Academy building at Rapenburg, it marked the beginning of one of Europe's most prestigious academic libraries.

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Emperor Agustín de Iturbide's power struggle (1822) -

Emperor Agustín de Iturbide, the leader of Mexico's independence movement, attempted to dissolve the Congress of the Mexican Empire to consolidate his authority amid growing opposition. This move intensified political tensions and ultimately contributed to his downfall later that year.

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Polls opened for the 11th US presidential election (1828) -

Before the 1848 election, states could hold voting anytime over several weeks, influenced by slow news and harvest schedules. Only two elections, including the 1828 race, opened polls on Halloween, where Andrew Jackson emerged victorious over John Quincy Adams.

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The founder of the Girl Scouts is born (1860) -

Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, was born in Savannah, Georgia. Her vision for empowering young girls continues to inspire generations.

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Nevada becomes the 36th state (1864) -

The states that left the Union during the Civil War often overshadow those that joined. Nevada, along with West Virginia, achieved statehood during the conflict, primarily for its votes in the 1864 presidential election and for ratifying the 13th Amendment.

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Hundreds lose their lives in the Monmouth steamship disaster (1837) -

On October 31, 1837, the situation was dire for about 700 Muskogee Creek people aboard the overcrowded steamship Monmouth. After forced deportation from their homelands, they were sent up the Mississippi River when the Monmouth collided with the steamship Warren, sinking immediately. At least half of the passengers perished, but official records are scarce due to a lack of investigation into the tragedy.

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The birth of a leader (1887) -

Soldier and statesman Chiang Kai-shek, who led the Nationalist government in China from 1928 to 1949 and later headed the Chinese Nationalist government-in-exile in Taiwan, was born.

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Finland's Prohibition Act stalled (1907) -

The Parliament of Finland approved the Prohibition Act, aiming to ban the sale and consumption of alcohol. However, the law couldn't be implemented due to a lack of ratification by Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, highlighting Finland's limited autonomy under Russian rule.

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Battle of Beersheba (1917) -

The Australian Light Horse launched a surprise cavalry charge at the Battle of Beersheba during World War I. This was one of the last successful cavalry charges in modern military history, leading to the capture of Beersheba in Ottoman-controlled Palestine.

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End of the Austro-Hungarian compromise (1918) -

The Aster Revolution effectively ended the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, leading to Hungary's full sovereignty. This pivotal moment marked a significant shift in the region’s political landscape and national identity.

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Mussolini's March on Rome (1922) -

The March on Rome was a crucial event that brought Benito Mussolini's National Fascist Party to power in Italy. On October 30, King Victor Emmanuel III appointed Mussolini as Prime Minister, and on October 31, the fascist Blackshirts paraded through Rome as Mussolini formed his coalition government.

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Record heat in Marble Bar (1923) -

In 1923, Marble Bar, Western Australia, began a staggering streak of 160 consecutive days with temperatures reaching 100°F (38°C).

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Harry Houdini dies under mysterious circumstances (1926) - In late October 1926, famed escape artist and magician Harry Houdini lectured at McGill University on fraudulent spiritualism. On October 22, student Joselyn Gordon Whitehead struck Houdini in the midsection. Just over a week later, Houdini died from peritonitis—inflammation of the lining of the abdomen—and appendicitis, the symptoms of which may have been covered up by the pain from the punch. 

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Response to the Great Depression (1938) -

In 1938, amid the Great Depression, the New York Stock Exchange introduced a 15-point program designed to enhance investor protection and restore public confidence in the financial markets.

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Battle of Britain ends (1940) -

On October 31, 1940, the Battle of Britain, a crucial air campaign during World War II, officially ended, marking the first major defeat for Nazi Germany. This battle, which included the relentless Blitz, signified a pivotal turning point in the war.

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Mount Rushmore completion (1941) -

On Halloween in 1941, the construction of Mount Rushmore was completed after 14 years of work. The colossal sculptures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are now iconic symbols of American history.

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A German U-boat sinks the Reuben James (1941) -

Just over a month before the Pearl Harbor attack and America's formal entry into World War II, the USS Reuben James became the first US Navy ship to be sunk during the conflict. Of the nearly 150 crew members aboard, only 44 survived.

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Hungarian Revolution (1956) -

During the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, a revolutionary headquarters was established on October 31. This move marked a significant escalation in the struggle against Soviet control and the Communist government in Hungary.

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A classic thriller unveiled (1962) -

The psychological thriller 'What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?' premiered in theaters across the US, marking a late-career triumph for both Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.

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End of US bombing (1968) -

US President Lyndon B. Johnson announced the cessation of American bombing in North Vietnam, signaling a significant shift in US military strategy during the Vietnam War.

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South Yemen adopts constitution (1978) -

The short-lived People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, or South Yemen, adopted its constitution in 1978. In 1990, South Yemen unified with North Yemen, resulting in the formation of the contemporary nation of Yemen.

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The assassination of Indira Gandhi (1984) -

The first and only female Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards in retaliation for her controversial order to launch Operation Blue Star at the Golden Temple. Her death sparked anti-Sikh riots, leading to widespread violence across India.

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Catholic church regrets its handling of Galileo Galilee's case (1992) -

Then Pope John Paul II acknowledged the errors committed by the Catholic Church in its treatment of Galileo Galilei in the 17th century, particularly the injustice of the Church's actions during his trial and the condemnation of his scientific beliefs.

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The death of Federico Fellini (1993) -

Renowned Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini passed away at the age of 73 on Halloween. Celebrated for his imaginative storytelling and distinctive style, his death marked the end of an era in cinema.

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Return from a record-breaking journey (1999) -

Sailor Jesse Martin returned to Melbourne on Halloween after an 11-month solo, non-stop, and unassisted circumnavigation of the world. At just 18 years old, Martin set a world record as the youngest person to achieve this feat.

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EgyptAir Flight 990 crash (1999) -

On October 31, 1999, EgyptAir Flight 990, a scheduled route from Los Angeles to Cairo with a stop in New York, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 217 aboard. This tragedy marked EgyptAir's deadliest disaster and raised questions about the crash's cause.

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Day of Seven Billion (2011) -

The world's official population reached seven billion on approximately this day. The United Nations Population Fund designated it as the Day of Seven Billion.

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The death of Sean Connery (2020) -

Scottish-born actor Sean Connery, best known for his iconic role as super spy James Bond, passed away at the age of 90 on Halloween. 

Sources: (Mental Floss) (Britannica) (On this day in history)

See also: Vintage Halloween photos guaranteed to make you shiver

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