October 31

Friday 31, 2003:

Mahathir bin Mohamad resigns as Prime Minister of Malaysia after 22 years in power.

Tuesday 31, 2000:

2000 - The last Multics machine was shut down.

Sunday 31, 1999:

Roman Catholic Church and Lutheran Church leaders sign the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, ending a centuries-old doctrinal dispute over the nature of faith and salvation.

Saturday 31, 1998:

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

Thursday 31, 1996:

A Brazilian TAM Fokker-100 crashes into several houses in São Paulo, Brazil killing 98 including 2 on the ground

Monday 31, 1994:

An American Eagle ATR-72 crashes in Roselawn, Indiana, after circling in icy weather, killing 64 passengers.

Wednesday 31, 1984:

Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is assassinated by two Sikh security guards (riots soon broke out in New Delhi and nearly 2,000 innocent Sikhs were killed).

Thursday 31, 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 complete cessation of "all air, naval, and artillery bombardment of North Vietnam" effective November 1.

Tuesday 31, 1961:

In the Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin's body is removed from Lenin's Tomb.

Wednesday 31, 1956:

Suez Crisis: The United Kingdom and France begin bombing Egypt to force the reopening of the Suez Canal.

Sunday 31, 1954:

Algerian War of Independence: The Algerian National Liberation Front begins a revolt against French rule.

Friday 31, 1941:

American photographer Ansel Adams takes a picture of a moonrise over the town of Hernandez, New Mexico that would become one of the most famous images in the history of photography.

Thursday 31, 1940:

The United Kingdom prevents Germany from invading Great Britain.

Monday 31, 1938:

Great Depression: In an effort to try restore investor confidence, the New York Stock Exchange unveils a fifteen-point program aimed to upgrade protection for the investing public.

Saturday 31, 1936:

The Boy Scouts of the Philippines was formed.

Sunday 31, 1926:

Magician Harry Houdini dies of gangrene and peritonitis that developed after his appendix ruptured.

Tuesday 31, 1922:

Benito Mussolini becomes the youngest Premier in the history of Italy.

Wednesday 31, 1917:

"last successful cavalry charge in history"

Thursday 31, 1912:

Dominican Republic becomes a signatory to the Buenos Aires copyright treaty.

Monday 31, 1892:

Arthur Conan Doyle publishes The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

Monday 31, 1864:

Nevada is admitted as the 36th U.S. state.

Saturday 31, 1863:

The Maori Wars resumed as British forces in New Zealand led by General Duncan Cameron began their Invasion of the Waikato.

Thursday 31, 1861:

American Civil War: Citing failing health, Union General Winfield Scott resigns as Commander of the United States Army.

Thursday 31, 1822:

Emperor Agustín de Iturbide attempted to dissolve the Mexican Empire.

Saturday 31, 1587:

Leiden University Library opens its doors after its founding in 1575.

Wednesday 31, 1517:

Protestant Reformation: Martin Luther posts his 95 theses on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church.

Thursday 31, 475:

Romulus Augustus was proclaimed Roman Emperor.

More on October, 31

• People Born on October, 31
• They left us on October, 31