History is who we are and why we are the way we are. David McCullough, American historian (1933)
List of historical events
1. Trial of Saddam Hussein
On this day in history in 2005 The trial of Saddam Hussein, the fifth President of Iraq, began on October 19, 2005, for crimes against humanity. Saddam was tried alongside seven other defendants before the Iraqi Special Tribunal. He was found guilty and executed by hanging on December 30, 2006.
2. Cho Oyu Conquered
On this day in history in 1954 Cho Oyu, the sixth-highest mountain peak globally, was successfully scaled for the first time in recorded history. Nepalese Pasang Dawa Lama and Austrians Joseph Jöchler and Herbertm Tichy achieved this impressive feat.
Read also: October 18th this day in history
3. The Battle of Chamdo Ended
On this day in history in 1950 The Battle of Chamdo, also known as the Liberation of Tibet in China, concluded. This conflict began on October 6 when Chinese forces, led by Deng Xiaoping, entered Tibet from Sichuan. The Chinese ultimately took control of the border city of Chamdo, paving the way for negotiations between China and Tibet regarding Tibet’s status.
4. Discovery of Streptomycin
On this day in history in 1943 Albert Schatz, a graduate student working under Selman Abraham Waksman at Rutgers University, isolated Streptomycin, a groundbreaking antibiotic. This discovery revolutionized tuberculosis treatment in the mid-20th century. However, controversy surrounded the Nobel Prize awarded to Waksman, as Schatz’s contributions were overlooked.
5. First Battle of Ypres
On this day in history in 1914 The First Battle of Ypres took place during World War I, involving German forces and Belgian, French, and British troops. Fighting continued until November 22, when harsh weather conditions forced a temporary ceasefire.
