October 29 has been a day etched with momentous events throughout history, profoundly impacting economies, politics, and cultures across the globe. From monumental financial collapses to crucial shifts in global policy and the births of influential personalities, this date holds a unique and significant place in the annals of time. Dive into our daily quiz to test your memory and learn more about the critical occurrences that unfolded on this very day.
Image: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, born on October 29. (File Photo)
Explore Key Events from October 29:
1. The Infamous Day of Economic Turmoil: In 1929, just five days after nearly 13 million shares of U.S. stock were sold in a single day, an astonishing additional 16 million shares were traded, further intensifying the crisis that spiraled into the Great Depression. This catastrophic day is famously remembered as Black Tuesday.
2. A Nation Reshapes its Family Policy: Fast forward to 2015, when a major global power announced the end of its decades-long one-child policy. Starting in 2016, couples in this nation were permitted to have two children. The country in question is, of course, China.
3. A Luminary of Screenwriting Departs: On this day, the world lost a brilliant mind in cinema. An Academy Award-nominated screenwriter, celebrated for his work on classics like ‘Dr. Strangelove’ and ‘Easy Rider,’ passed away at the age of 71. His name was Terry Southern.
4. An Artistic Movement’s Pioneer: In 1933, American artist George Luks—one of a group of painters known for their realistic treatment of urban scenes—died. The influential artistic collective he belonged to was called the Ashcan school.
5. The Birth of a Modern Nation: This country was formally established largely through the unwavering efforts of Kemal Atatürk, revered as its founder and first President. The nation we are referring to is the Republic of Turkey.
6. A President’s Assassin Meets Justice: History records that on this day in 1901, Anarchist Leon Czolgosz was executed for the assassination of a U.S. President. The President he assassinated was William McKinley.
7. Architect of Propaganda: Born on this day in 1897, this individual rose to become the notorious Minister of Propaganda for the German Third Reich under Adolf Hitler, wielding immense power through media manipulation. He was Joseph Goebbels.
8. A Liberian Leader’s Birthday: The former President of Liberia, an inspiring figure and Nobel Peace Laureate, celebrates her birthday on October 29. She is none other than Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first elected female head of state in Africa.
How many of these significant events did you already know? History is full of fascinating coincidences and pivotal moments, and October 29 clearly has its share of memorable occurrences!