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24th October

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1648: Peace of Westphalia


The Treaty of Westphalia is signed, ending the Thirty Years War and radically shifting the balance of power in Europe. The Thirty Years War, a series of wars fought by various European nations for various reasons, ignited in 1618 over an attempt by the king of Bohemia (the future Holy Roman emperor Ferdinand II) to impose Catholicism throughout his domains. Protestant nobles rebelled, and by the 1630s most of continental Europe was at war. As a result of the Treaty of Westphalia, the Holy Roman Empire was dissolved, Sweden gained control of the Baltic, independence of the Netherlands from Spain was fully recognised, and France was acknowledged as the pre-eminent Western power. The war had devastated Europe, particularly Germany, where unpaid armies of mercenaries plundered and ravaged cities, towns and farms.


2003

Concorde flies its last commercial flight. 

2001

Eleven people are killed in Switzerland as two lorries crash head on in the Gotthard road tunnel.

1986

Britain cuts off diplomatic relations with Syria as it emerges that the country is sponsoring terrorism. 

1981

In London, England 250,000 people gather in the capital for a Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament rally. 

1970

The Chilean congress confirms Marxist, Salvador Allende as President.

1947

In England, two rush-hour commuter trains collide in heavy fog in South Croydon, London killing 32 people.

1945

Execution of Norweigan leader Vidkum Quisling after being found guilty of treason during World War II for collaborating with the Germans.

1945

The United Nations Charter is formally ratified.

1930

A military coup in Brazil overthrows President Washington Luís Pereira de Sousa.

1929

A week before the Wall Street Crash in America, stock prices plummet and investors on the New York Stock Exchange dump13 million shares, in what is known as “Black Thursday.”

1917

The First World War: A German and Austro-Hungarian force crush the Italians along the northern stretch of the Isonzo River at the Battle of Caporetto.

1901

To help raise money to pay her mortgage, Mrs Ann Edson Taylor goes over Niagara Falls in a padded barrel, and survives.

1861

In America, the Western Union Telegraph Company completes the first transcontinental telegraph line.

1857

The world’s first official football club Sheffield Football Club is established in Yorkshire, England.

1260

In France, the Cathedral of Chartres is dedicated in the presence of King Louis IX.

1906

Sir Fred Pontin, businessman and entrepreneur who follows Sir Billy Butlin into the British holiday camp industry during 1960s and 1970s.

1896

English actor Jack Warner. Best-known for his protrayal of 'George Dixon' a London policeman patrolling 'Dock Green' on British TV during 1950s and 1960s.

1882

British actress Dame Sybil Thorndike. After a stage debut in 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' (1904) performs in many Shakespearean and classical roles. Becomes best known for her title role in the first English performance of George Bernard Shaw's 'Saint Joan' (1924). Created a Dame of the British Empire (DBE) in 1931.

1945

Execution of Norwegian leader Vidkum Quisling, found guilty of collaboration with the Germans. His name has become synonymous with betrayal.