On this day, October 14 - Know what happened today in history

On this day, significant events shaped political landscapes, human achievements, and cultural history. October 14 marks milestones in diplomacy, aviation, literature, and industrial disasters, along with the births and deaths of influential figures.

1994: Nobel Peace Prize Shared by Two Israelis and a Palestinian

The 1994 Nobel Peace Prize was jointly awarded to Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, and Palestinian National Authority President Yasser Arafat. The prize recognised their efforts in the Oslo Accords, which facilitated dialogue between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). The Accords established the Palestinian Authority, enabling formal governance discussions between Israel and Palestinian leadership.

1984: Joseph Kittinger’s Solo Balloon Flight Across the Atlantic

Joseph Kittinger embarked on a solo gas balloon journey across the Atlantic. His trip, which began on September 14, lasted four days. On September 18, Kittinger became the first person to cross the Atlantic in a balloon, named the "Balloon of Peace." A former US Air Force officer, Kittinger made history in 1960 with a record-breaking jump from 102,800 feet.

1947: First Human to Break the Sound Barrier

American test pilot Chuck Yeager flew the experimental Bell X-1 aircraft at Mach 1.07, becoming the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound. This historic flight occurred at an altitude of 45,000 feet, changing the future of aviation.

1926: Winnie-the-Pooh's Literary Debut

Winnie-the-Pooh, the beloved children's book character created by A.A. Milne, made his debut. The bear, known for his adventures with friends in Ashdown Forest, Sussex, was first featured in a collection of stories. The character became a cultural icon, along with companions Piglet, Eeyore, and Rabbit.

1913: Senghenydd Colliery Disaster

One of the deadliest mining disasters in history occurred in Wales when an explosion in the Senghenydd coal mine claimed 440 lives. This tragedy is remembered as one of the worst accidents in the mining industry.

Notable Births on October 14

• 1978: Usher, Talented American singer, songwriter, and actor


• 1930: Mobutu Sese Seko, Influential Congolese politician, President of Zaire


• 1906: Hannah Arendt, Renowned German-American political theorist


• 1644: William Penn, Visionary English businessman, founded Pennsylvania


• 1542: Akbar, Legendary Mughal Emperor

Notable Deaths on October 14

• 2012: Arlen Specter, Respected American politician


• 1990: Leonard Bernstein, Iconic American conductor and composer


• 1977: Bing Crosby, Celebrated American singer and actor


• 1959: Errol Flynn, Famous Australian actor


• 1944: Erwin Rommel, German field marshal during World War II