On this day, October 22 - Know what happened today in history

History is filled with moments that shape the world, and October 22 is no exception. From space exploration to historic leadership changes, this date holds significance across time and continents. Let’s take a look at the key events that occurred on this day, along with notable births and deaths that left lasting legacies.

2008: India’s First Lunar Mission Launched

On this day in 2008, India made its mark in space exploration by launching its first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1. The unmanned probe, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), achieved a significant milestone by successfully landing on the Moon on November 14, 2008. This remarkable achievement made India the fifth country to send a spacecraft to the Moon, propelling the nation into the global space race.

1957: François Duvalier Assumes Haitian Presidency

François Duvalier, also known as "Papa Doc," took office as President of Haiti on this day in 1957. His presidency would become infamous for its authoritarian rule, with Duvalier exerting tight control over the country through a secret police force and claiming to possess mystical powers. His rule shaped Haiti's political landscape for decades.

1936: The Long March Ends in China

On October 22, 1936, Mao Zedong and the Red Army completed the historic Long March, a gruelling 6,000-mile journey undertaken to evade the forces of Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalist Army. This pivotal event in Chinese history culminated in the unification of the Red Army and solidified Mao’s leadership, playing a crucial role in the eventual establishment of the People's Republic of China.

1884: Greenwich Declared the Prime Meridian

The International Meridian Conference, held in Washington, D.C., concluded on October 22, 1884, with 26 nations agreeing to adopt Greenwich, England, as the initial meridian for longitude. The decision established the meridian at 0 degrees longitude and introduced the concept of a universal day, beginning at midnight at the prime meridian and counted in 24 hours.

1797: First Parachute Jump

French balloonist André-Jacques Garnerin made history on this day in 1797 by performing the first-ever parachute jump. Garnerin leaped from a balloon high above Paris using a silk parachute of his own design. His daring feat over Parc Monceau paved the way for modern skydiving.

Notable Births on October 22

• 1973: Ichiro Suzuki, legendary Japanese baseball player
• 1949: Arsène Wenger, iconic French footballer and manager
• 1870: Ivan Bunin, distinguished Russian author, poet, and Nobel Prize laureate
• 1844: Louis Riel, influential Canadian politician
• 1811: Franz Liszt, virtuoso Hungarian pianist and composer

Notable Deaths on October 22

• 2002: Richard Helms, resolute American diplomat and former Director of Central Intelligence
• 1995: Kingsley Amis, celebrated English author, poet, and critic
• 1954: Jibanananda Das, esteemed Bengali poet
• 1906: Paul Cézanne, pioneering French painter and key figure in Post-Impressionism
• 741: Charles Martel, powerful Frankish military leader and politician