Today In History, October 28
From historical elections to tragic accidents, October 28 has witnessed remarkable events that continue to shape the world today. These moments reflect the resilience, evolution, and varied cultures of nations across the globe.
2007: Argentina Elects First Female President
On this day, Argentina elected its first female president,
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, a former first lady. With over 45% of the vote, she achieved an impressive win and was re-elected in 2011, receiving more than half of the ballots cast. While
Isabel Martínez de Perón was technically Argentina’s first female president, she assumed the role in 1974 after her husband, President Juan Perón, passed away. Kirchner, however, was the first woman elected to the position, a significant milestone for Argentine democracy.
1995: Deadly Fire Between Baku Metro Stations
A tragic fire erupted in the Baku Metro, one of the deadliest subway disasters in history. Faulty wiring between
Ulduz and
Narimanov stations in Azerbaijan’s capital led to a blaze that filled the tunnels with smoke. Over 300 passengers lost their lives in this horrific accident, sparking calls for improved safety measures in metro systems worldwide.
1938: Germany Expels Polish Jews
In a harrowing act of forced expulsion, Germany sent approximately 17,000 Polish Jews across the border to Poland. However, Polish authorities refused to admit them, leaving thousands stranded. This deportation marked another dark chapter as anti-Semitic policies in Germany intensified in the lead-up to World War II.
1919: US Congress Enacts the Volstead Act
On October 28, the U.S. Congress passed the
Volstead Act, designed to enforce Prohibition under the 18th Amendment. Named after Congressman
Andrew Volstead, the act prohibited alcohol production, sale, and transport in the United States, except for religious and medical purposes. Prohibition remained in place until 1933, when the 21st Amendment officially repealed it, concluding a unique period in American history.
1918: Czechoslovakia Declares Independence
Czechoslovakia, formerly under the Austro-Hungarian Empire, declared its independence on this day in 1918. Led by
Thomas Masaryk, who would later become the nation’s first president, Czech and Slovak nationalists championed the cause for sovereignty as the Empire began to collapse post-World War I. In 1993, Czechoslovakia peacefully divided into the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic, each proudly celebrating its independence.
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Notable Births on October 28
- 1974: Joaquin Phoenix, acclaimed American actor
- 1967: Julia Roberts, celebrated American actress
- 1956: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, influential Iranian politician, former president
- 1955: Bill Gates, visionary American businessman, Microsoft co-founder
- 1914: Jonas Salk, pioneering American biologist, developed polio vaccine
Notable Deaths on October 28
- 1998: Ted Hughes, esteemed English poet
- 1929: Bernhard von Bülow, prominent German politician, former chancellor
- 1900: Friedrich Max Müller, pioneering German philologist, orientalist
- 1708: Prince George of Denmark, consort to Queen Anne
- 1704: John Locke, influential English philosopher, physician
