What Happened on October 2?
All
events
births
deaths
holidays
EVENTS ON OCTOBER 2
Explore the most important historical events that happened on October 2, featuring key moments that shaped the world.
Referendum
Year:
1870
By plebiscite, the citizens of the Papal States accept annexation by the Kingdom of Italy.
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American Civil War
Year:
1864
American Civil War: Confederates defeat a Union attack on Saltville, Virginia. A massacre of wounded Union prisoners ensues.
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Battle of Gonzales
Year:
1835
Texas Revolution: Mexican troops attempt to disarm the people of Gonzales, but encounter stiff resistance from a hastily assembled militia.
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Stroke
Year:
1919
Seven days after suffering a "physical collapse" following a speech in Pueblo, Colorado, U.S. president Woodrow Wilson has a catastrophic stroke at the White House, leaving him physically and mentally incapacitated for the remainder of his presidency.
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Ukrainian War of Independence
Year:
1920
Ukrainian War of Independence: Mikhail Frunze orders the Red Army to immediately cease hostilities with the Revolutionary Insurgent Army of Ukraine.
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World War II
Year:
1942
World War II: Ocean Liner RMS Queen Mary accidentally rams and sinks HMS Curacoa, killing over 300 crewmen aboard Curacoa.
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Rafael Trujillo
Year:
1937
Rafael Trujillo orders the execution of Haitians living in the border region of the Dominican Republic.
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Opus Dei
Year:
1928
The "Prelature of the Holy Cross and the Work of God", commonly known as Opus Dei, is founded.
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BIRTHS ON OCTOBER 2
Discover famous people and historical figures born on October 2, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.
Maury Wills
Year of birth:
1932
Maury Wills, American baseball player and manager (died 2022)
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Dave Barrett
Year of birth:
1930
Dave Barrett, Canadian social worker and politician, 26th Premier of British Columbia (died 2018)
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Peter Bronfman
Year of birth:
1929
Peter Bronfman, Canadian businessman (died 1996)
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John Gurdon
Year of birth:
1933
John Gurdon, English biologist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate (died 2025)
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Earl Wilson (baseball)
Year of birth:
1934
Earl Wilson, American baseball player (died 2005)
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Gwen Marston
Year of birth:
1936
Gwen Marston, American quilter and writer (died 2019)
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Omar Sívori
Year of birth:
1935
Omar Sívori, Italian-Argentine footballer and manager (died 2005)
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Richard Scott, Baron Scott of Foscote
Year of birth:
1934
Richard Scott, Baron Scott of Foscote, English lawyer and judge
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DEATHS ON OCTOBER 2
Look back at notable individuals who passed away on October 2, and learn about their lasting influences on history.
John Evans (Australian politician)
Year of death:
1943
John Evans, English-Australian politician, 21st Premier of Tasmania (born 1855)
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Émilie Busquant
Year of death:
1953
Émilie Busquant, French anarcho-syndicalist, sewed the first Flag of Algeria (born 1901)
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John Marin
Year of death:
1953
John Marin, American painter (born 1870)
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Alexandru Averescu
Year of death:
1938
Alexandru Averescu, Romanian military leader and politician, 24th Prime Minister of Romania (born 1859)
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Svante Arrhenius
Year of death:
1927
Svante Arrhenius, Swedish physicist and chemist, Nobel Prize laureate (born 1859)
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Sarah Biffin
Year of death:
1850
Sarah Biffen, English painter (born 1784)
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François Arago
Year of death:
1853
François Arago, French mathematician, physicist, astronomer, and politician (born 1786)
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Max Bruch
Year of death:
1920
Max Bruch, German composer and conductor (born 1838)
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HOLIDAYS ON OCTOBER 2
See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on October 2 around the world.
International Day of Non-Violence
Gandhi's birthday-related observances: International Day of Non-Violence
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Guinea
Independence Day, celebrates the independence of Guinea from France in 1958
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International Day of Non-Violence
International Day of Non-Violence
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Gandhi Jayanti
Gandhi's birthday-related observances: Gandhi Jayanti (India)
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October 2 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Christian feast day: October 2 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
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Batik Day
Batik Day (Indonesia)
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Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels
Christian feast day: Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels
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Leodegar
Christian feast day: Leodegar
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