What Happened on October 31?

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births

deaths

holidays

EVENTS ON OCTOBER 31

Explore the most important historical events that happened on October 31, featuring key moments that shaped the world.

Fahrenheit

Year: 1923

The first of 160 consecutive days of 100° Fahrenheit at Marble Bar, Western Australia.

Benito Mussolini

Year: 1922

Benito Mussolini is made Prime Minister of Italy.

Aster Revolution

Year: 1918

World War I: The Aster Revolution terminates the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, and Hungary achieves full sovereignty.

World War I

Year: 1917

World War I: Battle of Beersheba: The "last successful cavalry charge in history".

World Savings Day

Year: 1924

World Savings Day is announced in Milan, Italy by the Members of the Association at the 1st International Savings Bank Congress (World Society of Savings Banks).

Great Depression

Year: 1938

Great Depression: In an effort to restore investor confidence, the New York Stock Exchange unveils a fifteen-point program aimed to upgrade protection for the investing public.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport

Year: 2020

Berlin Brandenburg Airport opens its doors after nearly 10 years of delays due to construction issues and project corruption.

Mount Rushmore

Year: 1941

After 14 years of work, Mount Rushmore is completed.

BIRTHS ON OCTOBER 31

Discover famous people and historical figures born on October 31, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.

Jimmy Savile

Year of birth: 1926

Jimmy Savile, English radio and television host (died 2011)

Bud Spencer

Year of birth: 1929

Bud Spencer, Italian swimmer, actor, and screenwriter (died 2016)

John Pople

Year of birth: 1925

John Pople, English-American chemist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate (died 2004)

Robert Rheault

Year of birth: 1925

Robert B. Rheault, American colonel (died 2013)

Illinois Jacquet

Year of birth: 1922

Illinois Jacquet, American saxophonist and composer (died 2004)

Barbara Bel Geddes

Year of birth: 1922

Barbara Bel Geddes, American actress (died 2005)

William Orchard (water polo)

Year of birth: 1929

William Orchard, Australian water polo player and psychiatrist (died 2014)

Booker Ervin

Year of birth: 1930

Booker Ervin, American saxophonist (died 1970)

DEATHS ON OCTOBER 31

Look back at notable individuals who passed away on October 31, and learn about their lasting influences on history.

António José de Almeida

Year of death: 1929

António José de Almeida, Portuguese physician and politician, 6th President of Portugal (born 1866)

Harry Houdini

Year of death: 1926

Harry Houdini, American magician and stuntman (born 1874)

Octave Uzanne

Year of death: 1931

Octave Uzanne, French journalist and author (born 1851)

Otto Rank

Year of death: 1939

Otto Rank, Austrian psychologist, author, and educator (born 1884)

Joseph Hubert Priestley

Year of death: 1944

Joseph Hubert Priestley, British botanist (born 1883)

Max Linder

Year of death: 1925

Max Linder, French actor, director, and screenwriter (born 1883)

Mikhail Frunze

Year of death: 1925

Mikhail Frunze, Bolshevik leader during and just prior to the Russian Revolution of 1917 (born 1885)

Huang Xing

Year of death: 1916

Huang Xing, Chinese revolutionary leader and statesman (born 1874)

HOLIDAYS ON OCTOBER 31

See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on October 31 around the world.

All Saints' Day

Earliest day on which All Saints Day can fall, while November 6 is the latest; celebrated on Saturday between October 31 and November 6 (Finland, Sweden)