This Day In History : October 31

2011 Philippines

Day of Seven Billion

Seven Billion Day was recognized by the United Nations on October 31, 2011, marking the date when the global human population reached seven billion. This milestone highlighted the rapid growth of the world's population and brought attention to issues related to sustainability, resource distribution, and demographic trends. The day was used to raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities associated with a growing global population.

Also on This Day in History October 31

Discover what happened on October 31 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, October 31
  • 1875 Vallabhbhai Patel

    Indian freedom fighter, politician, 1st Deputy Prime Minister of India

  • 1918 Ian Stevenson

    Canadian-American parapsychologist and reincarnation expert

  • 1815 Karl Weierstrass

    German mathematician (theory of functions)

  • 1802 Benoît Fourneyron

    French engineer and inventor of the water turbine

  • 1847 Galileo Ferraris

    Italian physicist and electrical engineer who invented AC power and the induction motor

Deaths on This Day, October 31
  • 1916 Charles Taze Russell

    American religious leader, founder of the Bible School Movement that led to Jehovah's Witnesses

  • 1984 Indira Gandhi

    Indian politician, 4th Prime Minister of India

  • 1939 Otto Rank

    Austrian psychoanalyst (Trauma of Geburt)

  • 1964 Theodore Freeman

    American aeronautical engineer, NASA astronaut

  • 2005 Hal Anger

    American electrical engineer who invented the gamma camera

1913

The Lincoln Highway

The Lincoln Highway, the first automobile highway across the United States, was dedicated on October 31, 1913. This historic route spanned from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco, covering a distance of approximately 3,389 miles. The highway played a significant role in the development of America's road infrastructure and the popularization of automobile travel.
1956

An airplane landed at the South Pole for the first time

On October 31, 1956, the U.S. Navy's Douglas R4D-5 Skytrain, piloted by Rear Admiral George J. Dufek, became the first airplane to land at the South Pole. This historic event marked a significant achievement in polar exploration and demonstrated the advancements in modern aviation, aiding scientific research in one of the Earth's most remote regions.
1951

The zebra crossing was first introduced in Slough, Berkshire

In 1951, the zebra crossing, a pedestrian crossing marked with alternating dark and light stripes on the road surface, was first introduced in Slough, Berkshire, England. This innovative traffic safety measure was designed to increase pedestrian visibility and reduce accidents, becoming a standard feature in road safety worldwide.
1924

1st International Savings Bank Congress announces the start of World Savings Day

The World Savings Day was established on October 31, 1924, during the 1st International Savings Bank Congress (World Society of Savings Banks) in Milan, Italy. World Savings Day is also known as World Thrift Day. This event took place to promote the importance of saving money and financial stability globally.
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