Major Events of October 1996: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from October 1996 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of October 1996: Key Historical Moments from the Month


  • 01 Oct 1996 Death of Pat McGeown, Provisional IRA Member: Pat McGeown, a volunteer in the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) and participant in the 1981 Irish hunger strike, died on October 1, 1996, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He was 40 years old at the time of his death. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 02 Oct 1996 Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments: The Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments were signed into law on October 2, 1996. This legislation aimed to improve public access to government information by enhancing the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). It introduced provisions for electronic records and expedited processing of requests. source: congress.gov
  • 03 Oct 1996 Advisory Committee on Historical Diplomatic Documentation Meeting: On October 3, 1996, the Advisory Committee on Historical Diplomatic Documentation held a meeting to discuss the preservation and accessibility of historical diplomatic records. This committee plays a crucial role in ensuring that important government documents are available for public review and historical research. source: history.state.gov
  • 04 Oct 1996 Shahid Afridi scores century in 37 balls for Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka: On October 4, 1996, Shahid Afridi scored a remarkable century in just 37 balls during a match against Sri Lanka. This performance set a record for the fastest century in One Day Internationals (ODIs) at that time, showcasing Afridi's explosive batting style. source: bbc.com
  • 05 Oct 1996 Yao Wenyuan Released After Cultural Revolution Imprisonment: Yao Wenyuan, a member of China's Gang of Four, was released from prison on October 5, 1996, after serving a 20-year sentence for his role in the Cultural Revolution. source: deseret.com
  • 07 Oct 1996 Pope John Paul II undergoes medical procedure: On October 7, 1996, Pope John Paul II underwent a successful medical procedure to remove his gallbladder. This operation was part of his ongoing health issues, which had been a concern for the Vatican and the public. source: bbc.com
  • 08 Oct 1996 Yasser Arafat's historic visit to Israel: On October 8, 1996, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat made a significant visit to Israel, marking a pivotal moment in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. This visit was part of ongoing negotiations aimed at achieving peace in the region. source: reuters.com
  • 10 Oct 1996 Holocaust Museum Cornerstone Dedication: The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum held its cornerstone dedication ceremony on this date in Washington, D.C. This event marked a significant step in the establishment of the museum dedicated to documenting the history of the Holocaust. source: ushmm.org
  • 11 Oct 1996 Tragic School Bus Accident in Estonia: A tragic school bus accident occurred in Estonia on this date, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. This incident raised awareness about road safety and the need for improved transportation regulations for school children. source: bbc.com
  • 12 Oct 1996 New Zealand holds first general election under MMP system: On October 12, 1996, New Zealand conducted its first general election using the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system, replacing the previous first-past-the-post method. The election resulted in a more diverse parliament, with 65 members elected in single-member districts and 55 additional members allocated from party lists to achieve proportional representation. source: nzhistory.govt.nz
  • 14 Oct 1996 Atlanta Braves dominate NLCS Game 5: The Atlanta Braves defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 14-0 in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series, tying the series at 3-3. source: baseball-reference.com
  • 17 Oct 1996 Atlanta Braves defeat St. Louis Cardinals 15-0 in Game 7 of NLCS: On October 17, 1996, the Atlanta Braves clinched the National League Championship Series by defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 15-0 in Game 7. Braves pitcher Tom Glavine delivered a dominant performance, pitching seven shutout innings and contributing offensively with a triple that cleared the bases. This victory secured the Braves' spot in the World Series. source: baseball-reference.com
  • 20 Oct 1996 Andruw Jones becomes youngest to hit two World Series home runs: In Game 1 of the 1996 World Series, 19-year-old Andruw Jones of the Atlanta Braves hit two home runs in his first two at-bats, becoming the youngest player to hit a home run in the World Series and the second to homer in his first two Series at-bats. source: mlb.com
  • 28 Oct 1996 Death of Morey Amsterdam, American Comedian: Morey Amsterdam, best known for his role as Buddy Sorrell on 'The Dick Van Dyke Show,' died on October 28, 1996, at the age of 87 due to a heart attack at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. source: latimes.com
  • 30 Oct 1996 Spice Girls hit number 1 in UK: The Spice Girls' single "Say You'll Be There" reached number one on the UK Singles Chart on October 26, 1996, marking their second consecutive chart-topping single. source: officialcharts.com
  • 31 Oct 1996 TAM Flight 402 crash in São Paulo: On November 1, 1996, TAM Flight 402 crashed while attempting to land at São Paulo's Congonhas Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 99 people on board. The incident raised concerns about aviation safety in Brazil. source: ntsb.gov