October 15

What happened on October 15 in history

6 events fall on October 15, from 1582 to 1990. Read them below, then try to place a historical scene yourself — guess where in the world it happened and in what year.

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Events on October 15

  1. 1582

    The Gregorian calendar begins

    The day after 4 October in the countries that adopt it first.

    Play the Medieval & Renaissance round

  2. 1815

    Napoleon reaches St Helena

    He is landed on the island where he will die.

    Play the 19th century round

  3. 1917

    Mata Hari is executed

    She is shot by a French firing squad at Vincennes.

    Play the 20th century round

  4. 1951

    I Love Lucy premieres

    The sitcom that will define American television begins.

    Play the 20th century round

  5. 1966

    The Black Panther Party is founded

    Newton and Seale draw up a ten-point programme in Oakland.

    Play the 20th century round

  6. 1990

    Gorbachev wins the Nobel Peace Prize

    The award recognises his role in ending the Cold War.

    Play the 20th century round