this is the week that was
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.16 October:
1846: First successful use of anaesthetic, at Massachusetts General Hospital.
1902: The first Borstal opens in the village of Borstal, Kent.
1916: The first birth control clinic opens in the United States.
1923: In Switzerland, John Harwood patents the self-winding watch.
1928: Mary Pipkin patents the frosted light bulb.
1931: Divorce is legalised in Spain.
17 October:
1860: The first professional golf tournament is held in Scotland.
1902: The first Cadillac is made in Detroit.
18 October:
1826: Britain holds its last state lottery before 1994.
1865: Lord Palmerston said: "Die, my dear doctor? That's the last thing I shall do." Then he died.
1887: The US buys Alaska from Russia for $7.2m.
1927: Dancing bears are banned from the streets of Berlin.
1982: The first escape ramp for hedgehogs is installed in a cattle grid on the A117 near Ludlow, Shropshire.
1987: An American chopstick manufacturer announces the sale of 12 million pairs to Japan.
19 October:
1901: Albert de Santos wins pounds 1,000 for the first airship flight around the Eiffel Tower.
1970: BP announce the first oil strike in the North Sea.
20 October:
1818: The 49th parallel is established as the boundary between Canada and the United States.
1915: Women are allowed to apply for licences as bus and tram conductors in London.
21 October:
1824: Portland cement is patented by Joseph Aspdin.
1868: Birth of Sir Ernest Dunlop Swinton, the originator of the word "tank" for an armoured vehicle.
1958: The first life peers are introduced into the House of Lords.
1960: Launch of Dreadnought, Britain's first nuclear submarine.
22 October:
1797: Andre-Jacques Garnerin makes the first successful descent by parachute, from a balloon 6,000ft above Paris.
1903: Publication in London of the National Temperance Manifesto.
1909: Elise Deroche becomes the first woman to fly solo.
1910: Dr Crippen is convicted of murdering his wife.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments