The Battle of Andernach, fought over control of the Middle Frankish territory of Lotharingia takes place between East Francia (Germany), under king Louis the Younger and West Francia (France), under king Charles the Bald. Louis's decisive victory ended Charles's attempts to expand eastward and secured the Rhineland for East Francia (Germany).
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What Happened Today in History on October 8
Explore the historical events that shaped our world on October 8th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
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Louis the Stammerer is crowned as the King of the West Franks, succeeding his father Charles the Bald. This event marks an important moment in the history of the Carolingian dynasty. On his death, his realms were divided between his two sons, Carloman II and Louis III, while powerful duke Boso of Provence tried to carve out a realm in Lower Burgundy.
Ivan III of Russia launches the Great Stand on the Ugra River, halting the advance of the Golden Horde.
The most devastating forest fire in American history swept through Northeast Wisconsin, claiming 1200+ lives. It scorched 1.2 to 1.5 million acres. The fire skipped over the waters of Green Bay to burn parts of Door and Kewaunee counties. The fire also burned 16 other towns, but the damage in Peshtigo was the worst.
The city of Peshtigo was gone in an hour and 800 lives were lost. The damage estimate was at $169 million. The Peshtigo Fire usually receives little note outside the region because another horrific fire happened the same night -- the great Chicago Fire. More
The Great Chicago Fire starts at about 9:00 p.m. in or around a small barn belonging to Patrick and Catherine O’Leary. The fire quickly spread and lasted two days. It killed about 300 people, and destroyed over 17,000 buildings, leaving 100,000 homeless. The estimated damage costs were $200 million dollars (roughly $4 billion in 2020 dollars). The real cause of the fire has never been determined by city officials. More
Haiphong cyclone, Over 300,000 people perished in one of most catastrophic natural disasters in history. The cyclone smashed into the Gulf of Tonkin causing widespread destruction as tidal waves flooded the city of Haiphong in northeastern Vietnam.
Che Guevara is captured by Bolivian troops from the the Bolivian Army’s 2nd Ranger Battalion. He was executed the following day, on orders from the Bolivian President. More
The Office of Homeland Security is established on October 8, 2001, less than one month after the September 11 terrorist attack. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge, was appointed as the first Director of the Office of Homeland Security in the White House.
On November 25, 2002, the Department of Homeland Security was established by combining 22 different federal departments and agencies into a unified, integrated Cabinet agency. Homeland Security is now one of the largest organs of the federal government, charged with preventing terror attacks, border security, immigrations and customs, disaster relief and prevention and other related tasks.
The 7.6 magnitude Kashmir earthquake strikes northern Pakistan and India, causing widespread destruction and killing at least 86,000 people. More