1773day.year
The first recorded ministry of education, the Commission of National Education, is formed in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth.
The Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth establishes the first ministry of education in Europe with the Commission of National Education in 1773.
On October 14, 1773, the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth formed the Commission of National Education.
It became the first government body dedicated solely to overseeing public education in Europe.
The Commission reformed schools, standardized curricula, and improved teacher training.
Its establishment reflected Enlightenment ideals of rational governance and popular education.
Under the leadership of Hugo Kołłątaj, it promoted modern science and languages over medieval scholasticism.
The reforms influenced educational models across Europe.
Despite political turmoil in the Commonwealth, the Commission left a lasting pedagogical legacy.
It laid the groundwork for modern educational systems emphasizing state responsibility for schooling.
1773
Commission of National Education
Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth
1923day.year
After the Irish Civil War the 1923 Irish hunger strikes were undertaken by thousands of Irish republican prisoners protesting the continuation of their internment without trial.
Thousands of Irish republican prisoners begin a hunger strike to protest internment without trial following the Civil War.
On 14 October 1923, more than 8,000 Irish republican inmates at various detention camps launched a mass hunger strike.
The strike protested the continued internment of anti-Treaty combatants without formal charges or trials.
Prisoners refused food and endured harsh conditions to draw attention to their plight.
The protest garnered public and international sympathy, putting pressure on the Irish Free State government.
Although the strikes eventually ended weeks later, they contributed to the gradual release of many detainees.
1923
Irish Civil War
1923 Irish hunger strikes
Irish republican
internment
1956day.year
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, leader of India's Untouchable caste, converts to Buddhism along with 385,000 of his followers (see Neo-Buddhism).
B. R. Ambedkar and hundreds of thousands of his followers convert to Buddhism, launching a mass Neo-Buddhist movement.
On October 14, 1956, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, a prominent social reformer and advocate for India's oppressed Dalit community, embraced Buddhism.
He was joined by an estimated 385,000 followers in a mass conversion ceremony in Nagpur.
Ambedkar's conversion aimed to reject the caste-based discrimination entrenched in Hindu society.
This event initiated the Neo-Buddhist movement in India, emphasizing social equality and human dignity.
By adopting Buddhism, Ambedkar sought both spiritual liberation and a nonviolent path to societal change.
His actions inspired generations of Dalits and other marginalized groups to seek empowerment through religious and social reform.
1956
B. R. Ambedkar
Untouchable caste
Neo-Buddhism
1964day.year
Martin Luther King Jr. receives the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolence.
Martin Luther King Jr. is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his leadership in nonviolent civil rights advocacy.
On October 14, 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
He was recognized for his steadfast commitment to achieving racial equality through nonviolent protest and civil disobedience.
King's leadership during events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington galvanized the American civil rights movement.
The Nobel Committee praised his efforts to oppose injustice with peaceful methods and inspire global human rights initiatives.
King used the prize platform to highlight ongoing struggles against segregation and poverty.
His Nobel accolade cemented his international stature and invigorated the campaign for social change.
1964
Martin Luther King Jr.
Nobel Peace Prize
racial inequality
nonviolence
1973day.year
In the Thammasat student uprising, over 100,000 people protest in Thailand against the military government. Seventy-seven are killed and 857 are injured by soldiers.
Over 100,000 protesters gather at Thammasat University to demand democracy in Thailand, facing a deadly military crackdown.
On October 14, 1973, a diverse coalition of students, workers, and citizens assembled at Thammasat University in Bangkok to protest years of military dictatorship. They demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Thanom Kittikachorn and the restoration of democratic governance. The demonstration grew into a mass movement, swelling the streets with calls for reform and civil liberties. In a tragic turn, security forces opened fire on unarmed protesters, killing 77 and injuring more than 857 individuals. The uprising ultimately forced the ruling regime to step down and led to a brief period of civilian rule. The events of that day are commemorated in Thailand as a symbol of popular resistance against authoritarianism. The 1973 uprising remains a landmark in Southeast Asian student activism and democratic movements.
1973
Thammasat student uprising
1979day.year
The first National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights draws approximately 100,000 people.
The inaugural National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights attracts around 100,000 participants advocating for equal rights.
On October 14, 1979, activists from across the United States convened on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for the first mass demonstration for LGBTQ rights. The march demanded federal legislation to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation and to protect LGBTQ individuals in employment, housing, and education. Prominent speakers and community leaders addressed the crowds, sharing personal stories and calls to action. Media coverage of the event brought unprecedented visibility to the movement and its goals. The march galvanized a new generation of activists and established a template for future Pride events. It marked a significant shift toward organized national advocacy in the struggle for LGBTQ equality. The legacy of the 1979 march continues to inspire civil rights campaigns worldwide.
1979
National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights
2021day.year
About 10,000 American employees of John Deere go on strike.
Approximately 10,000 John Deere employees in the United States initiated a strike over contract disputes.
On 14 October 2021, approximately 10,000 John Deere employees across the United States initiated a strike over contract negotiations.
Workers, represented by the United Auto Workers union, demanded higher wages, improved benefits, and better working conditions.
The strike marked the first major labor action against John Deere in over three decades.
Production of key agricultural and construction equipment was disrupted, affecting supply chains globally.
The dispute highlighted broader issues in American manufacturing and labor relations.
2021
John Deere
go on strike