What happened on October 31? - October 31: A Day of Change and Consequence in German History
October 31 has been a significant day in German history, marked by several notable events and births spanning from the 1930s to the present day. It saw the lifting of a ban on women's football, the opening of a long-awaited airport, and the birth of prominent figures in arts, politics, and sports.
In 1970, the German Football Association (DFB) partially lifted its 1955 ban on women’s football, though certain restrictions remained in place. This decision opened doors for women to participate in the college football they loved.
On the same day in 1985, members of Frankfurt’s Jewish community took a stand against antisemitism. They blocked the world premiere of Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s play 'The Garbage, the City, and Death', protesting its perpetuation of stereotypes.
Fast forward to 2020, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) finally opened its doors after 14 years of construction. The €6 billion project had faced numerous delays, but it was now ready to serve the capital region.
This day has also been marked by the births of influential figures. Uwe-Karsten Heye, a prominent journalist and former government spokesman, was born in 1940. Theater director Dieter Dorn, known for his work at Munich’s Kammerspiele, was born in 1935. In more recent times, actress Liv Lisa Fries, famous for 'Babylon Berlin' and 'With Love, Your Hilde', was born in 1990. Tragically, the day also saw the death of Sean Connery, the legendary actor who portrayed James Bond.
In 2015, a devastating plane crash occurred over the Sinai Peninsula. A Russian Airbus carrying 224 passengers crashed, with the Islamic State (IS) militant group later confirming it was a bomb explosion. The incident highlighted the growing threat of terrorism.
On a brighter note, 2005 saw the birth of Princess Leonor of Asturias, the heir to the Spanish throne and daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. Her birth was celebrated not just in Spain, but across the world.
October 31 has been a day of change and consequence, from the lifting of a ban on women's football to the opening of a long-awaited airport, and from the birth of influential figures to tragic events. It serves as a reminder of the progress, challenges, and resilience of humanity.
