In History, Today on October 14

The Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to French economist Jean Tirole for his analysis of market power and regulation.

Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner broke the world record for skydiving an estimated 39 kilometers (24 miles) from a helium balloon in the stratosphere, becoming the first person to break the sound barrier without vehicular power.

Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner set the world record for the highest skydive, jumping from a helium balloon in the stratosphere at an altitude of 39 kilometers (24 miles) above Roswell, New Mexico.

Technology company Apple Inc. launched the iTunes Store in Europe, initially available in the UK, France, and Germany.

Naguib Mahfouz, an Egyptian writer regarded as one of the first contemporary writers of Arabic literature, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Hosni Mubarak was elected President of Egypt, following the assassination of Anwar Sadat.

The first live telecast from a manned U.S. spacecraft was made from Apollo 7.

Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent resistance to racial prejudice in America.

The Cuban Missile Crisis began when a U.S. reconnaissance plane photographed Soviet missile bases under construction in Cuba.

U.S. Air Force Captain Chuck Yeager became the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound.

German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel was forced to commit suicide after being implicated in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.

Nazi Germany announces its withdrawal from the League of Nations and the Geneva Disarmament Conference, significantly escalating the country's militaristic agenda.

Former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was shot in the chest while campaigning in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but he still delivered his scheduled speech.

The Partition of Bengal takes effect, dividing the eastern part of the Bengal province in British India from the western part, on administrative grounds.

George Eastman receives a U.S. Government Patent for his invention of photographic film in roll form. This invention would eventually lead to Eastman's establishment of the Kodak company, revolutionizing photography by making it more accessible to the general public.

The Emperor of the French, Napoleon III visits the United Kingdom, marking a significant diplomatic event between the two nations. This visit represents the strengthening of Franco-British relations during the 19th century, particularly their collaboration in the Crimean War.

The Treaty of Schönbrunn was signed between France, under Napoleon Bonaparte, and Austria, following the War of the Fifth Coalition. The treaty imposed harsh terms on Austria, ceding territory to France's allies and recognizing French dominance in the region.

The Battle of Jena-Auerstedt occurred, where Napoleon's forces decisively defeated the Prussian army.

The Battle of Hochkirch takes place during the Seven Years' War, where Austrian forces under Marshal von Daun defeat the Prussian army led by Frederick the Great.

Massachusetts enacts the first punitive law against the Quakers, fining the residents for harboring them.

Mary, Queen of Scots, went on trial for conspiracy against Queen Elizabeth I of England.

Robert the Bruce of Scotland defeated King Edward II of England at the Battle of Old Byland, securing Scottish independence.

The Battle of Hastings took place, where William the Conqueror defeated King Harold II of England, leading to the Norman conquest of England.

Pope Callixtus I is martyred, marking a significant event in early Christian history. He was known for his efforts to reconcile with heretical sects and for his role in the development of the early Church's penitential system.