Name: Einstein escapes Nazi Germany, flees to the US
Start: 1933-10-17
Location: Germany/United States

Holidays on October 17, 2026:

Sweetest Day

Sweetest Day (10/17/2026) - Shower loved ones with sweet treats, cards, and gestures of appreciation on this heartwarming holiday. more >>

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, October 17, 2026: Join the global call to action to address poverty's root causes and promote sustainable development. more >>

International Sloth Day

International Sloth Day, October 17, 2026: Learn about conservation efforts, fun facts, and adorable sloths, and take action to protect their habitats. more >>

Pay Back a Friend Day

Pay Back a Friend Day on 10/17/2026: Show gratitude, repay favors, and strengthen friendships with heartfelt thanks and small gestures. more >>

I Love Yarn Day

I Love Yarn Day on 10/17/2026: Join yarn enthusiasts worldwide in sharing passion for knitting, crocheting, and handmade crafts. more >>

Spreadsheet Day

Join us on Spreadsheet Day, October 17, 2026, as we geek out over formulas, formatting, and data visualization, and recognize the unsung heroes of the spreadsheet world. more >>

International Independent Video Store Day

International Independent Video Store Day, 10/17/2026, discover the charm of independent video rental stores and their dedication to film discovery and community building. more >>

Mulligan Day

Discover the truth about Mulligan Day on October 17, 2026, and learn if it's a real holiday or a fictional creation. more >>

Forgive an Ex Day

Forgive an Ex Day, 10/17/2026: Let go of past heartaches and grudges, practice self-care, and move forward with a clearer heart and mind. more >>

Birthdays on October 17:

Eminem

53 Years Old

A controversial and influential figure in hip-hop, known for provocative lyrics and genre-bending style that has sold over 220 million records worldwide.

Alan Jackson

67 Years Old

Country music icon known for blending traditional honky-tonk with modern styles, penning hits like "Chattahoochee" and "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)".

Wyclef Jean

56 Years Old

Haitian-American rapper, producer, and actor who rose to fame in the 1990s with the Fugees and later as a solo artist, known for blending hip-hop with global music styles. He's als...

Evel Knievel

Died in 2007, aged 69

A daredevil motorcycle stuntman famous for attempting death-defying jumps and setting numerous records, captivating audiences with his bravery and showmanship.

Norm Macdonald

Died in 2021, aged 61

A beloved comedian and actor, best known for his dry wit and iconic anchoring of Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update" segment. He's also a prolific writer and producer, creating ...

Jerry Siegel

Died in 1996, aged 81

Creator of the iconic superhero Superman, revolutionizing the comic book industry with his imaginative storytelling and illustrations.

Rob Marshall

65 Years Old

Acclaimed director, producer, and choreographer behind iconic movie musicals like Chicago and Into the Woods, known for blending stage and screen magic.

Robert Jordan

Died in 2007, aged 58

American soldier and author of epic fantasy series, including the beloved Wheel of Time, which has captivated millions of readers worldwide with its intricate world-building and co...

George Wendt

77 Years Old

Star of the iconic TV show "Cheers," playing the lovable but dim-witted Norm Peterson, and appearing in numerous films and TV shows. He's a beloved comedic actor.

Felicity Jones

42 Years Old

Star of Oscar-nominated films like "The Theory of Everything" and "Rogue One," she's a talented actress known for her nuanced portrayals of strong, intelligent women.

Ziggy Marley

57 Years Old

A Jamaican musician and activist, known for blending reggae with other genres and promoting unity and social justice through his music. He's a multiple Grammy-winning artist and so...

Kimi RÃ¤ikkÃ¶nen

46 Years Old

A Finnish Formula One World Champion, known for his speed and laid-back personality, winning numerous races and titles, including the 2007 World Drivers' Championship.

Events from History on October 17:

245 years ago

British General Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown, ending the war (Yorktown, Virginia, USA) 1781

The tables have turned in the American Revolution! British General Charles, Earl Cornwallis, once confident in his superior forces, now finds himself trapped between the Continental Army and the French fleet in the Siege of Yorktown. After a grueling campaign, Cornwallis realizes his predicament is hopeless and reluctantly surrenders his army of over 8,000 soldiers on October 17, 1781. This crushing defeat marks the effective end of the war, paving the way for the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, formally recognizing American independence.

249 years ago

British General John Burgoyne's crushing defeat at Saratoga (Saratoga, New York, USA) 1777

The fate of the American Revolution hung in the balance as British General John Burgoyne's army, boasting over 6,000 troops, marched south from Canada to crush the Continental Army. But the tables turned when American forces, led by General Horatio Gates, cleverly trapped Burgoyne's men near Saratoga, New York. Outnumbered, outgunned, and low on supplies, Burgoyne's pride was dealt a devastating blow as he surrendered his entire army on October 17, 1777. This pivotal victory galvanized American morale, convinced France to ally with the colonies, and paved the way for the eventual defeat of the British.

53 years ago

OPEC imposes oil embargo against Israel supporters (Various OPEC member countries) 1973

The world was turned upside down when the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) made a bold move to punish countries they deemed to have supported Israel in the Yom Kippur War. The 1973 oil embargo marked a significant shift in global politics and economics, sending shockwaves across the globe. With oil prices skyrocketing, the embargo crippled economies and put the world on high alert.

114 years ago

Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia declare war on the Ottoman Empire (Balkan Peninsula) 1912

The Balkan Peninsula was about to be set ablaze! Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia, fed up with Ottoman rule, decided to take matters into their own hands. After centuries of Ottoman dominance, these three nations joined forces with Montenegro to finally shake off the shackles of their oppressors. The spark that ignited this powder keg was the Ottoman Empire's refusal to implement reforms, ignored pleas for autonomy, and brutal suppression of uprisings. The war cry echoed through the mountains as these nations, fueled by nationalist fervor, prepared to clash with the ailing Ottoman Empire in a bid for freedom and self-determination. The stage was set for a maelstrom of gunfire, cavalry charges, and diplomatic intrigue.

85 years ago

USS Kearny torpedoes by U-boat mark US entry to WWII (Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic) 1941

In the dark, icy waters of the North Atlantic, the USS Kearny, a gleaming destroyer, found itself in the crosshairs of a German U-boat. On October 17, 1941, the Kearny became the first US Navy vessel to be torpedoed by a U-boat, marking a significant turning point in American involvement in World War II. With its hull dented and bruised, the Kearny managed to limp back to port, but the attack sent a clear message to the US government: the war was coming, and it was time to take action.

93 years ago

Einstein escapes Nazi Germany, flees to the US (Germany/United States) 1933

As the menace of Nazi Germany loomed large, the brilliant physicist Albert Einstein, already a target of anti-Semitic hostility, made a daring escape to the United States. Leaving behind the sinister forces that threatened his life and work, Einstein set sail for America, where he would find refuge and eventually become a Princeton University professor. This pivotal moment marked a turning point in the life of one of humanity's greatest minds, ensuring the world would continue to benefit from his groundbreaking contributions to science.

Notable Deaths on October 17:

2019Elijah Cummings A champion of civil rights and equality, who fought for justice and equality throughout his career

1991Tennessee Ernie Ford Legendary performer who electrified audiences with his voice

2001Jay Livingston Talented singer-songwriter who left a mark on the music industry

1967Puyi Chinese emperor who ruled through tumultuous times

2017Gord Downie Folk-rock musician who used his music to raise awareness about social issues

2008Ben Weider Fitness entrepreneur, bodybuilding pioneer

1979S. J. Perelman American humorist and screenwriter celebrated for wit and satire

2007Joey Bishop Legendary comedian and actor known for his charming wit

2009Vic Mizzy Composer mastermind, musical genius

2011Carl Lindner, Jr. Business magnate, corporate leader

2008Levi Stubbs Iconic American singer, harmony leader

2013Rene Simpson Dynamic tennis player who pushed the limits of the sport

2012Stanford R. Ovshinsky Scientist and businessman, innovative force

2014Masaru Emoto Visionary author who inspired a movement of conscious living

2002Derek Bell Ireland's renowned harpist and composer

2001Rehavam Ze'evi Historian, military leader, and Israeli politician who made a lasting impact

1983Raymond Aron French sociologist, philosopher, and scholar who examined human society

1937J. Bruce Ismay English businessman and shipping magnate who survived the sinking of the Titanic

2013Lou Scheimer Pioneer animator who brought joy to children's television

National Pasta Day