THIS DAY @ LAW

Communist Poland bans trade union Solidarity

Communist Poland banned the trade union Solidarity on October 9, 1982, two years after the union started a large-scale strike in the Gdansk shipyard, where it was founded. Solidarity would later become instrumental in the fall of communism in Poland. The union's leader, Lech Wałęsa, was later elected the first president of post-communist Poland in 1990. Learn more about the history of Solidarity.

Roger Williams banished from Massachusetts for preaching religious freedom

On October 9, 1635, separatist Roger Williams was banished from Massachusetts colony for preaching that civil government had no right to interfere in religious affairs. Read Williams' Plea for Religious Liberty.

Che Guevara executed

On October 9, 1967, communist revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara was executed by Bolivian military officials for attempting to overthrow the government there. Learn more about the life of Che Guevara.

Roger Williams banished from Massachusetts for preaching religious freedom

On October 9, 1635, separatist Roger Williams was banished from Massachusetts colony for preaching that civil government had no right to interfere in religious affairs.

Read Williams' Plea for Religious Liberty.