On this day in 1605, authorities in London prevented the so-called Gunpowder Plot in which a number of Catholic conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. The day was made a holiday in celebration of the deliverance of the King. It's called Guy Fawkes Night after one of the conspirators.

This day in 1838 marked the beginning of the end for the Federal Republic of Central America – a short-lived sovereign state. Nicaragua seceded, leaving Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Costa Rica. Other nations soon followed suit.

And on this day in 1924, the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty – Pu Yi – was forced to leave his palace in the Forbidden City in Beijing. He was forced out by warlord Feng Yu-hsang, who had taken control of the city.