November 1, 978
Jonestown Murder-Suicide
Most people have at least heard of the Jonestown massacre — the mass murder-suicide that claimed over 900 lives. But the full story of how things spiraled to that point is far less widely known. Here'
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November in History
92 events
November 1, 1755
Lisbon Earthquake Kills More Than 50,000
On November 1st, 1755, the thriving Portuguese capital of Lisbon was forever changed. A catastrophic earthquake — unprecedented in its magnitude — devastated the city, claiming the lives of fifty thou
November 1, 1800
John Adams Moved into the White House
On November 1, 1800, President John Adams stepped through the doors of a half-completed mansion standing in the middle of a city that barely existed yet. Known then as the "President's House," the bui
November 1, 1894
Diphtheria vaccine announced
Throughout the latter half of the 1800s, a fierce scientific rivalry was brewing. Dr. Emile Roux, alongside his peers, found himself caught up in a web of collaboration and competition as researchers
November 1, 1942
Poon Lim begins 133 days adrift after SS Belmond is torpedoed
What happens when a shipwreck survivor finds himself alone on a tiny wooden raft in the middle of the ocean? For Poon Lim, a Chinese sailor, the answer was an incredible 133-day fight for survival. Se
November 1, 1997
"Titanic" Premiered at the Tokyo International Film Festival
The world got its first glimpse of James Cameron's sweeping masterpiece _Titanic_ on November 1, 1997, when it debuted at the Tokyo International Film Festival. It was a premiere that would launch one
November 2, 1898
Cheerleading then becomes a sport.
Think cheerleading doesn't qualify as a sport? You might want to reconsider that stance. Sure, standing before a roaring crowd and rallying support for your team sounds simple enough. But look closer
November 2, 1898
The First Organized Cheerleading Team was Formed
It was November 2, 1898, when something entirely new burst onto the American sports scene. At the University of Minnesota, a spirited student named Johnny Campbell took the lead in rallying a group of
November 2, 1937
The Spruce Goose takes Flight
On November 2, 1937, the Hughes H-4 Hercules — better known by its famous nickname, the Spruce Goose — lifted off the water and into aviation history. The brainchild of Howard Hughes, a legendary pilo
November 2, 1983
The Release of "Thriller"
November 2, 1983—the day Michael Jackson unleashed something the music world never saw coming. "Thriller," the seventh and final single pulled from an already record-demolishing album, landed like a c
November 3, 1903
Panama Declared Independence
A slender ribbon of land broke free from its colossal neighbor on November 3, 1903, when Panama declared independence from Colombia—a moment that would fundamentally alter the course of international
November 3, 1906
SOS Became Universal Distress SignalNovember
On November 3, 1906, delegates at the International Radiotelegraph Conference in Berlin reached a decision that would forever reshape how the world calls for help. By establishing "SOS" — transmitted
November 3, 1957
Soviet Union launches first animal into space
A fresh wave of anxiety rippled through the Pentagon, the White House, and the American public when the Soviets sent Sputnik 2 into orbit on November 3, 1957. After all, barely a month had passed sinc
November 4, 1854
Florence Nightingale and Nurses Sent to the Crimean War
On November 4, 1854, in the midst of the Crimean war (1854-1856), Florence Nightingale set foot in Turkey. Britain had found itself locked in conflict with Russia, and the toll on soldiers was devasta
November 4, 1890
World's First Electrified Railway Opened in London
On November 4, 1890, a transportation breakthrough unfolded in London that would forever change the way city dwellers got around. The opening of the world's first electrified railway marked a pivotal
November 4, 1916
Walter Cronkite was Born
On this day, we mark the arrival of Walter Cronkite into the world — a man who would go on to become one of American journalism's most towering figures. Walter Cronkite came into the world on November
November 4, 2001
The Premiere of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone"
On November 4, 2001, throngs of enthusiastic fans descended upon a London theater, all hoping for even a fleeting look at the cast of _Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone._ With the film's public
November 5, 1733
First Publication of The New York Weekly Journal
Let's turn the clock back to a pivotal moment in the story of American journalism. On November 5, 1733, a brand-new publication hit the streets: The New York Weekly Journal. Its founder, printer John
November 5, 1733
The Inaugural Issue of the New York Weekly Journal
What started as a small printing operation in New York City on November 5, 1733, would go on to shake the foundations of colonial power. That was the day _The New York Weekly Journal_ hit the streets
November 5, 1935
Monopoly Debut
For more than a hundred years now, Monopoly has found its way into the hands of players well over a billion times. It all traces back to Elizabeth Magie, whose creation was called The Landlord's Game.
November 6, 1854
John Philip Sousa's birthday
Chances are, you've encountered "The Stars and Stripes Forever" or "The Thunderer" at some point — maybe blaring from your school band or ringing out during a Marine Band celebration. Yet the brillian
November 6, 1860
Abraham Lincoln was Elected as the 16th President
It's hard to overstate the significance of what happened on November 6, 1860. That was the day Abraham Lincoln won the presidency, becoming the 16th leader of the United States. His victory marked a t
November 6, 1975
The Sex Pistols' First Performance
The Sex Pistols burst onto the scene as one of the most explosive and short-lived acts in British rock history. With only a single album to their name and a career spanning a mere 2.5 years, they none
November 7, 1916
The First Woman was Elected to Congress
When Jeannette Rankin won her seat in the House of Representatives from Montana on November 7, 1916, she didn't just make personal history — she shattered a barrier that had stood since the founding o
November 7, 1974
The Great Lord Lucan Mystery
On the evening of November 7, 1974, a young nanny named Sandra Rivett, just 29 years old, descended into the unlit basement of her London apartment — and never returned. Roughly an hour later, Lady Ve
November 7, 1989
First African American Governor: L. Douglas Wilder
On November 7, 1989, history was made when L. Douglas Wilder won the gubernatorial election in Virginia, becoming the first African American ever elected governor in any U.S. state. Far more than a pe
November 8, 1895
The Discovery of X-rays
A chance encounter with the unknown would forever reshape the world of medical science. While experimenting with cathode rays in his home laboratory on November 8, 1895, German physicist Wilhelm Röntg
November 8, 1926
The Debut of "Oh Kay!" Musical
The musical _Oh, Kay!_ made its grand entrance on the New York City stage on November 8, 1926, and audiences fell in love almost immediately. The creation of brothers George and Ira Gershwin, this pro
November 8, 1966
Movie actor Ronald Reagan elected Governor of California
California witnessed a landmark moment on November 8, 1966, when its Gubernatorial election turned into one of the most lopsided political contests the state had ever seen. Ronald Reagan swept to vict
November 9, 1965
The Great Northeast Blackout
On the evening of November 9, 1965, a massive power failure known as The Great Blackout of the Northeast swept across a vast swath of the United States, leaving millions shrouded in darkness. What sta
November 9, 1989
The Fall of the Berlin Wall
On this day in history, a concrete barrier that had carved a city in two—and stood as the ultimate symbol of a fractured world—finally gave way. November 9, 1989, was the day the Berlin Wall fell. The
November 10, 1775
The Start of the U.S. Marine Corps
It was on November 10, 1775, amid the turmoil of the American Revolutionary War, that the U.S. Marine Corps came into existence. What began as a naval infantry force has evolved over the centuries int
November 10, 1925
The Birth of Richard Burton
On November 10, 1925, the small coal-mining village of Pontrhydyfen, Wales, welcomed a child who would grow into one of the most electrifying performers the world has ever seen. Born Richard Walter Je
November 10, 1969
Sesame Street Premieres
What made Monday, November 10, 1969, so special? It was the day Sesame Street made its debut on PBS TV, and the children who would soon be glued to their screens couldn't have been more thrilled. Slat
November 10, 1989
Germany begins officially taking down the Berlin Wall
What comes to mind when you think of the Cold War? For many, it's the Berlin Wall — a physical manifestation of an otherwise largely invisible global conflict. This jagged scar had sliced through Berl
November 11, 1821
Fyodor Dostoyevsky was Born
On this day in history, November 11, 1821, the world welcomed Fyodor Dostoyevsky — a Russian author who would go on to be regarded as one of the greatest novelists of all time. Through his fiction, he
November 11, 1849
Fyodor Dostoyevsky is spared from the firing squad at the last minute
Few writers in history have endured as dramatic a journey as Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Widely regarded as one of the greatest literary minds the world has ever known, his path to fame was anything but smoot
November 11, 1973
Egypt and Israel Sign Ceasefire Agreement
In a barren stretch of desert only 63 miles from Cairo, two longtime adversaries did something remarkable while an exhausted world looked on. On November 11, 1973, Israel and Egypt put their signature
November 11, 1992
The Church of England approves female priests
On November 11, 1992, something remarkable happened — though just barely. The General Synod, which serves as the Church of England's governing body, squeaked through a decision across its three consti
November 12, 1867
An Eruption of Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius — the 25,000-year-old volcano perched along the Gulf of Naples in Italy — roared to life on November 12, 1867. Best known for the devastating 79 A.D. eruption that wiped Pompeii off the
November 12, 1954
The Last Immigrants on Ellis Island
On this day, an era that had thundered through American history came to a whispered close. The great doors of Ellis Island—the legendary gateway where millions had chased the American dream—shut for g
November 13, 1885
Hawaii sends out the first shipment of canned pineapple
It was the relentless drive for profit among ambitious entrepreneurs that ultimately brought down Hawaii's monarchical government. On November 13, 1895, the Hawaiian Fruit & Packing Company dispatched
November 13, 1956
US Supreme Court Ruled Race Separation on Buses Unconstitutional
On November 13, 1956, the US Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling declaring race separation on buses unconstitutional. The court affirmed the decision reached in _Browder v. Gayle_, a legal chall
November 13, 1982
The Dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Few conflicts in American history stirred as much division as the Vietnam War, which stretched from 1955 to 1975 and provoked widespread public opposition across the United States. For many Americans,
November 14, 1851
The U.S. Publication of “Moby-Dick”
Few American writers have had a more dramatic posthumous reversal of fortune than Herman Melville, an adventure novelist and short story writer whose time as a sailor on the Pacific Ocean deeply shape
November 14, 1865
Condensed Milk Patent Awarded
On November 14, 1865, Gail Borden received the patent for his process of condensing milk — a breakthrough that would reshape how the world thought about dairy. Born on November 9, 1801, Borden was an
November 14, 1889
Nellie Bly (Elizabeth Cochrane) begins her travel around the world in under 80 days.
Inspired by the novel "Around the World in Eighty Days," Nellie Bly, a fearless investigative reporter, set out on November 14th, 1889, to prove she could circle the entire globe — and do it faster th
November 15, 1777
The Adoption of the Articles of Confederation
Back in 1776, the thirteen colonies of the United States took the bold step of declaring independence from Britain, embarking on the ambitious journey of building a nation from scratch. To govern them
November 15, 1887
Georgia O'Keeffe was Born
On this day, we celebrate the life of Georgia O'Keeffe, a towering figure in American art history. She came into the world on November 15, 1887, in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and went on to transform the
November 16, 1907
Oklahoma Became the 46th State
The year was 1907, and on this very day, a territory steeped in cowboy lore, sprawling oil fields, and deep Native American heritage officially took its place in the Union. Oklahoma was admitted as th
November 16, 1931
Al Capone is sentenced to prison
Few names in American crime history carry as much weight as Al Capone, the infamous gangster who ruled the streets of Chicago. His exploits have inspired countless books and films, and to this day, th
November 16, 1938
Dr. Albert Hofmann synthesizes LSD for the first time
It was November 16th, 1938, when Dr. Albert Hofmann, a Swiss chemist, first synthesized LSD — a moment that would reshape conversations about consciousness for decades to come. As Hofmann himself famo
November 16, 2003
Lionel Messi's Professional Debut
On November 16, 2003, a 16-year-old named Lionel Messi stepped onto the pitch for FC Barcelona for the very first time — and the world of football would never be the same. That single moment launched
November 17, 1800
Congress meets for the first time in the newly built capital in Washington DC (per The Residence Act of July 16, 1790)
For over ten years, Philadelphia had functioned as the de-facto capital of the fledgling United States. That era came to a close on November 17, 1800, when congress officially relocated to its permane
November 17, 1970
The First Patent for a Computer Mouse
On November 17, 1970, a patent was granted to Douglas Engelbart for what would become one of the most consequential inventions in computing history — the computer mouse. Initially dubbed the "X-Y posi
November 17, 2003
Britney Spears Received her Walk of Fame Star
At just 16 years old, Britney Spears exploded onto the music scene with her debut single, "…Baby One More Time," released in late 1998. When the album bearing the same title dropped in January 1999, t
November 18, 1883
Charles F. Dowd Proposed Time Zones
Before Charles F. Dowd came along with his groundbreaking proposal on November 18, 1883, keeping track of time across the United States was an absolute mess. As an educator, Dowd put forward a revolut
November 18, 1895
Frederick E Blaisdell patents the pencil
Ever stop to think about where something as simple as a pencil comes from? Believe it or not, even this everyday writing tool has a fascinating backstory. The Frederick E Blaisdell Pencil made its app
November 18, 1916
Douglas Haig calls off the Battle of the Somme in WW1 after casualties hit 1 million
In the months before the fighting began, Allied strategists had devised a joint offensive along the Somme, with French forces slated to spearhead the effort. But those plans were upended when signific
November 18, 1928
The Debut of Mickey Mouse
For nearly a century, one character has stood as the unmistakable symbol of the Walt Disney empire — recognized and adored across the globe. That character, Mickey Mouse, first graced the screen on No
November 19, 1620
The Mayflower Arrived in The New World
After enduring weeks of rough and unforgiving seas, the Mayflower at last reached Cape Cod on November 19, 1620. Aboard the vessel were 102 passengers along with around 30 crew members, all of whom ha
November 19, 1939
Construction Began on the First Presidential Library
Back on November 19, 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt did something completely unprecedented — he placed the cornerstone for a library devoted entirely to his own presidency. No sitting president
November 20, 1815
Napoleonic Wars End, France & Allies Agree to Pay Indemnities After the Battle of Waterloo
The Napoleonic wars were a string of military confrontations pitting the French Empire and its allies, under the leadership of Napoleon Bonapart, against a range of European nations. These sweeping ca
November 20, 1902
An Innovative Idea: The Tour de France Bike Race
It was November 20th, 1902, and a journalist facing professional pressure struck upon a brilliant concept that would not only rescue his career but fundamentally transform the sport of cycling forever
November 20, 1954
The Establishment of World Children's Day
Despite the many divisions and disputes that mark our world, one thing nearly everyone can agree on is this: children deserve protection, care, and opportunity above all else. It was with this spirit
November 21, 1789
North Carolina Signed the U.S. Constitution
When the Articles of Confederation — the young nation's first attempt at a governing framework — proved inadequate, the Continental Congress responded by drafting the United States Constitution in 178
November 21, 1906
China prohibits the opium trade
Opioids today are largely confined to the worlds of addiction and end-of-life care in America, but the story of this drug stretches back to an era when its use was far more commonplace. Throughout the
November 21, 1920
"Bloody Sunday:" A Turning Point in the War for Ireland's Independence
Dublin witnessed one of its darkest chapters on November 21, 1920, a day that would forever be remembered as "Bloody Sunday" — a pivotal moment in the Irish War of Independence. That morning, a carefu
November 22, 1890
Charles De Gaulle was Born
On this day, we mark the arrival into the world of Charles De Gaulle, who was born on November 22, 1890. A towering figure in French history, De Gaulle not only spearheaded the French Resistance durin
November 22, 1990
Margaret Thatcher Announced Resignation
It's impossible to overstate Margaret Thatcher's significance in both British and women's history. By becoming the United Kingdom's first female Prime Minister, she shattered a glass ceiling for women
November 22, 2017
Vanellope Wilkins becomes first baby to survive birth with heart outside her body
When Naomi Findlay was only 9 weeks into her pregnancy, she received devastating news: her unborn daughter had been diagnosed with ectopia cordis. This extraordinarily rare condition occurs when the b
November 23, 1804
Franklin Pierce was Born
On November 23, 1804, in Hillsborough, New Hampshire, a future president entered the world under humble circumstances. Franklin Pierce would eventually climb the political ladder to serve as the 14th
November 23, 1890
A 10-Year-Old Crowned Queen of The Netherlands
It's hard to imagine the weight of a crown resting on the head of a ten-year-old, but that's exactly what happened on November 23, 1890. Wilhelmina of Orange-Nassau ascended to the throne of the Nethe
November 24, 1859
Charles Darwin Published "On the Origin of Species"
The world was forever altered by the work of Charles Darwin, a 19th-century English naturalist whose bold ideas shook the foundations of science. When he released his book, _On the Origin of Species_,
November 24, 1933
The Premiere of "Dancing Lady"
On November 24th, 1933, MGM unveiled _Dancing Lady_ to the world — a dazzling musical that would leave an indelible mark on Hollywood. Beyond assembling an extraordinary roster of talent, the film ser
November 24, 1971
"Dan Cooper" hijacked a plane and took $200,000 before jumping out
On November 24, 1971, nobody boarding Northwest Orient Airlines flight 305 could have imagined what was about to unfold. What was supposed to be a routine, quick hop from Portland, Oregon, to Seattle,
November 25, 1783
The Official Withdrawal of British Troops from New York City
On November 25, 1783, British forces departed New York City for the final time, following the signing of the Treaty of Paris. This momentous occasion marked the definitive conclusion of the American R
November 25, 1835
Andrew Carnegie was Born
From modest origins in Dunfermline, Scotland, where he was born on November 25, 1835, Andrew Carnegie would go on to become one of the richest and most generous individuals in American history. His re
November 25, 1986
Iran-Contra Affair erupts
To all outward appearances, November 25, 1986, began as just another routine day at the U.S. White House. Ronald Reagan was deep into his second term as President—a period already mired in controversy
November 26, 1789
America's 1st national Thanksgiving
Ask any American elementary school student what they know about the pilgrims, and chances are good the Mayflower will come up. That tale of settlers crossing the Atlantic Ocean to land at Plymouth has
November 26, 1922
The Opening of Tutankhamun’s Tomb
In 1922, history witnessed a golden revelation. Howard Carter, a British archaeologist, together with Lord Carnarvon, his patron, stepped into Tutankhamun's tomb—a space sealed for more than 3,000 yea
November 26, 1979
China's Return to the Olympic Games
On November 26, 1979, a landmark decision reshaped the landscape of international sport: the International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially welcomed the People's Republic of China back into the Olym
November 27, 1895
The Signing of Alfred Nobel's Will
On November 27, 1895, Swedish chemist, inventor, and industrialist Alfred Nobel put his signature on a remarkable will that would transform his vast wealth—accumulated through 355 inventions, most not
November 27, 2013
The Premiere of "Frozen"
On November 27, 2013, Frozen burst onto the scene and rapidly transformed into a worldwide cultural sensation that fundamentally changed the landscape of animated filmmaking. Drawing inspiration from
November 28, 1520
Magellan Sails into the Pacific Ocean
The 1500s witnessed a flourishing era of European maritime discovery. Nations were experiencing remarkable progress in the arts of navigation and vessel construction, eager to leverage these innovatio
November 28, 1922
Captain Cyril Turner gives 1st skywriting exhibition in NYC, spelling out “Hello USA”
We've all watched those dramatic movie scenes where someone spells out a heartfelt declaration across the heavens. The real story behind skywriting, though, couldn't be further from romance — it actua
November 28, 1942
The Deadly Fire at a Boston Nightclub
On the evening of November 28, 1942, a catastrophic fire tore through one of Boston's most beloved nightclubs, forever changing how America thought about public safety. The Cocoanut Grove, brimming wi
November 29, 1832
Louisa May Alcott's birthday
American short story writer, poet, and novelist Louisa May Alcott carved out a remarkable place in literary history with her vivid, relatable characters and compelling female heroines that captivated
November 29, 1890
The First Army–Navy Football Game
On November 29, 1890, what would eventually be dubbed "America's Game" kicked off when the United States Military Academy's Army Black Knights took on the United States Naval Academy's Navy Midshipmen
November 29, 1989
The End of Communism in Czechoslovakia
When the Communist government in Czechoslovakia surrendered its grip on power on November 29, 1989, it marked the culmination of a breathtaking series of events known as the Velvet Revolution. It all
November 30, 1874
Winston Churchill was Born
The world welcomed one of its most consequential leaders on November 30, 1874, when Winston Churchill arrived at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. Destined to become Britain's Prime Minister and an iconic
November 30, 1936
The Fire at London’s Crystal Palace
As darkness fell on November 30, 1936, a massive inferno illuminated the skies above south London. What had once stood as a magnificent symbol of Victorian innovation and aspiration—the Crystal Palace