TODAY IN HISTORY: NOVEMBER 17

 

November 17

November 17 marks the 321st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with only 44 days remaining until the end of the year. It is a date that has witnessed significant events throughout history and has left an indelible mark on various aspects of our society. From political developments to cultural milestones and scientific breakthroughs, November 17 has played a pivotal role in shaping the world we live in today.

One notable event that occurred on November 17 was the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia in 1989. This peaceful revolution witnessed a mass protest led by students, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens who demanded an end to the oppressive communist regime. The protests gained momentum and eventually led to the resignation of the country's longtime dictator, Gustav Husak, and the installation of a democratic government. This momentous event marked the beginning of the end for communism in Central and Eastern Europe, paving the way for democratic reforms and societal transformations.

In the realm of science, November 17 holds significance as well. On this day in 1869, the Suez Canal was inaugurated, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and revolutionizing global trade. This engineering marvel, built by the French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps, drastically reduced the travel time between Europe and Asia, allowing for more efficient transportation of goods. The opening of the Suez Canal not only stimulated economic growth but also fostered cultural exchanges between different civilizations, promoting a global interconnectedness that continues to shape our world.

In the field of literature, November 17 is the birthdate of several prominent authors who have made profound contributions to the literary canon. One such author is Shelby Foote, an American writer known for his monumental three-volume narrative history, \The Civil War: A Narrative.\ Foote's meticulous research and engaging storytelling captivated readers, shedding light on one of the most critical periods in American history. His work remains a benchmark in historical writing, illustrating the power of literature in preserving and interpreting our collective past.

November 17 also witnessed significant political events, such as the election of Barack Obama as the first African-American President of the United States in 2008. Obama's historic victory marked a turning point in American history, symbolizing progress in racial equality and offering hope to millions of people across the globe. His presidency brought forth various policy changes, from healthcare reform to environmental regulations, and sparked debates that continue to shape the political landscape of the United States.

On a more somber note, November 17 is a date associated with tragic events that have had profound societal impact. In 1970, the Marshall University football team's plane crashed, resulting in the loss of 75 lives, including players, coaches, and supporters. This tragedy deeply affected the university and the entire community, leading to a collective mourning and a renewed commitment to honor the memory of the fallen individuals. The resilience displayed by Marshall University in the face of such a devastating event serves as a poignant reminder of the strength of human spirit and the power of unity.

November 17 is also a day to commemorate the International Students' Day, dedicated to promoting the rights and welfare of students worldwide. It serves as a reminder of the importance of education and the need for accessible and quality learning opportunities for all. This day celebrates the invaluable contributions of students to society and offers a platform to address the challenges they face, such as discrimination, lack of resources, and limited access to education.

In conclusion, November 17 is a day that has witnessed remarkable events throughout history, leaving a lasting impact on diverse areas of society. From political revolutions and scientific advancements to literary achievements and cultural commemorations, this date has shaped our world in numerous ways. The significance of November 17 serves as a reminder of the power of individuals, communities, and nations to effect change and shape the course of history.

Here are more events from this day:

887 – Emperor Charles the Fat is deposed by the Frankish magnates in an assembly at Frankfurt, leading his nephew, Arnulf of Carinthia, to declare himself king of the East Frankish Kingdom in late November.

1183 – Genpei War: The Battle of Mizushima takes place off the Japanese coast, where Minamoto no Yoshinaka's invasion force is intercepted and defeated by the Taira clan.

1292 – John Balliol becomes King of Scotland.

1405 – Sharif ul-Hāshim establishes the Sultanate of Sulu.

1494 – French King Charles VIII occupies Florence, Italy.

1511 – Henry VIII of England concludes the Treaty of Westminster, a pledge of mutual aid against the French, with Ferdinand II of Aragon.

1558 – Elizabethan era begins: Queen Mary I of England dies and is succeeded by her half-sister Elizabeth I of England.

1603 – English explorer, writer and courtier Sir Walter Raleigh goes on trial for treason.

1777 – Articles of Confederation (United States) are submitted to the states for ratification.

1796 – French Revolutionary Wars: Battle of the Bridge of Arcole: French forces defeat the Austrians in Italy.

1800 – The United States Congress holds its first session in Washington, D.C.

1810 – Sweden declares war on its ally the United Kingdom to begin the Anglo-Swedish War, although no fighting ever takes place.

1811 – José Miguel Carrera, Chilean founding father, is sworn in as President of the executive Junta of the government of Chile.

1820 – Captain Nathaniel Palmer becomes the first American to see Antarctica. (The Palmer Peninsula is later named after him.)

1831 – Ecuador and Venezuela are separated from Gran Colombia.

1837 – An earthquake in Valdivia, south-central Chile, causes a tsunami that leads to significant destruction along Japan's coast.

1856 – American Old West: On the Sonoita River in present-day southern Arizona, the United States Army establishes Fort Buchanan in order to help control new land acquired in the Gadsden Purchase.

1858 – Modified Julian Day zero.

1858 – The city of Denver, Colorado is founded.

1863 – American Civil War: Siege of Knoxville begins: Confederate forces led by General James Longstreet place Knoxville, Tennessee, under siege.

1869 – In Egypt, the Suez Canal, linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea, is inaugurated.

1878 – First assassination attempt against Umberto I of Italy by anarchist Giovanni Passannante, who was armed with a dagger. The King survived with a slight wound in an arm. Prime Minister Benedetto Cairoli blocked the aggressor, receiving an injury in a leg.

1885 – Serbo-Bulgarian War: The decisive Battle of Slivnitsa begins.

1894 – H. H. Holmes, one of the first modern serial killers, is arrested in Boston, Massachusetts.

1896 – The Western Pennsylvania Hockey League, which later became the first ice hockey league to openly trade and hire players, began play at Pittsburgh's Schenley Park Casino.

1903 – The Russian Social Democratic Labour Party splits into two groups: The Bolsheviks (Russian for "majority") and Mensheviks (Russian for "minority").

1939 – Nine Czech students are executed as a response to anti-Nazi demonstrations prompted by the death of Jan Opletal. All Czech universities are shut down and more than 1,200 students sent to concentration camps. Since this event, International Students' Day is celebrated in many countries, especially in the Czech Republic.

1940 – The Tartu Art Museum was established in Tartu, Estonia.

1947 – The Screen Actors Guild implements an anti-Communist loyalty oath.

1947 – American scientists John Bardeen and Walter Houser Brattain observe the basic principles of the transistor, a key element for the electronics revolution of the 20th century.

1950 – Lhamo Dondrub is officially named the 14th Dalai Lama.

1950 – United Nations Security Council Resolution 89 relating to the Palestine Question is adopted.

1953 – The remaining human inhabitants of the Blasket Islands, Kerry, Ireland, are evacuated to the mainland.

1957 – Vickers Viscount G-AOHP of British European Airways crashes at Ballerup after the failure of three engines on approach to Copenhagen Airport. The cause is a malfunction of the anti-icing system on the aircraft. There are no fatalities.

1962 – President John F. Kennedy dedicates Washington Dulles International Airport, serving the Washington, D.C., region.

1967 – Vietnam War: Acting on optimistic reports that he had been given on November 13, U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson tells the nation that, while much remained to be done, "We are inflicting greater losses than we're taking...We are making progress."

1968 – British European Airways introduces the BAC One-Eleven into commercial service.

1968 – Viewers of the Raiders–Jets football game in the eastern United States are denied the opportunity to watch its exciting finish when NBC broadcasts Heidi instead, prompting changes to sports broadcasting in the U.S.

1969 – Cold War: Negotiators from the Soviet Union and the United States meet in Helsinki, Finland to begin SALT I negotiations aimed at limiting the number of strategic weapons on both sides.

1970 – Vietnam War: Lieutenant William Calley goes on trial for the My Lai Massacre.

1970 – Luna programme: The Soviet Union lands Lunokhod 1 on Mare Imbrium (Sea of Rains) on the Moon. This is the first roving remote-controlled robot to land on another world and is released by the orbiting Luna 17 spacecraft.

1973 – Watergate scandal: In Orlando, Florida, U.S. President Richard Nixon tells 400 Associated Press managing editors "I am not a crook."

1973 – The Athens Polytechnic uprising against the military regime ends in a bloodshed in the Greek capital.

1983 – The Zapatista Army of National Liberation is founded in Mexico.

1986 – The flight crew of Japan Airlines Flight 1628 are involved in a UFO sighting incident while flying over Alaska.

1989 – Cold War: Velvet Revolution begins: In Czechoslovakia, a student demonstration in Prague is quelled by riot police. This sparks an uprising aimed at overthrowing the communist government (it succeeds on December 29).

1990 – Fugendake, part of the Mount Unzen volcanic complex, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, becomes active again and erupts.

1993 – United States House of Representatives passes a resolution to establish the North American Free Trade Agreement.

1993 – In Nigeria, General Sani Abacha ousts the government of Ernest Shonekan in a military coup.

1997 – In Luxor, Egypt, 62 people are killed by six Islamic militants outside the Temple of Hatshepsut, known as Luxor massacre.

2000 – A catastrophic landslide in Log pod Mangartom, Slovenia, kills seven, and causes millions of SIT of damage. It is one of the worst catastrophes in Slovenia in the past 100 years.

2000 – Alberto Fujimori is removed from office as president of Peru.

2003 – Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s tenure as the governor of California began.

2012 – At least 50 schoolchildren are killed in an accident at a railway crossing near Manfalut, Egypt.

2013 – Fifty people are killed when Tatarstan Airlines Flight 363 crashes at Kazan Airport, Russia.

2013 – A rare late-season tornado outbreak strikes the Midwest. Illinois and Indiana are most affected with tornado reports as far north as lower Michigan. In all around six dozen tornadoes touch down in approximately an 11-hour time period, including seven EF3 and two EF4 tornadoes.

2019 – The first known case of COVID-19 is traced to a 55-year-old man who had visited a market in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.