TODAY IN HISTORY: NOVEMBER 9

 

November 9

November 9th is a day that holds significant historical and cultural importance in various parts of the world. From significant political events to momentous cultural milestones and personal revelations, this date has left an indelible mark on our collective memory.

One of the most notable events that occurred on November 9th was the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. This day marked the end of the Cold War era and the reunification of East and West Germany. The Berlin Wall, which had been a physical and symbolic divide between the two parts of the city, was finally breached on this day, leading to celebrations and joyous reunions for families and friends who had been separated for decades.

Another significant event that took place on November 9th was the infamous Kristallnacht, also known as the Night of Broken Glass, in 1938. This was a night of extreme violence against Jewish people and their property throughout Nazi Germany. Synagogues were burned, Jewish-owned businesses were vandalized, and countless people were arrested and killed. This event is widely regarded as one of the most violent and pivotal moments in the lead-up to the Holocaust.

On a more positive note, November 9th also marks the birthday of the influential British theoretical physicist and cosmologist, Sir Roger Penrose. Born in 1931, Penrose has made significant contributions to the understanding of black holes, quantum mechanics, and the nature of the universe itself. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2020.

In the realm of literature, November 9th holds a special significance as well. On this day in 1989, the renowned German writer Günter Grass was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Grass, known for his powerful and complex novels such as \The Tin Drum,\ is considered one of the most important literary figures of the 20th century. His exploration of German history and identity in his work has left a lasting impact on the literary world.

November 9th also has personal significance for many individuals. It may be the date of their birth, anniversary, or a day that holds sentimental value. For them, this date represents personal milestones, memories, and moments of reflection.

Furthermore, November 9th has been a significant date in the world of politics. In the United States, November 9th, 2016, was the day after the presidential election, when Donald Trump was declared the winner and became the 45th President of the United States. This election marked a turning point in American politics, stirring up intense debate and division among the population.

In conclusion, November 9th carries immense historical, cultural, and personal significance. From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the horrors of Kristallnacht, the achievements of individuals like Sir Roger Penrose and Günter Grass, and even more recent political events, this date has left an indelible mark on the world. It serves as a reminder of both the triumphs and tragedies that have shaped our history and continue to mold our future.

Here are more events from this day:

694 – At the Seventeenth Council of Toledo, Egica, a king of the Visigoths of Hispania, accuses Jews of aiding Muslims, sentencing all Jews to slavery.

1277 – The Treaty of Aberconwy, a humiliating settlement forced on Llywelyn ap Gruffudd by King Edward I of England, brings a temporary end to the Welsh Wars.

1313 – Louis the Bavarian defeats his cousin Frederick I of Austria at the Battle of Gammelsdorf.

1330 – At the Battle of Posada, Basarab I of Wallachia defeats the Hungarian army of Charles I Robert.

1456 – Ulrich II, Count of Celje, last ruler of the County of Cilli, is assassinated in Belgrade.

1520 – More than 50 people are sentenced and executed in the Stockholm Bloodbath.

1620 – Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower sight land at Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

1688 – Glorious Revolution: William of Orange captures Exeter.

1720 – The synagogue of Judah HeHasid is burned down by Arab creditors, leading to the expulsion of the Ashkenazim from Jerusalem.

1729 – Spain, France and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Seville.

1780 – American Revolutionary War: In the Battle of Fishdam Ford a force of British and Loyalist troops fail in a surprise attack against the South Carolina Patriot militia under Brigadier General Thomas Sumter.

1791 – The Dublin Society of United Irishmen is founded.

1799 – Napoleon Bonaparte leads the Coup of 18 Brumaire ending the Directory government, and becoming First Consul of the successor Consulate Government.

1851 – Kentucky marshals abduct abolitionist minister Calvin Fairbank from Jeffersonville, Indiana, and take him to Kentucky to stand trial for helping a slave escape.

1862 – American Civil War: Union General Ambrose Burnside assumes command of the Army of the Potomac, after George B. McClellan is removed.

1867 – The Tokugawa shogunate hands back power to the Emperor of Japan, starting the Meiji Restoration.

1872 – The Great Boston Fire of 1872.

1881 – Mapuche rebels attack the fortified Chilean settlement of Temuco.

1887 – The United States receives rights to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

1900 – Russia completes its occupation of Manchuria with 100,000 troops.

1906 – Theodore Roosevelt is the first sitting President of the United States to make an official trip outside the country, doing so to inspect progress on the Panama Canal.

1907 – The Cullinan Diamond is presented to King Edward VII on his birthday.

1913 – The Great Lakes Storm of 1913, the most destructive natural disaster ever to hit the lakes, reaches its greatest intensity after beginning two days earlier. The storm destroys 19 ships and kills more than 250 people.

1914 – SMS Emden is sunk by HMAS Sydney in the Battle of Cocos.

1917 – The Balfour Declaration is published in The Times newspaper.

1918 – Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany abdicates after the German Revolution, and Germany is proclaimed a Republic.

1923 – In Munich, police and government troops crush the Nazi Beer Hall Putsch.

1935 – The Committee for Industrial Organization, the precursor to the Congress of Industrial Organizations, is founded in Atlantic City, New Jersey, by eight trade unions belonging to the American Federation of Labor.

1937 – Second Sino-Japanese War: The Chinese Army withdraws from the Battle of Shanghai.

1938 – Kristallnacht occurs, instigated by the Nazis using the killing of German diplomat Ernst vom Rath by Herschel Grynszpan as justification.

1940 – Warsaw is awarded the Virtuti Militari by the Polish government-in-exile.

1953 – Cambodia gains independence from France.

1960 – Robert McNamara is named president of the Ford Motor Company, becoming the first non-Ford family member to serve in that post. He resigns a month later to join the newly-elected John F. Kennedy administration.

1963 – At a coal mine in Miike, Japan, an explosion kills 458 and hospitalises 839 with carbon monoxide poisoning.

1965 – Several U.S. states and parts of Canada are hit by a series of blackouts lasting up to 13 hours in the Northeast blackout of 1965.

1965 – A Catholic Worker Movement member, Roger Allen LaPorte, protesting against the Vietnam War, sets himself on fire in front of the United Nations building.

1967 – Apollo program: NASA launches the unmanned Apollo 4 test spacecraft, atop the first Saturn V rocket, from Florida's Cape Kennedy.

1970 – Vietnam War: The Supreme Court of the United States votes 6–3 against hearing a case to allow Massachusetts to enforce its law granting residents the right to refuse military service in an undeclared war.

1979 – Cold War: Nuclear false alarm: The NORAD computers and the Alternate National Military Command Center in Fort Ritchie, Maryland detected purported massive Soviet nuclear strike. After reviewing the raw data from satellites and checking the early-warning radars, the alert is cancelled.

1985 – Garry Kasparov, 22, of the Soviet Union, becomes the youngest World Chess Champion by beating fellow Soviet Anatoly Karpov.

1989 – Cold War: Fall of the Berlin Wall: East Germany opens checkpoints in the Berlin Wall, allowing its citizens to travel to West Berlin.

1993 – Stari Most, the "old bridge" in the Bosnian city of Mostar, built in 1566, collapses after several days of bombing by Croat forces during the Croat–Bosniak War.

1994 – The chemical element darmstadtium is discovered.

1998 – A U.S. federal judge, in the largest civil settlement in American history, orders 37 U.S. brokerage houses to pay US$1.03 billion to cheated NASDAQ investors to compensate for price fixing.

1998 – Capital punishment in the United Kingdom, already abolished for murder, is completely abolished for all remaining capital offences.

1999 – TAESA Flight 725 crashes after takeoff from Uruapan International Airport in Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico, killing all 18 people on board.

2000 – Uttarakhand officially becomes the 27th state of India, formed from thirteen districts of northwestern Uttar Pradesh.

2004 – Firefox 1.0 is released.

2005 – The Venus Express mission of the European Space Agency is launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

2005 – Suicide bombers attack three hotels in Amman, Jordan, killing at least 60 people.

2012 – A train carrying liquid fuel crashes and bursts into flames in northern Myanmar, killing 27 people and injuring 80 others.

2012 – At least 27 people are killed and dozens are wounded in conflicts between inmates and guards at Welikada prison in Colombo.

2020 – Second Nagorno-Karabakh War: An armistice agreement is signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia.

 

TODAY IN HISTORY: NOVEMBER 10

 

November 10

November 10 is a significant date in history, known for various events that have shaped the world in different ways. From political uprisings to groundbreaking scientific discoveries, this day stands out as a crucial moment in time. In this essay, I will explore some important events that occurred on November 10 and the impact they had.

One such event is the November Uprising, which began on November 10, 1830, in Poland. The Polish people rebelled against Russian rule, fighting for their independence and national identity. This uprising was a significant moment in Polish history and sparked a wave of nationalist movements across Europe. Although the rebellion was ultimately crushed by the Russian Empire, it inspired future generations to continue the fight for freedom.

Moving forward, November 10, 1871, marks the birth of the famous American journalist and writer, Winston Churchill. Churchill would go on to become one of the most influential figures in the 20th century, leading Britain through World War II as Prime Minister and playing a crucial role in the defeat of Nazi Germany. His powerful speeches and unwavering determination became a symbol of courage and perseverance for the entire world.

November 10 is also the anniversary of the death of the famous explorer, Hiram Bingham III. On this day in 1956, Bingham passed away at the age of 80. Bingham is best known for his rediscovery of the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu in 1911. His findings brought international attention to this remarkable archaeological site, leading to increased interest in the history of the Inca civilization and the preservation of cultural heritage worldwide.

In the realm of science, November 10 witnessed an extraordinary breakthrough. On this day in 1983, Bill Gates introduced Windows 1.0, the first operating system with a graphical user interface for IBM-compatible computers. This revolutionized the way people interacted with computers, providing a more intuitive and visually appealing experience. Windows would go on to dominate the market, shaping the future of personal computing.

Moreover, November 10, 1989, holds a special place in history as the day the Berlin Wall began to crumble. This symbolic event marked the beginning of the reunification of Germany and the end of the Cold War. The fall of the Berlin Wall signaled a shift in the global political landscape and represented the desire for freedom and democracy among the people.

Another significant event on November 10 took place in 1995 when Nobel laureate Kenzaburo Oe published his novel, \Somersault,\ a deeply personal work that explores themes of fatherhood and disability. Oe is considered one of Japan's most prominent writers, known for his introspective approach and socially conscious writing. \Somersault\ further cemented his literary reputation and earned him critical acclaim worldwide.

Lastly, November 10 is observed as World Science Day for Peace and Development. Established by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 2001, this day aims to raise awareness about the importance of science in society and promote the use of scientific knowledge for sustainable development. It recognizes the role of science in fostering peace and addressing global challenges.

In conclusion, November 10 is a day that encompasses a wide range of significant events in history. From political uprisings to scientific breakthroughs, this day has witnessed transformative moments that have shaped our world. The November Uprising, the birth of Winston Churchill, the rediscovery of Machu Picchu, the introduction of Windows, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the publication of \Somersault,\ and the observance of World Science Day for Peace and Development are all reminders of the power of human endeavor and the ongoing pursuit of progress.

Here are more events from this day:

474 – Emperor Leo II dies after a reign of ten months. He is succeeded by his father Zeno, who becomes sole ruler of the Byzantine Empire.

937 – Ten Kingdoms: Li Bian usurps the throne and deposes Emperor Yang Pu. The Wu State is replaced by Li (now called "Xu Zhigao"), who becomes the first ruler of Southern Tang.

1202 – Fourth Crusade: Despite letters from Pope Innocent III forbidding it and threatening excommunication, Catholic crusaders begin a siege of Zara (now Zadar, Croatia).

1293 – Raden Wijaya is crowned as the first monarch of Majapahit kingdom of Java, taking the throne name Kertarajasa Jayawardhana.

1444 – Battle of Varna: The crusading forces of King Władysław III of Poland (aka Ulaszlo I of Hungary and Władysław III of Varna) are defeated by the Turks under Sultan Murad II and Władysław is killed.

1599 – Åbo Bloodbath: Fourteen gentries who opposed Duke Charles were decapitated in the Old Great Square of Turku (Swedish: Åbo) for their involvement in the power struggle between King Sigismund and Duke Charles and the related peasant revolt known as the Cudgel War.

1659 – Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Maratha King kills Afzal Khan, Adilshahi in the battle popularly known as Battle of Pratapgarh.

1674 – Third Anglo-Dutch War: As provided in the Treaty of Westminster, Netherlands cedes New Netherland to England.

1702 – English colonists under the command of James Moore besiege Spanish St. Augustine during Queen Anne's War.

1766 – The last colonial governor of New Jersey, William Franklin, signs the charter of Queen's College (later renamed Rutgers University).

1775 – The United States Marine Corps is founded at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia by Samuel Nicholas.

1793 – A Goddess of Reason is proclaimed by the French Convention at the suggestion of Pierre Gaspard Chaumette.

1821 – Cry of Independence by Rufina Alfaro at La Villa de Los Santos, Panama setting into motion a revolt which led to Panama's independence from Spain and to it immediately becoming part of Colombia.

1847 – The passenger ship Stephen Whitney is wrecked in thick fog off the southern coast of Ireland, killing 92 of the 110 on board. The disaster results in the construction of the Fastnet Rock lighthouse.

1865 – Major Henry Wirz, the superintendent of a prison camp in Andersonville, Georgia, is hanged, becoming one of only three American Civil War soldiers executed for war crimes.

1871 – Henry Morton Stanley locates missing explorer and missionary, Dr David Livingstone in Ujiji, near Lake Tanganyika, famously greeting him with the words, "Dr. Livingstone, I presume?".

1898 – Beginning of the Wilmington insurrection of 1898, the only instance of a municipal government being overthrown in United States history.

1910 – The date of Thomas A. Davis' opening of the San Diego Army and Navy Academy, although the official founding date is November 23, 1910.

1918 – The Western Union Cable Office in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, receives a top-secret coded message from Europe (that would be sent to Ottawa and Washington, D.C.) that said on November 11, 1918, all fighting would cease on land, sea and in the air.

1939 – Finnish author F. E. Sillanpää is awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

1940 – The 1940 Vrancea earthquake strikes Romania killing an estimated 1,000 and injuring approximately 4,000 more.

1942 – World War II: Germany invades Vichy France following French Admiral François Darlan's agreement to an armistice with the Allies in North Africa.

1944 – The ammunition ship USS Mount Hood explodes at Seeadler Harbour, Manus, Admiralty Islands, killing at least 432 and wounding 371.

1945 – Heavy fighting in Surabaya between Indonesian nationalists and returning colonialists after World War II, today celebrated as Heroes' Day (Hari Pahlawan).

1946 – A magnitude 6.9 earthquake in the Peruvian Andes mountains kills at least 1,400 people.

1951 – With the rollout of the North American Numbering Plan, direct-dial coast-to-coast telephone service begins in the United States.

1954 – U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower dedicates the USMC War Memorial (Iwo Jima memorial) in Arlington Ridge Park in Arlington County, Virginia.

1958 – The Hope Diamond is donated to the Smithsonian Institution by New York diamond merchant Harry Winston.

1969 – National Educational Television (the predecessor to the Public Broadcasting Service) in the United States debuts Sesame Street.

1970 – Vietnam War: Vietnamization: For the first time in five years, an entire week ends with no reports of American combat fatalities in Southeast Asia.

1970 – Luna 17: unmanned space mission launched by the Soviet Union.

1971 – In Cambodia, Khmer Rouge forces attack the city of Phnom Penh and its airport, killing 44, wounding at least 30 and damaging nine aircraft.

1971 – A Merpati Nusantara Airlines Vickers Viscount crashes into the Indian Ocean near Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia, killing all 69 people on board.

1972 – Southern Airways Flight 49 from Birmingham, Alabama is hijacked and, at one point, is threatened with crashing into the nuclear installation at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. After two days, the plane lands in Havana, Cuba, where the hijackers are jailed by Fidel Castro.

1975 – The 729-foot-long freighter SS Edmund Fitzgerald sinks during a storm on Lake Superior, killing all 29 crew on board.

1975 – Israeli-Palestinian conflict: the United Nations General Assembly passes Resolution 3379, determining that Zionism is a form of racism.

1979 – A 106-car Canadian Pacific freight train carrying explosive and poisonous chemicals from Windsor, Ontario, Canada derails in Mississauga, Ontario, just west of Toronto, causing a massive explosion and the largest peacetime evacuation in Canadian history and one of the largest in North American history.

1983 – Bill Gates introduces Windows 1.0.

1989 – Longtime Bulgarian leader Todor Zhivkov is removed from office and replaced by Petar Mladenov.

1989 – Germans begin to tear down the Berlin Wall.

1995 – In Nigeria, playwright and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, along with eight others from the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (Mosop), are hanged by government forces.

1997 – WorldCom and MCI Communications announce a $37 billion merger (the largest merger in US history at the time).

2002 – Veteran's Day Weekend Tornado Outbreak: A tornado outbreak stretching from Northern Ohio to the Gulf Coast, one of the largest outbreaks recorded in November. The strongest tornado, an F4, hits Van Wert, Ohio, during the early to mid afternoon and destroys a movie theater, which had been evacuated.

2006 – Sri Lankan Tamil politician Nadarajah Raviraj is assassinated in Colombo.

2006 – The National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia is opened and dedicated by U.S. President George W. Bush, who announces that Marine Corporal Jason Dunham will posthumously receive the Medal of Honor.

2008 – Over five months after landing on Mars, NASA declares the Phoenix mission concluded after communications with the lander were lost.

2009 – Ships of the South and North Korean navies skirmish off Daecheong Island in the Yellow Sea.

2019 – President of Bolivia Evo Morales and several of his government resign after 19 days of civil protests and a recommendation from the military.

2020 – Armenia and Azerbaijan sign a ceasefire agreement, ending the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, and prompting protests in Armenia.