TODAY IN HISTORY: NOVEMBER 18

 

November 18

November 18 is a significant date in history, marked by several important events that have left a lasting impact on the world. From political developments to scientific breakthroughs, this day holds a wide range of occurrences worth exploring. In this essay, we will delve into some of the most notable incidents that transpired on November 18 throughout history.

One of the most tragic events associated with November 18 is the Jonestown Massacre in 1978. Taking place in Jonestown, Guyana, this incident resulted in the deaths of over 900 people. Led by cult leader Jim Jones, the Peoples Temple Agricultural Project ended in a horrific mass murder-suicide as followers consumed cyanide-laced fruit punch under the direction of Jones. This unfortunate event came to symbolize the dangers of manipulation, cults, and blind obedience.

On a more positive note, November 18 also marks the end of an era and the start of a new one. In 1883, the United States and Canada adopted standardized time zones to facilitate train travel. Prior to this change, each city had its own locally determined time, which proved to be chaotic when scheduling train departures and arrivals. The establishment of time zones facilitated nationwide coordination, making travel more efficient and safe. This development was instrumental in shaping modern transportation and communication systems globally.

Continuing on the theme of scientific advancements, November 18 witnessed the launch of the space shuttle Columbia in 1982. This marked the beginning of the STS-5 mission, the first operational flight of NASA's Space Transportation System. Columbia carried a crew of four and launched various satellites into space. The successful mission allowed for further exploration of space and set the stage for subsequent space shuttles, opening up new possibilities for space travel and research.

Shifting gears to politics, November 18 saw several significant events unfold. In 1307, a day forever etched in history, the infamous Knights Templar were arrested and charged with heresy, leading to their eventual disbandment. The Templars played a crucial role in the Crusades and amassed great wealth and influence, which ultimately led to their downfall as the King of France sought their wealth and power. This event has since been shrouded in mystery and conspiracy theories, capturing the imagination of many.

Fast forward to 1991, when international discussions regarding the Gulf War took a significant turn on November 18. The United States and the Soviet Union proposed a joint resolution to the United Nations Security Council to end the hostilities in the region. This resolution played a critical role in paving the way for a ceasefire, ending the conflict between Iraq and a coalition of international forces led by the United States. It marked a significant moment in global diplomacy and efforts for peace.

Lastly, November 18 holds deep significance in terms of civil rights. On this day in 1928, Mickey Mouse made his first appearance. The iconic cartoon character created by Walt Disney quickly became a symbol of joy and imagination for children around the world, transcending cultural and generational boundaries. Mickey Mouse has since become a beloved figure, representing the power of entertainment and the creative arts in shaping popular culture.

In conclusion, November 18 has witnessed historically significant events across various realms, leaving a lasting impact on our society. From gruesome tragedies like the Jonestown Massacre to transformative developments like the establishment of time zones and space travel, this date serves as a reminder of the progress and challenges humanity has faced throughout history. Whether it be in politics, science, or entertainment, November 18 has proven to be a day that shapes the course of our world.

Here are more events from this day:

326 – The old St. Peter's Basilica is consecrated by Pope Sylvester I.

401 – The Visigoths, led by king Alaric I, cross the Alps and invade northern Italy.

1095 – The Council of Clermont begins: called by Pope Urban II, it led to the First Crusade to the Holy Land.

1105 – Maginulfo is elected Antipope Sylvester IV in opposition to Pope Paschal II.

1210 – Pope Innocent III excommunicates Holy Roman Emperor Otto IV for invading the Kingdom of Sicily after promising to recognize papal control over it.

1302 – Pope Boniface VIII issues the Papal bull Unam sanctam, claiming spiritual supremacy for the papacy.

1421 – St Elizabeth's flood: A dike in the Grote Hollandse Waard in the Netherlands breaks, killing about 10,000 people.

1493 – Christopher Columbus first sights the island now known as Puerto Rico.

1601 – Tiryaki Hasan Pasha, an Ottoman provincial governor, routs the Habsburg forces commanded by Archduke Ferdinand II of Austria who were besieging Nagykanizsa.

1626 – The new St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is consecrated.

1730 – The future Frederick the Great of Prussia is granted a pardon by his father and is released from confinement.

1760 – The rebuilt debtors' prison, at the Castellania in Valletta, receives the first prisoners.

1803 – The Battle of Vertières, the last major battle of the Haitian Revolution, is fought, leading to the establishment of the Republic of Haiti, the first black republic in the Western Hemisphere.

1809 – In a naval action during the Napoleonic Wars, French frigates defeat British East Indiamen in the Bay of Bengal.

1812 – Napoleonic Wars: The Battle of Krasnoi ends in French defeat, but Marshal of France Michel Ney's leadership leads to him becoming known as "the bravest of the brave".

1863 – King Christian IX of Denmark signs the November constitution that declares Schleswig to be part of Denmark. This is seen by the German Confederation as a violation of the London Protocol and leads to the German–Danish war of 1864.

1867 – An earthquake strikes the Virgin Islands, triggering the largest tsunami witnessed in the Caribbean and killing dozens.

1872 – Susan B. Anthony and 14 other women are arrested for voting illegally in the United States presidential election of 1872.

1883 – American and Canadian railroads institute five standard continental time zones, ending the confusion of thousands of local times.

1901 – Britain and the United States sign the Hay–Pauncefote Treaty, which nullifies the Clayton–Bulwer Treaty and withdraws British objections to an American-controlled canal in Panama.

1903 – The Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty is signed by the United States and Panama, giving the United States exclusive rights over the Panama Canal Zone.

1905 – Prince Carl of Denmark becomes King Haakon VII of Norway.

1909 – Two United States warships are sent to Nicaragua after 500 revolutionaries (including two Americans) are executed by order of José Santos Zelaya.

1910 – In their campaign for women's voting rights, hundreds of suffragettes march to the British Parliament in London. Several are beaten by police, newspaper attention embarrasses the authorities, and the march is dubbed Black Friday.

1916 – World War I: First Battle of the Somme: In France, British Expeditionary Force commander Douglas Haig calls off the battle which started on July 1, 1916.

1918 – Latvia declares its independence from Russia.

1928 – Release of the animated short Steamboat Willie, the first fully synchronized sound cartoon, directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, featuring the third appearances of cartoon characters Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. This is considered by the Disney corporation to be Mickey's birthday.

1929 – Grand Banks earthquake: Off the south coast of Newfoundland in the Atlantic Ocean, a Richter magnitude 7.2 submarine earthquake, centered on the Grand Banks, breaks 12 submarine transatlantic telegraph cables and triggers a tsunami that destroys many south coast communities in the Burin Peninsula.

1940 – World War II: German leader Adolf Hitler and Italian Foreign Minister Galeazzo Ciano meet to discuss Benito Mussolini's disastrous Italian invasion of Greece.

1943 – World War II: Battle of Berlin: Four hundred and forty Royal Air Force planes bomb Berlin causing only light damage and killing 131. The RAF loses nine aircraft and 53 air crew.

1944 – The Popular Socialist Youth is founded in Cuba.

1947 – The Ballantyne's Department Store fire in Christchurch, New Zealand, kills 41; it is the worst fire disaster in the history of New Zealand.

1949 – The Iva Valley Shooting occurs after the coal miners of Enugu in Nigeria go on strike over withheld wages; 21 miners are shot dead and 51 are wounded by police under the supervision of the British colonial administration of Nigeria.

1961 – United States President John F. Kennedy sends 18,000 military advisors to South Vietnam.

1963 – The first push-button telephone goes into service.

1970 – U.S. President Richard Nixon asks the U.S. Congress for $155 million in supplemental aid for the Cambodian government.

1971 – Oman declares its independence from the United Kingdom.

1978 – The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet makes its first flight, at the Naval Air Test Center in Maryland, United States.

1978 – In Jonestown, Guyana, Jim Jones leads his Peoples Temple to a mass murder–suicide that claimed 918 lives in all, 909 of them in Jonestown itself, including over 270 children.

1987 – King's Cross fire: In London, 31 people die in a fire at the city's busiest underground station, King's Cross St Pancras.

1991 – Shiite Muslim kidnappers in Lebanon release Anglican Church envoys Terry Waite and Thomas Sutherland.

1991 – After an 87-day siege, the Croatian city of Vukovar capitulates to the besieging Yugoslav People's Army and allied Serb paramilitary forces.

1991 – The autonomous Croatian Community of Herzeg-Bosnia, which would in 1993 become a republic, was established in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

1993 – In the United States, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is approved by the House of Representatives.

1993 – In South Africa, 21 political parties approve a new constitution, expanding voting rights and ending white minority rule.

1996 – A fire occurs on a train traveling through the Channel Tunnel from France to England causing several injuries and damaging approximately 500 metres (1,600 ft) of tunnel.

1999 – At Texas A&M University, the Aggie Bonfire collapses killing 12 students and injuring 27 others.

2002 – Iraq disarmament crisis: United Nations weapons inspectors led by Hans Blix arrive in Iraq.

2003 – The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rules 4–3 in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health that the state's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and gives the state legislature 180 days to change the law making Massachusetts the first state in the United States to grant marriage rights to same-sex couples.

2012 – Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria becomes the 118th Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria.

2013 – NASA launches the MAVEN probe to Mars.

2020 – The Utah monolith, built sometime in 2016 is discovered by state biologists of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

 

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.