TODAY IN HISTORY: NOVEMBER 27

 

November 27

November 27th is an important day on the calendar for several reasons. It marks a crucial historical event, holds significance in the realm of literature, and is celebrated by many around the world for various reasons.

One of the most prominent events in history associated with November 27th is the signing of the Treaty of Verdun in 843. This treaty divided the Carolingian Empire into three major regions, marking the foundation of modern-day France, Germany, and Italy. This division had a lasting impact on European history and laid the groundwork for future political and cultural developments on the continent.

In the realm of literature, November 27th is known for being the birthday of the renowned American author, James Agee. Born in 1909, Agee was a multifaceted artist who excelled in various genres, including novels, screenplays, and poetry. His most notable work, \A Death in the Family,\ won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction posthumously in 1958. Agee's writings continue to be celebrated for their introspective and emotionally resonant portrayals of human experiences.

Additionally, November 27th holds cultural and religious significance in some regions. In many countries, it marks the beginning of Advent, a season of preparation and anticipation leading up to Christmas. Advent calendars, with their small doors revealing treats or messages each day, are a popular tradition during this time. The late-November date is also associated with Black Friday, an event that originated in the United States and has spread to other parts of the world as a day of major sales and shopping discounts following the Thanksgiving holiday.

On a more personal level, November 27th may hold special significance for individuals celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or other important milestones. It is a day that brings people together to celebrate, reflect, and cherish the moments that have shaped their lives.

In conclusion, November 27th is a date filled with historical, literary, and cultural significance. From the signing of the Treaty of Verdun to the birth of James Agee, this day has left its mark on various aspects of human history. Whether it is through the observance of Advent, the frenzy of Black Friday shopping, or personal celebrations, November 27th brings people from different parts of the world together to commemorate and appreciate the many ways in which this date holds meaning.

Here are some more events from this day:

AD 25 – Luoyang is declared capital of the Eastern Han dynasty by Emperor Guangwu of Han.

176 – Emperor Marcus Aurelius grants his son Commodus the rank of "Imperator" and makes him Supreme Commander of the Roman legions.

395 – Rufinus, praetorian prefect of the East, is murdered by Gothic mercenaries under Gainas.

511 – King Clovis I dies at Lutetia and is buried in the Abbey of St Genevieve.

602 – Byzantine Emperor Maurice is forced to watch as the usurper Phocas executes his five sons before Maurice is beheaded himself.

1095 – Pope Urban II declares the First Crusade at the Council of Clermont.

1542 – Palace plot of Renyin year: A group of Ming dynasty palace women fail to murder the Jiajing Emperor, and are executed by slow-slicing.

1727 – The foundation stone to the Jerusalem Church in Berlin is laid.

1809 – The Berners Street hoax is perpetrated by Theodore Hook in the City of Westminster, London.

1815 – Adoption of Constitution of the Kingdom of Poland.

1830 – Saint Catherine Labouré experiences a Marian apparition.

1835 – James Pratt and John Smith are hanged in London; they are the last two to be executed for sodomy in England.

1839 – In Boston, Massachusetts, the American Statistical Association is founded.

1856 – The Coup of 1856 leads to Luxembourg's unilateral adoption of a new, reactionary constitution.

1863 – American Civil War: Confederate cavalry leader John Hunt Morgan and several of his men escape the Ohio Penitentiary and return safely to the South.

1863 – American Civil War: Battle of Mine Run: Union forces under General George Meade take up positions against troops led by Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

1868 – American Indian Wars: Battle of Washita River: United States Army Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer leads an attack on Cheyenne living on reservation land.

1895 – At the Swedish–Norwegian Club in Paris, Alfred Nobel signs his last will and testament, setting aside his estate to establish the Nobel Prize after he dies.

1896 – Also sprach Zarathustra by Richard Strauss is first performed.

1901 – The U.S. Army War College is established.

1912 – Spain declares a protectorate over the north shore of Morocco.

1917 – P. E. Svinhufvud becomes the chairman of his first senate, technically the first Prime Minister of Finland.

1918 – The Makhnovshchina is established.

1924 – In New York City, the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is held.

1940 – In Romania, the ruling Iron Guard fascist party assassinates over 60 of arrested King Carol II of Romania's aides and other political dissidents.

1940 – World War II: At the Battle of Cape Spartivento, the Royal Navy engages the Regia Marina in the Mediterranean Sea.

1942 – World War II: At Toulon, the French navy scuttles its ships and submarines to keep them out of Nazi hands.

1944 – World War II: RAF Fauld explosion: An explosion at a Royal Air Force ammunition dump in Staffordshire kills seventy people.

1945 – CARE (then the Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe) is founded to send CARE Packages of food relief to Europe after World War II.

1954 – Alger Hiss is released from prison after serving 44 months for perjury.

1965 – Vietnam War: The Pentagon tells U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson that if planned operations are to succeed, the number of American troops in Vietnam has to be increased from 120,000 to 400,000.

1968 – Penny Ann Early becomes the first woman to play major professional basketball for the Kentucky Colonels in an ABA game against the Los Angeles Stars.

1971 – The Soviet space program's Mars 2 orbiter releases a descent module. It malfunctions and crashes, but it is the first man-made object to reach the surface of Mars.

1973 – Twenty-fifth Amendment: The United States Senate votes 92–3 to confirm Gerald Ford as Vice President of the United States. (On December 6, the House will confirm him 387–35).

1975 – The Provisional IRA assassinates Ross McWhirter, after a press conference in which McWhirter had announced a reward for the capture of those responsible for multiple bombings and shootings across England.

1978 – In San Francisco, city mayor George Moscone and openly gay city supervisor Harvey Milk are assassinated by former supervisor Dan White.

1978 – The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is founded in the Turkish village of Fis.

1983 – Avianca Flight 011: A Boeing 747 crashes near Madrid's Barajas Airport, killing 181.

1984 – Under the Brussels Agreement signed between the governments of the United Kingdom and Spain, the former agrees to enter into discussions with Spain over Gibraltar, including sovereignty.

1989 – Avianca Flight 203: A Boeing 727 explodes in mid-air over Colombia, killing all 107 people on board and three people on the ground. The Medellín Cartel will claim responsibility for the attack.

1992 – For the second time in a year, military forces try to overthrow president Carlos Andrés Pérez in Venezuela.

1997 – Twenty-five people are killed in the second Souhane massacre in Algeria.

1999 – The centre-left Labour Party takes control of the New Zealand government with leader Helen Clark becoming the first elected female Prime Minister in New Zealand's history.

2001 – A hydrogen atmosphere is discovered on the extrasolar planet Osiris by the Hubble Space Telescope, the first atmosphere detected on an extrasolar planet.

2004 – Pope John Paul II returns the relics of Saint John Chrysostom to the Eastern Orthodox Church.

2006 – The House of Commons of Canada approves a motion introduced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper recognizing the Québécois as a nation within Canada.

2008 – XL Airways Germany Flight 888T: An Airbus A320 performing a flight test crashes near the French commune of Canet-en-Roussillon, killing all seven people on board.

2009 – Nevsky Express bombing: A bomb explodes on the Nevsky Express train between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, derailing it and causing 28 deaths and 96 injuries.

2015 – An active shooter inside a Planned Parenthood facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado, shoots at least four police officers. One officer later dies. Two civilians are also killed, and six injured. The shooter later surrendered.

2020 – Iran's top nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, is assassinated near Tehran.

2020 – Days after the announcement of its discovery, the Utah monolith is removed by recreationists.

 

TODAY IN HISTORY: NOVEMBER 26

 

November 26

November 26 is a significant date in history for various reasons. This day has witnessed remarkable events that have shaped the world in numerous ways.

In terms of politics and world affairs, November 26 holds great historical importance. On this day in 1865, Lewis Carroll's famous novel \Alice's Adventures in Wonderland\ was published. This literary masterpiece has captivated readers of all ages with its imaginative storytelling and eccentric characters. The tale of Alice’s journey into a nonsensical wonderland continues to be a beloved piece of literature that has inspired numerous adaptations and spin-offs.

On November 26, 1922, Howard Carter, a British archaeologist, and his team discovered the tomb of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings, Egypt. This monumental discovery revealed a treasure trove of artifacts, giving unprecedented insights into Ancient Egyptian civilization and captivating the world. The riches and artifacts found in Tutankhamun's tomb continue to mesmerize historians and enthusiasts, shedding light on the sophistication and grandeur of the ancient world.

Moving on to November 26, 1942, it marks a turning point in the course of World War II. On this day, the Soviet Red Army launched the successful Operation Uranus, a major offensive against the German forces trapped in Stalingrad. The battle of Stalingrad was a definitive victory for the Soviet Union, leading to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. This battle is regarded as one of the bloodiest and most important battles in history, claiming the lives of millions of soldiers and civilians.

Another notable event on November 26 is the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This day, established in 1999, aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence and advocate for its prevention and eradication globally. It serves as a reminder to address and combat the rampant violence and discrimination faced by women worldwide.

November 26 also has its significance in the world of science and technology. In 1990, the Voyager 1 space probe took the iconic \Pale Blue Dot\ photograph. The image, taken from six billion kilometers away, shows Earth as a tiny speck of light amidst the vastness of space. It remains a powerful reminder of the fragility and interconnectedness of our planet.

Moreover, this date is celebrated as National Cake Day in the United States. It is a delightful occasion to indulge in and appreciate the sweet and delectable dessert that has been enjoyed by people for centuries. Whether it's a moist chocolate cake or a fluffy sponge cake, National Cake Day allows people to celebrate and savor the joy of this culinary delight.

In conclusion, November 26 is a day that holds great historical diversity and significance. From the publication of \Alice's Adventures in Wonderland\ to the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb and the battle of Stalingrad, this date has witnessed remarkable events that continue to shape our world. Furthermore, it reminds us of the importance of raising awareness about gender-based violence and celebrates the tantalizing cake that brings joy to our lives.

Here are more events from this day:

783 – The Asturian queen Adosinda is held at a monastery to prevent her king from retaking the throne from Mauregatus.

1161 – Battle of Caishi: A Song dynasty fleet fights a naval engagement with Jin dynasty ships on the Yangtze river during the Jin–Song Wars.

1476 – Vlad the Impaler defeats Basarab Laiota with the help of Stephen the Great and Stephen V Báthory and becomes the ruler of Wallachia for the third time.

1778 – In the Hawaiian Islands, Captain James Cook becomes the first European to visit Maui.

1789 – A national Thanksgiving Day is observed in the United States as proclaimed by President George Washington at the request of Congress.

1805 – Official opening of Thomas Telford's Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

1812 – The Battle of Berezina begins during Napoleon's retreat from Russia.

1852 – An earthquake as high as magnitude 8.8 rocks the Banda Sea, triggering a tsunami and killing at least 60 in the Dutch East Indies.

1863 – United States President Abraham Lincoln proclaims November 26 as a national Thanksgiving Day, to be celebrated annually on the final Thursday of November. Following the Franksgiving controversy from 1939 to 1941, it has been observed on the fourth Thursday in 1942 and subsequent years.

1865 – Battle of Papudo: A Spanish navy schooner is defeated by a Chilean corvette north of Valparaíso, Chile.

1914 – HMS Bulwark is destroyed by a large internal explosion with the loss of 741 men near Sheerness.

1917 – The Manchester Guardian publishes the 1916 secret Sykes-Picot Agreement between the United Kingdom and France.

1917 – The National Hockey League is formed, with the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, Quebec Bulldogs, and Toronto Arenas as its first teams.

1918 – The Montenegran Podgorica Assembly votes for a "union of the people", declaring assimilation into the Kingdom of Serbia.

1920 – Ukrainian War of Independence: The Red Army launches a surprise attack against the Makhnovshchina.

1922 – Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon become the first people to enter the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in over 3000 years.

1922 – The Toll of the Sea debuts as the first general release film to use two-tone Technicolor. (The Gulf Between was the first film to do so, but it was not widely distributed.)

1924 – The Mongolian People's Republic is officially established after a new constitution, passed by the first State Great Khural, abolishes the monarchy.

1939 – Shelling of Mainila: The Soviet Army orchestrates an incident which is used to justify the start of the Winter War with Finland four days later.

1941 – World War II: The Hull note is given to the Japanese ambassador, demanding that Japan withdraw from China and French Indochina, in return for which the United States would lift economic sanctions. On the same day, Japan's 1st Air Fleet departs Hitokappu Bay for Hawaii.

1942 – World War II: Yugoslav Partisans convene the first meeting of the Anti-Fascist Council for the National Liberation of Yugoslavia at Bihać in northwestern Bosnia.

1942 – Casablanca, the movie starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, premieres in New York City.

1943 – World War II: HMT Rohna is sunk by the Luftwaffe in an air attack in the Mediterranean north of Béjaïa, Algeria.

1944 – World War II: A German V-2 rocket hits a Woolworth's shop in London, United Kingdom, killing 168 people.

1944 – World War II: Germany begins V-1 and V-2 attacks on Antwerp, Belgium.

1949 – The Constituent Assembly of India adopts the constitution presented by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

1950 – Korean War: People's Volunteer Army troops from the People's Republic of China launch a massive counterattack in North Korea against South Korean and United Nations forces (Battle of the Ch'ongch'on River and Battle of Chosin Reservoir), ending any hopes of a quick end to the conflict.

1965 – France launches Astérix, becoming the third nation to put an object in orbit using its own booster.

1968 – Vietnam War: United States Air Force helicopter pilot James P. Fleming rescues an Army Special Forces unit pinned down by Viet Cong fire. He is later awarded the Medal of Honor.

1970 – In Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe, 38 millimetres (1.5 in) of rain fall in a minute, the heaviest rainfall ever recorded.

1977 – An unidentified hijacker named Vrillon, claiming to be the representative of the "Ashtar Galactic Command", takes over Britain's Southern Television for six minutes, starting at 5:12 pm.

1979 – Pakistan International Airlines Flight 740 crashes near King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, killing all 156 people on board.

1983 – Brink's-Mat robbery: In London, 6,800 gold bars worth nearly £26 million are stolen from the Brink's-Mat vault at Heathrow Airport.

1986 – Iran–Contra affair: U.S. President Ronald Reagan announces the members of what will become known as the Tower Commission.

1986 – The trial of John Demjanjuk, accused of committing war crimes as a guard at the Nazi Treblinka extermination camp, starts in Jerusalem.

1991 – National Assembly of Azerbaijan abolishes the autonomous status of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast of Azerbaijan and renames several cities back to their original names.

1998 – Tony Blair becomes the first Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to address the Oireachtas, the parliament of the Republic of Ireland.

1998 – The Khanna rail disaster takes 212 lives in Khanna, Ludhiana, India.

1999 – The 7.5 M_w  Ambrym earthquake shakes Vanuatu and a destructive tsunami follows. Ten people were killed and forty were injured.

2000 – George W. Bush is certified the winner of Florida's electoral votes by Katherine Harris, going on to win the United States presidential election, despite losing in the national popular vote.

2003 – The Concorde makes its final flight, over Bristol, England.

2004 – Ruzhou School massacre: A man stabs and kills eight people and seriously wounds another four in a school dormitory in Ruzhou, China.

2004 – The last Poʻouli (Black-faced honeycreeper) dies of avian malaria in the Maui Bird Conservation Center in Olinda, Hawaii, before it could breed, making the species in all probability extinct.

2008 – Mumbai attacks, a series of terrorist attacks killing approximately 166 citizens by 10 members of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan based extremist Islamist terrorist organisation.

2008 – The ocean liner Queen Elizabeth 2, now out of service, docks in Dubai.

2011 – NATO attack in Pakistan: NATO forces in Afghanistan attack a Pakistani check post in a friendly fire incident, killing 24 soldiers and wounding 13 others.

2011 – The Mars Science Laboratory launches to Mars with the Curiosity Rover.

2018 – The robotic probe Insight lands on Elysium Planitia, Mars.

2019 – A magnitude 6.4 earthquake strikes western Albania leaving at least 52 people dead and over 1000 injured. This was the world's deadliest earthquake of 2019, and the deadliest to strike the country in 99 years.

2021 – COVID-19 pandemic: The World Health Organization identifies the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.