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Major Events of November 1912: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from November 1912 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of November 1912: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Nov 1912 Mario García Menocal Wins Cuban Presidential Election: In a significant political contest, General Mario García Menocal, representing Cuba's Conservative Party, was elected as President of Cuba, successfully defeating his opponent Vice-president Alfredo Zayas. This election marked an important transition in Cuban political leadership during the early 20th century, reflecting the ongoing power dynamics between political factions in the country.
  • 02 Nov 1912 Battle of Lule Burgas: Bulgarian Victory in First Balkan War: On November 2, 1912, Bulgarian forces decisively defeated the Ottoman Empire in the Battle of Lule Burgas, a pivotal engagement during the First Balkan War. This significant battle was characterized by its immense bloodshed and strategic importance, effectively opening the path for Bulgarian forces toward Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). The battle represented a critical moment in the decline of Ottoman power in Europe and marked a turning point in Balkan geopolitics.
  • 03 Nov 1912 First Pilot Shot Down in Military History: During the First Balkan War, a Bulgarian reconnaissance pilot became the first known pilot to be shot down while conducting an aerial reconnaissance mission over Adrianople (modern-day Edirne, Turkey). This event marked a significant milestone in military aviation history, demonstrating the emerging role of aircraft in warfare and military intelligence gathering.
  • 04 Nov 1912 British House of Commons Rejects Home Rule Bill Amendment: The British House of Commons rejected a proposed amendment to the Home Rule Bill that would have established proportional representation for an Irish legislature. The amendment was defeated by a vote of 265 to 162, highlighting the ongoing political tensions surrounding Irish home rule in the early 20th century.
  • 05 Nov 1912 1912 United States Presidential Election: In a historic three-way race, Democratic challenger Woodrow Wilson secured a decisive victory over Progressive candidate Theodore Roosevelt and Republican incumbent William Howard Taft. This election was notable for its complex political dynamics, with Roosevelt splitting the Republican vote by running as a Progressive Party candidate.
  • 06 Nov 1912 Ottoman Council of Ministers Decides to Continue First Balkan War: On November 6, 1912, Turkish Grand Vizier Kâmil Pasha convened a critical meeting of the Council of Ministers and Generals in Istanbul to deliberate on the ongoing conflict with the Balkan League. After intense discussions, the council voted to continue the war, demonstrating the Ottoman Empire's determination to resist territorial losses and maintain its strategic position in the Balkan region.
  • 07 Nov 1912 Jack Johnson Mann Act Indictment: Jack Johnson, the African American world heavyweight boxing champion, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Chicago for violating the Mann Act. The indictment was based on testimony from Belle Schreiber, a white prostitute who claimed Johnson had arranged her interstate travel for immoral purposes. This event highlighted the racial tensions and legal challenges faced by prominent Black athletes in early 20th-century America.
  • 08 Nov 1912 Greek Army Captures Salonika During First Balkan War: During the First Balkan War, the Greek Army strategically reached the important Aegean Sea port city of Salonika (modern-day Thessaloniki) ahead of the Bulgarian Army. At 8:00 pm on November 8, 1912, Greek forces successfully secured the city, marking a significant territorial gain and preventing Bulgarian occupation.
  • 09 Nov 1912 Greek Army Captures Thessaloniki During First Balkan War: During the First Balkan War, the Greek army successfully secured Thessaloniki (Salonika) after the Ottoman garrison surrendered. This strategic capture was a significant moment in the conflict, marking the decline of Ottoman control in the Balkan region and representing a pivotal territorial shift.
  • 10 Nov 1912 Lawrence Bragg Presents Groundbreaking Crystallography Theory: British physicist Lawrence Bragg presented his seminal derivation of Bragg's law to the Cambridge Philosophical Society, a pivotal moment in understanding crystal structure and X-ray diffraction that would later revolutionize scientific research.
  • 11 Nov 1912 Lawrence Bragg Presents Groundbreaking Crystal Scattering Law: British physicist Lawrence Bragg presented his seminal derivation of Bragg's law to the Cambridge Philosophical Society, a critical moment in understanding crystal structure and X-ray diffraction that would later revolutionize fields like crystallography and materials science.
  • 12 Nov 1912 Discovery of Scott's Antarctic Expedition Remains: The frozen bodies of British explorer Robert Scott and his companions were discovered on the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica, revealing the tragic end of their ill-fated polar expedition. This poignant moment highlighted the extreme risks and heroism of early 20th-century polar exploration.
  • 13 Nov 1912 Ottoman Army Retreats After Significant Battle Losses: The Ottoman Army retreated to Çatalca, Turkey, following the Battle of Lule Burgas, which resulted in devastating losses of approximately 22,000 soldiers killed or wounded.
  • 14 Nov 1912 Barbara Hutton: Woolworth Heiress Born: Barbara Hutton was born on November 14, 1912, as the granddaughter of Frank Winfield Woolworth, founder of the iconic Woolworth's retail chain. She would become known as one of the most famous and wealthy socialites of the 20th century, inheriting a massive fortune at a young age. Despite her immense wealth, Hutton's life was marked by personal struggles, multiple marriages, and significant philanthropic efforts. She passed away in 1979, leaving behind a complex legacy of privilege, glamour, and personal challenges.
  • 15 Nov 1912 Ottoman Army Retreats After Battle of Lule Burgas: The Ottoman Army retreated to Çatalca, Turkey, concluding the Battle of Lule Burgas during the First Balkan War, suffering significant casualties of approximately 22,000 killed or wounded soldiers.
  • 16 Nov 1912 Pope Pius X Condemns Portuguese Church-State Separation Law: Pope Pius X issued a strongly worded letter to Portuguese Roman Catholic clergy, vehemently condemning the Law of Separation of the State and the Church. The Pope censured clergy members who had accepted financial stipends under the controversial law, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the Catholic Church and secular governance.
  • 17 Nov 1912 Death of Richard Norman Shaw, Prominent British Architect: Richard Norman Shaw, a highly influential British architect known for his significant contributions to late Victorian and Edwardian architectural styles, passed away on November 17, 1912. Shaw was renowned for his innovative designs that bridged traditional and modern architectural approaches, particularly in residential and public building design. His work significantly impacted urban and suburban architecture in late 19th-century Britain, helping to define the aesthetic of the era.
  • 18 Nov 1912 Albania's Declaration of Independence: On November 18, 1912, Albania officially declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire, marking a significant moment in the nation's history. This declaration came during the First Balkan War, when the Ottoman Empire was experiencing substantial territorial losses and weakening control over its European provinces. The Albanian independence movement, led by prominent national figures, seized this opportunity to establish a sovereign state, breaking away from centuries of Ottoman rule.
  • 19 Nov 1912 Serbian Army Captures Bitola, Ending Ottoman Rule in Macedonia: During the First Balkan War, the Serbian Army successfully captured the city of Bitola on November 19, 1912, marking a significant turning point in the region's history. This military victory effectively ended five centuries of Ottoman imperial control over Macedonia, representing a crucial moment in the Balkan states' struggle for independence and territorial sovereignty.
  • 20 Nov 1912 Birth of Otto von Habsburg, Last Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary: Otto von Habsburg was born on November 20, 1912, as the eldest son of Emperor Charles I and Empress Zita of Austria-Hungary. He was the last heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne and would become a significant political figure in European history, advocating for European integration and opposing totalitarian regimes.
  • 21 Nov 1912 Birth of Eleanor Powell, Hollywood Dance Legend: Eleanor Powell, a pioneering American actress and dancer who would become one of the most celebrated tap dancers in Hollywood's golden age, was born on November 21, 1912, in Springfield, Massachusetts. Known for her extraordinary tap dancing skills and dynamic screen presence, Powell would later star in numerous MGM musicals during the 1930s and 1940s, working alongside legendary performers like Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly.
  • 22 Nov 1912 Strengthening of Anglo-French Diplomatic Relations: On November 22, 1912, the United Kingdom and France further solidified their Entente Cordiale through an important diplomatic exchange of notes. This military and diplomatic agreement was crucial in setting the stage for their alliance during World War I, representing a significant moment in pre-war European geopolitical relations.
  • 23 Nov 1912 The Tragic Sinking of the Rouse Simmons: The freighter Rouse Simmons, known as the 'Christmas Tree Ship', met a tragic end on Lake Michigan during a violent ice storm on November 23, 1912. The vessel, laden with a cargo of Christmas trees, was overwhelmed by severe weather conditions, resulting in the loss of all 13 crew members. This maritime disaster became a poignant story of the perils faced by Great Lakes sailors in the early 20th century.
  • 24 Nov 1912 Tragic Theater Stampede in Bilbao: On November 24, 1912, a devastating mass panic occurred at a movie theater in Bilbao, Spain, resulting in a tragic loss of life. Forty-four people were killed and 60 others were injured during the chaotic incident. The stampede likely occurred due to a sudden outbreak of fear or a perceived threat, causing a rapid and uncontrolled rush towards the theater's exits. This event highlights the potential dangers of crowd dynamics and the importance of proper crowd management and emergency exit strategies in public venues.
  • 25 Nov 1912 American College of Surgeons Officially Incorporates: The American College of Surgeons was formally incorporated in Springfield, Illinois, representing a significant milestone in the professional organization and standardization of surgical practice in the United States.
  • 26 Nov 1912 Black Sea Fleet Mutiny Executions: Eleven sailors from the Imperial Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet were executed in Sevastopol after being convicted of mutiny. This event occurred during a period of significant social and political unrest in the Russian Empire, reflecting the growing tensions that would eventually lead to the Russian Revolution.
  • 27 Nov 1912 France and Spain Divide Morocco into Protectorates: On November 27, 1912, France and Spain signed a significant treaty dividing Morocco into two separate protectorates. The agreement established a 350 square mile zone around Tangier and formalized colonial control over the North African territory. This treaty marked a pivotal moment in European colonial expansion and the partitioning of Morocco between European powers.
  • 28 Nov 1912 Albania's Declaration of Independence: On November 28, 1912, Albania officially declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's history. This declaration came during the First Balkan War, when the Ottoman Empire was experiencing significant territorial losses. The independence proclamation, led by Ismail Qemali in Vlorë, established Albania as a sovereign state and ended nearly five centuries of Ottoman rule. This momentous event was crucial in reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Balkan region and represented a significant milestone in Albania's national identity and self-determination.
  • 29 Nov 1912 Lack of Documented Historical Events - November 29, 1912: While no specific historical events have been definitively recorded for this date, it represents a moment in the early 20th century, a period of significant global transitions including the decline of empires and the rise of modern nation-states.
  • 30 Nov 1912 Hamilton Alerts Win 4th CFL Grey Cup: In a decisive match on November 30, 1912, the Hamilton Alerts secured victory in the 4th Canadian Football League (CFL) Grey Cup championship, defeating the Toronto Argonauts with a score of 11-4. This early Grey Cup game represented an important milestone in the development of professional football in Canada, showcasing the growing popularity of the sport in the early 20th century.