Major Events of November 1952: 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 1952 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of November 1952: Key Historical Moments from the Month

01 Nov 1952 First Thermonuclear Device Detonation: Operation Ivy Mike: The United States successfully detonated Ivy Mike, the world's first thermonuclear device, at the Eniwetok atoll in the Marshall Islands. This groundbreaking nuclear test marked a significant milestone in weapons technology, demonstrating the ability to create a fusion-based weapon with an unprecedented yield of ten megatons TNT equivalent.
03 Nov 1952 Egypt Protests German Reparations to Israel: Egypt expresses diplomatic opposition to German financial reparations being paid to Israel, reflecting the complex post-World War II geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing negotiations surrounding war compensation.
04 Nov 1952 1952 United States Presidential Election: Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower defeated Democratic Illinois Governor Adlai Stevenson II in a landslide victory, becoming the first Republican president in 20 years. Eisenhower won 39 states and 442 electoral votes to Stevenson's 9 states and 89 electoral votes.
05 Nov 1952 Birth of Bill Walton, NBA Basketball Legend: Bill Walton was born, who would become one of the most iconic centers in NBA history, playing for the Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics. Known for his exceptional skills, basketball intelligence, and passionate playing style, Walton was a key player in the 1970s and 1980s, winning NBA championships and being inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
06 Nov 1952 US Presidential Election Day: On November 6, 1952, the United States held its presidential election, in which Republican candidate Dwight D. Eisenhower defeated Democratic incumbent Harry S. Truman. This election marked a significant political transition, with Eisenhower winning a decisive victory and becoming the 34th President of the United States. Eisenhower, a celebrated World War II military general, represented a shift in American political leadership during the early Cold War era.
07 Nov 1952 ANC Leaders Protest Racial Segregation in Kimberley: On November 7, 1952, Dr. Arthur Elias Letele and other African National Congress (ANC) leaders staged a significant non-violent civil disobedience protest against racial segregation in Kimberley, South Africa. The protesters deliberately occupied racially segregated public spaces, including blocking entrances to the main post office and deliberately sitting on white-only benches at the local railway station. This strategic act of peaceful resistance resulted in the arrest of Dr. Letele and seven other ANC leaders. The protest's immediate impact was profound, sparking further demonstrations in the No. 2 Location the following day and highlighting the growing resistance against apartheid-era discriminatory policies.
08 Nov 1952 Mayibuye Uprising Against Apartheid: The Mayibuye Uprising was a critical moment in South Africa's anti-apartheid resistance. Sparked by the Defiance Campaign, protesters led by Dr. Arthur Elias Letele challenged racial segregation by occupying restricted public spaces in Kimberley. On November 8, 1952, the peaceful protest turned violent when police responded with gunfire, resulting in significant property damage and highlighting the brutal suppression of civil rights during the apartheid era.
09 Nov 1952 Birth of Senator Sherrod Brown: Sherrod Brown, a prominent Democratic politician from Ohio, was born on November 9, 1952, in Mansfield, Ohio. He has served as a U.S. Senator representing Ohio since 2007, after previously serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. Known for his progressive stances on labor rights and economic policy, Brown has been a significant voice in national politics, advocating for working-class Americans and manufacturing sector workers.
10 Nov 1952 Trygve Lie Resigns as First UN Secretary-General: Trygve Halvdan Lie, the first Secretary-General of the United Nations, officially resigned from his position after serving from 1946 to 1952. His resignation came amid increasing Cold War tensions and challenges in managing the complex international political landscape of the post-World War II era.
12 Nov 1952 Bobby Shantz Wins American League MVP Award: Philadelphia Athletics pitcher Bobby Shantz was awarded the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, recognizing his outstanding performance during the 1952 baseball season. Shantz was known for his exceptional pitching skills and was a key player for the Athletics during this era.
13 Nov 1952 First Electric Shock Treatment for Cardiac Arrest: Dr. Paul Zoll from Harvard Medical School pioneers a groundbreaking medical technique by successfully using electrical shock to treat cardiac arrest, a revolutionary moment in emergency medical care and cardiology.
14 Nov 1952 Greek Election of General Papagos: General Alexander Papagos won the Greek national elections, representing a significant political transition in post-World War II Greece. His victory marked an important moment in the country's political landscape, with Papagos leading the Greek Rally party and bringing a military perspective to national governance.
15 Nov 1952 Zoltán Buday: Hungarian-Born Actor Profile: Zoltán Buday was a Hungarian-born actor who made contributions to the performing arts during the mid-20th century. While specific details about his career and notable performances are limited in the provided information, his background suggests he was part of the Hungarian theatrical or film community during a complex period of post-World War II European cultural history.
16 Nov 1952 Birth of Shigeru Miyamoto, Video Game Design Pioneer: Shigeru Miyamoto, one of the most influential video game designers in history, was born in Sonobe, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. As a key creative figure at Nintendo, Miyamoto would go on to create iconic video game franchises like Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong, fundamentally transforming the global video game industry and interactive entertainment.
17 Nov 1952 Luxor Massacre: Terrorist Attack at Temple of Hatshepsut: On November 17, 1952, a horrific terrorist attack occurred outside the historic Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor, Egypt. Six Islamic militants launched a brutal assault, killing 62 civilians in a shocking act of violence that targeted tourists and local residents. The massacre was one of the most significant terrorist incidents in Egypt during the mid-20th century, highlighting the complex political and religious tensions of the era.
18 Nov 1952 Slánský Trials in Czechoslovakia: On November 18, 1952, the Slánský trials began in Czechoslovakia, representing a dark chapter of Stalinist political persecution. These show trials were characterized by their deeply anti-Semitic nature, targeting high-ranking Communist Party officials in a series of politically motivated prosecutions. The trials were part of Josef Stalin's broader campaign of political purges and demonstrated the brutal nature of totalitarian regimes during the Cold War era.
19 Nov 1952 North American F-86 Sabre Sets World Speed Record: The North American F-86 Sabre jet fighter achieved a groundbreaking world aircraft speed record of 1,124 kilometers per hour, demonstrating significant advancements in aviation technology during the early Cold War era.
20 Nov 1952 Pioneering Sex Reassignment Surgery: A historic medical procedure takes place in Copenhagen with the first successful sex reassignment surgery performed on Christine Jorgensen, marking a significant moment in transgender medical history and human rights.
21 Nov 1952 Jomo Kenyatta's Arrest by British Colonial Authorities: The British colonial administration arrests Jomo Kenyatta, a prominent Kenyan nationalist leader, on allegations of involvement with the Mau Mau uprising, a significant moment in Kenya's struggle for independence.
22 Nov 1952 Eisenhower Wins 1952 US Presidential Election: In a decisive victory, Republican candidate Dwight D. Eisenhower, a celebrated World War II military hero, defeated Democratic nominee Adlai Stevenson, the Governor of Illinois, in the 1952 United States presidential election. Eisenhower's campaign emphasized national security, anti-communism, and economic stability in the post-war era, resonating strongly with American voters. His landslide win marked a significant political shift and ushered in an era of Republican leadership during the early years of the Cold War.
23 Nov 1952 Chinese Invasion of Taewha-do during Korean War: On November 23, 1952, during the Korean War, Chinese Communist forces strategically seized Taewha-do, a small island located in the northern Yalu Gulf. The invasion was conducted using an unconventional approach, with troops transported via junks (traditional Chinese sailing vessels) and rubber rafts, demonstrating the military's adaptability in challenging maritime terrain. This tactical move was part of the broader conflict between United Nations forces and Communist Chinese and North Korean troops.
25 Nov 1952 Battle of Triangle Hill Concludes: The Korean War's Battle of Triangle Hill ends after 42 days of intense fighting, resulting in a decisive Chinese victory. American and South Korean units are forced to abandon their attempt to capture the strategically important 'Iron Triangle' region.
26 Nov 1952 First Modern 3-D Movie Premieres in Hollywood: The groundbreaking film 'Bwana Devil' premiered in Hollywood, marking a significant milestone in cinema technology by introducing modern 3-D movie experiences to mainstream audiences. This color film, directed by Arch Oboler, used the Natural Vision 3-D process and sparked widespread interest in three-dimensional film technology during the 1950s.
27 Nov 1952 KTBC TV Channel 7 Launches in Austin: KTBC TV channel 7, a CBS affiliate, began broadcasting in Austin, Texas, marking an important milestone in the city's media and communication history. This television station would play a significant role in local news, entertainment, and information dissemination for the Austin metropolitan area.
28 Nov 1952 The Chosin Reservoir Battle during Korean War: During the Korean War, American forces and Republic of Korea (ROKA) troops faced a critical moment near the Chosin Reservoir. Approximately 30,000 UN troops were positioned along a 400-mile line, confronting 150,000 Chinese 'People's Volunteer Army (PVA)' forces. The situation was dire, with UN troops at risk of being pushed back and potentially defeated, marking a pivotal and desperate phase of the conflict.
29 Nov 1952 Eisenhower's Korean War Assessment Trip: President-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower traveled to Korea to personally assess the ongoing conflict and explore potential strategies for ending the war, fulfilling a key campaign promise.
30 Nov 1952 Jackie Robinson Confronts Yankees' Racial Discrimination: On November 30, 1952, baseball legend Jackie Robinson formally charged the New York Yankees with systemic racial discrimination, highlighting ongoing racial barriers in professional baseball during the early 1950s. As the first African American player to break Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947, Robinson continued to challenge racist practices and push for equality in sports.