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Major Events of November 1954: 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 1954 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of November 1954: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Nov 1954 Algerian War of Independence Begins: On the night of November 1, 1954, several dozen armed actions were launched throughout Algeria, particularly in the Aures region in the east. These coordinated attacks marked the beginning of one of the most significant anti-colonial revolutions of the 20th century, challenging French colonial rule and initiating a prolonged and bloody struggle for Algerian independence.
  • 02 Nov 1954 Taiwan-US Military Cooperation Pact: Taiwan and the United States signed a significant military cooperation agreement, strengthening their strategic alliance during the Cold War era. This pact was crucial in establishing mutual defense commitments and providing Taiwan with military support against potential regional threats.
  • 03 Nov 1954 Linus Pauling Wins Nobel Chemistry Prize: Renowned scientist Linus Pauling is awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his groundbreaking research in chemical bonding and molecular structure.
  • 04 Nov 1954 Philadelphia Athletics Relocate to Kansas City: The Philadelphia Athletics, a Major League Baseball team, officially moved to Kansas City, Missouri, marking a significant shift in the team's geographic and economic landscape. This relocation represented a broader trend of baseball franchises moving to new cities during the mid-20th century.
  • 05 Nov 1954 Japan-Burma Peace Treaty Signed: On November 5, 1954, Japan and Burma (now Myanmar) formally signed a peace treaty in Rangoon (now Yangon), officially ending their state of war that had persisted since World War II. This diplomatic agreement marked a significant milestone in post-war reconciliation between the two nations, symbolizing their commitment to normalizing bilateral relations and moving beyond the traumatic experiences of the conflict.
  • 07 Nov 1954 1954 United States Presidential Election: Dwight D. Eisenhower was re-elected as President of the United States, securing a second term in office. This election reinforced the Republican Party's leadership and Eisenhower's popularity during the early Cold War period.
  • 08 Nov 1954 Philadelphia Athletics Relocate to Kansas City: The American League officially approved the relocation of the Philadelphia Athletics baseball franchise to Kansas City, marking a significant moment in Major League Baseball's geographical expansion during the mid-1950s.
  • 09 Nov 1954 Uneventful Day in 1954: While no significant historical events were recorded for November 9, 1954, this does not mean the day was entirely without merit. Such days represent the quiet moments between major historical milestones, reflecting the routine nature of daily life during the mid-20th century.
  • 10 Nov 1954 Iwo Jima Memorial Dedication Ceremony: U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially dedicated the USMC War Memorial in Arlington Ridge Park, Arlington County, Virginia. The memorial, featuring the famous flag-raising statue, honors the sacrifices of U.S. Marines during World War II's Pacific campaign.
  • 11 Nov 1954 First Veterans Day Observance in the United States: On November 11, 1954, the United States officially transitioned from 'Armistice Day' to 'Veterans Day' through a Congressional amendment passed on June 1, 1954. This significant change was designed to honor and recognize American veterans who served in all wars, expanding the original commemoration that had been established to mark the end of World War I. The new holiday aimed to pay tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and service of military personnel across different conflicts, reflecting a broader national appreciation for veterans' contributions.
  • 12 Nov 1954 Ellis Island Immigration Station Closes: Ellis Island, the historic gateway for millions of immigrants entering the United States, officially ceased operations after processing over 12 million newcomers since its establishment in 1892. Located in New York Harbor, this iconic immigration station symbolized hope and new beginnings for generations of immigrants seeking opportunity in America.
  • 13 Nov 1954 First Rugby League World Cup Final: Great Britain defeated France to capture the first ever Rugby League World Cup in Paris, with approximately 30,000 spectators witnessing the historic match.
  • 14 Nov 1954 Ruby Bridges Integrates Louisiana Elementary School: Ruby Bridges, a courageous six-year-old African American girl, became the first black child to attend an all-white elementary school in Louisiana. Her historic walk into William Frantz Elementary School symbolized a critical moment in the American Civil Rights Movement, challenging racial segregation in education.
  • 15 Nov 1954 Egyptian Political Transition: A pivotal moment in Egyptian political history occurs as President Muhammad Naguib is deposed, with Gamal Abdel Nasser assuming leadership, signaling a major shift in the country's governance and future political trajectory.
  • 16 Nov 1954 TAM Peru Douglas DC-3 Crash in Peruvian Andes: On November 16, 1954, a TAM Peru Douglas DC-3 aircraft (registration FAP403) crashed into an ice wall near Jirishanga in the Peruvian Andes during a domestic flight from Pucallpa Airport to Limatambo Airport in Lima. The aircraft was flying at a high altitude of approximately 18,000 feet (5,500 meters) when the fatal accident occurred, resulting in the tragic loss of all 24 passengers and crew members on board. The crash highlights the challenging and treacherous flying conditions in the mountainous regions of Peru during the mid-20th century.
  • 17 Nov 1954 U.S. Air Force B-47 Stratojet Endurance Flight: A U.S. Air Force B-47 Stratojet demonstrated remarkable aerial endurance by remaining airborne for 47 hours and 35 minutes during challenging weather conditions. The aircraft required nine aerial refueling operations to maintain its extended flight, showcasing the advanced capabilities of mid-air refueling technology and the strategic mobility of Cold War-era military aircraft.
  • 18 Nov 1954 Morocco Celebrates Independence Day: Morocco commemorates its Independence Day, marking the historic end of French and Spanish colonial rule. This pivotal moment symbolizes the nation's liberation and the beginning of its journey as a sovereign state, representing a significant milestone in North African decolonization.
  • 19 Nov 1954 Korean Cold War Tensions Escalate: Tensions between communist North Korea and capitalist South Korea intensified, marking a prolonged period of geopolitical conflict that emerged shortly after the conclusion of the Korean War. This ideological standoff would shape regional dynamics for decades to come.
  • 20 Nov 1954 Death of Clyde Vernon Cessna, Aviation Pioneer: Clyde Vernon Cessna, a pioneering aircraft manufacturer and founder of the renowned Cessna Aircraft Corporation, passed away on November 20, 1954, at the age of 74. His innovative work significantly contributed to the development of general aviation in the United States, creating a legacy that would continue through his company's future achievements.
  • 21 Nov 1954 Uneventful Day in 1954: While no major historical events were documented for November 21, 1954, this does not necessarily mean nothing of significance occurred. Many days in history pass without remarkable global events, yet local or personal histories continue to unfold. The mid-1950s were a period of post-World War II reconstruction, Cold War tensions, and emerging social changes across the world.
  • 22 Nov 1954 Landmark Supreme Court Case: Berman v. Parker: The United States Supreme Court decides the landmark case Berman v. Parker (348 U.S. 26), which significantly upheld the constitutionality of federal slum clearance and urban renewal programs. This decision was crucial in empowering government agencies to use eminent domain for urban redevelopment, even when the primary beneficiary would be private developers working to improve blighted areas.
  • 23 Nov 1954 Dow Jones Recovers from 1929 Crash Peak: On November 23, 1954, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above its pre-1929 crash peak, symbolizing a significant economic recovery more than two decades after the Great Depression. This milestone represented a powerful signal of renewed investor confidence and economic resilience in the post-World War II era.
  • 24 Nov 1954 France Deploys Troops to Algeria: On November 24, 1954, France sent 20,000 soldiers to Algeria, escalating military involvement in what would become a complex and prolonged colonial conflict. This deployment was part of France's response to the growing Algerian independence movement, which had recently launched the first attacks of the Algerian War of Independence. The military intervention would have significant geopolitical and humanitarian consequences in the coming years.
  • 25 Nov 1954 National Assembly and National Council Elections in Czechoslovakia: Czechoslovakia conducted simultaneous elections for its National Assembly and National Council, reflecting the political processes of the communist era in Eastern Europe. These elections were typically characterized by limited political competition and strong state control.
  • 26 Nov 1954 Dutch Coaster Tarpo Sinks off Cornwall Coast: On November 26, 1954, the Dutch coastal cargo vessel Tarpo met a tragic end off the treacherous Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, United Kingdom. The maritime disaster resulted in the complete loss of the entire twelve-member crew, highlighting the dangerous conditions sailors faced in mid-20th century maritime transportation. The precise circumstances of the sinking remain unclear, but the Lizard coast, known for its rocky shores and challenging navigational conditions, has been the site of numerous shipwrecks throughout maritime history.
  • 27 Nov 1954 Alger Hiss Released from Prison: Alger Hiss is released from prison after serving 44 months for perjury, marking the end of a controversial espionage and political scandal that had significant implications during the early Cold War era.
  • 28 Nov 1954 Death of Enrico Fermi: Nobel Prize-winning Italian physicist Enrico Fermi passed away on November 28, 1954. Fermi was a pivotal figure in nuclear physics, instrumental in the development of the first nuclear reactor and contributions to the Manhattan Project.
  • 29 Nov 1954 Birth of Joel Coen, Renowned Filmmaker: Joel Coen was born on November 29, 1954, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. He would go on to become a highly influential American film director, producer, and screenwriter, known for his distinctive cinematic style. Together with his brother Ethan Coen, he formed the acclaimed Coen Brothers filmmaking duo, creating critically acclaimed movies like 'Fargo', 'No Country for Old Men', and 'The Big Lebowski'.
  • 30 Nov 1954 Meteorite Strikes Woman in Alabama: In Sylacauga, Alabama, United States, an 8.5 lb (3.4 kg) sulfide meteorite dramatically crashes through a roof and strikes Mrs. Elizabeth Hodges while she is resting in her living room, bouncing off her radio and leaving her with a significant bruise. This incident is historically significant as the only unequivocally documented case of a human being directly hit by a meteorite in recorded history.