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Major Events of November 2008: 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 2008 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of November 2008: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Nov 2008 India's Chandrayaan-1 Mission Captures Earth Images: India's first lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, successfully transmitted two images of Earth while en route to the Moon, marking a significant milestone in India's space exploration capabilities and scientific achievement.
  • 02 Nov 2008 Lewis Hamilton Wins First Formula One World Championship: Lewis Hamilton secured his maiden Formula One Drivers' Championship Title in a dramatic fashion at the Brazilian Grand Prix. He clinched the championship by just one point ahead of Felipe Massa, making a crucial pass on Timo Glock's Toyota on the final lap of the race.
  • 03 Nov 2008 U.S. Airstrike in Afghanistan: A controversial U.S. airstrike in Kandahar, Afghanistan, reportedly killed 40 civilians and wounded nearly 30, primarily at a wedding celebration, highlighting the complex and tragic nature of military operations in the region.
  • 04 Nov 2008 Barack Obama Elected as 44th US President: Democratic Senator Barack Obama of Illinois was elected as the 44th President of the United States, defeating Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona. This historic election marked a significant milestone in American political history as Obama became the first African American president.
  • 05 Nov 2008 Russia's Missile Defense Response: President Medvedev announces plans to deploy short-range conventional warhead missiles in Kaliningrad as a strategic response to U.S. missile defense systems in Poland and the Czech Republic, while expressing hope for improved Russia-U.S. relations under President Obama.
  • 06 Nov 2008 Bank of England Cuts Interest Rate: The Bank of England dramatically reduces its interest rate from 4.5 percent to 3 percent, marking the lowest rate since 1955 in response to economic challenges.
  • 07 Nov 2008 US Unemployment Peaks: The United States experienced its highest unemployment rate in 14 years, reflecting the severe economic challenges during the global financial crisis of 2008.
  • 08 Nov 2008 Barack Obama Elected First African-American U.S. President: In a historic moment, Barack Obama was elected as the 44th President of the United States, defeating Republican candidate John McCain. His victory marked a significant milestone in American civil rights history, breaking a long-standing racial barrier in presidential politics.
  • 09 Nov 2008 China's Massive Economic Stimulus Package: In response to the global financial crisis, China announced an unprecedented economic stimulus package of 4 trillion yuan (approximately US$586 billion) aimed at investing in infrastructure and social welfare programs by the end of 2010. This massive intervention was designed to maintain economic growth and protect against potential recession.
  • 10 Nov 2008 AIG Receives Massive Government Bailout: The United States government announces a second bailout for American International Group (AIG), totaling approximately US$150 billion. This unprecedented financial support represents the largest government intervention for a private firm in US history, reflecting the severity of the 2008 financial crisis.
  • 11 Nov 2008 Nazi War Crimes Prosecution: Demjanjuk Case: Germany announced new charges against John Demjanjuk for his alleged role in the deaths of 29,000 Polish Jews at the Sobibor concentration camp during the Holocaust, continuing the pursuit of justice for Nazi war crimes decades after World War II.
  • 12 Nov 2008 US Treasury TARP Strategy Shift: The US Treasury announced a strategic change in the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), deciding to directly inject cash into select banks instead of purchasing mortgage-backed securities, marking a significant intervention in the financial crisis.
  • 13 Nov 2008 Germany Enters Recession: Germany's economy, the largest in Europe, officially entered a recession after contracting by 0.5% in the third quarter, following a 0.4% decline in the second quarter. This marked the first recession in five years for the economic powerhouse.
  • 14 Nov 2008 First G-20 Economic Summit in Washington, D.C.: The first G-20 economic summit opened in Washington, D.C., bringing together leaders from 20 major economies to discuss the global financial crisis, establish policies for economic stability, and promote global growth.
  • 15 Nov 2008 First G20 Economic Summit Addresses Global Financial Crisis: World leaders convened in Washington, D.C. for the inaugural G20 economic summit, representing nations that collectively account for 90 percent of global GDP to discuss coordinated responses to the unfolding economic crisis.
  • 16 Nov 2008 Iraq-US Security Agreement Milestone: After nearly a year of intense negotiations, the Iraqi cabinet passed a landmark status of forces agreement governing the U.S. military presence in Iraq through 2011. The agreement mandates the withdrawal of all U.S. combat troops by December 31, 2011, and removal from Iraqi cities by summer 2009. Notably, the pact also grants Iraqi officials increased legal jurisdiction over off-base American personnel misconduct, pending final parliamentary approval.
  • 17 Nov 2008 US-Iraq Security Pact Approved: The Iraqi cabinet approves a security agreement allowing approximately 150,000 US troops to remain in Iraq for an additional three years, marking a significant milestone in US-Iraq military relations.
  • 18 Nov 2008 US Auto Industry Seeks Financial Rescue: Executives from General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler appear before the Senate Banking Committee to request urgent financial assistance during the 2008 economic crisis.
  • 19 Nov 2008 Stock Market Decline During Financial Crisis: The Dow Jones Industrial Average falls below 8,000, reflecting the severe economic downturn and financial instability during the 2008 global financial crisis.
  • 20 Nov 2008 Dow Jones Reaches Historic Low: The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged to its lowest level since 1997, reflecting the critical failures in the U.S. financial system during the 2008 global financial crisis.
  • 21 Nov 2008 Global Financial Crisis Impact on Russia: A comprehensive overview of the financial crisis affecting Russia and global markets, highlighting economic challenges and disruptions across multiple sectors.
  • 22 Nov 2008 Obama's Economic Recovery Plan: President-elect Barack Obama outlines his Economic Recovery Plan, projecting the creation of 2.5 million jobs by January 2011.
  • 23 Nov 2008 US Government Rescues Citigroup: In a significant financial intervention, the United States government saved Citigroup Inc. from potential collapse. The bank agreed to absorb approximately $250 billion in losses and received a $20 billion capital investment to stabilize its financial position.
  • 24 Nov 2008 Obama Announces Economic Recovery Team: President-elect Barack Obama unveiled his key economic team to address the ongoing financial crisis, including Timothy F. Geithner as Treasury Secretary, Lawrence Summers as National Economic Council President, and Christina Romer as Council of Economic Advisers Chair.
  • 25 Nov 2008 Obama's National Security Team Selection: President-elect Barack Obama made strategic national security appointments, deciding to retain Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense and selecting Marine General James L. Jones as National Security Advisor.
  • 26 Nov 2008 2008 Mumbai Terror Attacks: A coordinated terrorist assault on Mumbai, India's financial capital, where ten heavily-armed gunmen launched synchronized attacks across five locations. The attacks targeted multiple sites including luxury hotels, a railway station, and cafés, resulting in 174 deaths and 295 injuries. The Deccan Mujahedeen claimed responsibility, though investigations later linked the attacks to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terrorist organization.
  • 27 Nov 2008 Thai Protesters Shut Down Bangkok Airports: The People's Alliance for Democracy protesters successfully closed both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi International Airports, effectively paralyzing Bangkok's air transportation infrastructure. International transfers were redirected to U-Tapao International Airport, causing significant logistical disruptions.
  • 28 Nov 2008 Mumbai Terror Attacks: During the 2008 Mumbai Terror Attacks, Indian security forces engage with gunmen who have taken hostages at a Jewish center, marking a critical moment in the terrorist assault on the city.
  • 29 Nov 2008 Mumbai Terror Attacks: A coordinated terrorist attack in Mumbai, India, resulted in 160 confirmed deaths and 327 people reported missing. The attacks targeted multiple locations, including the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, and were carried out by militants who were ultimately neutralized by Indian security forces.
  • 30 Nov 2008 Barack Obama Elected as First African-American US President: Barack Obama makes history by becoming the first African-American President of the United States, defeating Republican candidate John McCain in a landmark election that symbolizes significant progress in racial equality and political representation.