Historical Events on November 10: Significant Moments in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on November 10, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on November 10 - Key Moments Throughout History

1900 British Concentration Camps in Boer War: British Field Marshal Herbert Kitchener announced a controversial strategy in the Second Boer War, proposing to 'depopulate the towns in the Transvaal'. This plan involved discontinuing the burning of farms and relocating civilians to what British MP John Ellis termed 'concentration camps', a term originally derived from Spanish 'reconcentrado' camps used in Cuba. These camps would become notorious for their harsh conditions and high civilian mortality rates.
1901 Near Miss on Imperial Train Leads to Labor Union Dissolution: On November 10, 1901, a potentially catastrophic incident occurred involving Emperor Meiji's train. The Traffic Section Chief at the Semine Station mistakenly allowed the Imperial Train to depart despite another train being stalled on the same track, creating a dangerous near-collision scenario. This incident became a pivotal moment for labor relations, as the Nippon Railway Company used this event as a pretext to dissolve the recently formed engine drivers' labor union, known as the *Kyoseikai*. The near miss highlighted significant safety concerns and exposed the fragile state of workers' rights during the early 20th century in Japan.
1902 Founding of Bocconi University: Bocconi University was established in Milan by Italian politician Ferdinando Bocconi as a memorial to his late son Luigi. The university would go on to become one of Italy's most prestigious institutions of higher education, particularly renowned for economics, management, and social sciences.
1903 First Windshield Wiper Patent Granted: On November 10, 1903, Mary Anderson was awarded U.S. Patent No. 743,801 for her innovative 'Window-Cleaning Device', which would later become known as the windshield wiper. Her invention was a groundbreaking solution for improving driver visibility during inclement weather, marking a significant milestone in automotive safety technology.
1904 Uneventful Day in 1904: While no specific major historical events were recorded on November 10, 1904, this does not necessarily mean nothing of significance occurred. The early 20th century was a period of rapid industrialization, colonial expansion, and technological innovation. During this time, many subtle societal and technological developments were taking place globally that might not have been immediately documented.
1905 Kronstadt Naval Revolt of 1905: On November 10, 1905, sailors stationed at the Kronstadt naval base near St. Petersburg initiated a significant rebellion against the Imperial Russian Navy's leadership and broader Tsarist regime. This revolt was part of the larger Russian Revolution of 1905, which challenged the autocratic rule of Tsar Nicholas II and demanded political reforms, better working conditions, and increased civil liberties.
1906 Birth of Josef Kramer, Nazi SS Officer: Josef Kramer was born on November 10, 1906, in Germany. He would later become a notorious SS officer known for his brutal role during the Holocaust, particularly as the commandant of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.
1907 Birth of Jane Froman: Jane Froman, a renowned American singer, actress, and entertainer, was born in Saint Louis, Missouri. She would later become famous for her performances during World War II, entertaining troops through the USO and becoming a symbol of resilience after surviving a tragic plane crash.
1908 Einstein's Quantum Theory of Light: Albert Einstein presents his groundbreaking quantum theory of light, explaining the photoelectric effect and demonstrating that light behaves both as a wave and as discrete quantum particles (photons). This revolutionary work would later contribute to the development of quantum mechanics and earn Einstein the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921.
1909 Death of Renée Vivien, Pioneering Lesbian Poet: Renée Vivien, a prominent American-born French poet known for her groundbreaking work in lesbian literature and poetry, passed away. Born Pauline Mary Tarn in 1877, she was a key figure in the Paris literary scene of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Vivien was renowned for her lyrical poetry that explored themes of female desire, sapphic love, and feminist perspectives, challenging the conservative social norms of her time.
1910 First U.S. Conviction Using Fingerprint Evidence: In a landmark legal moment, a Chicago jury found Thomas Jennings guilty of murdering Clarence A. Hiller on September 19, marking the first criminal conviction in the United States based on fingerprint forensic evidence. This groundbreaking trial represented a significant advancement in forensic science and criminal investigation techniques.
1911 Nanking Recaptured During Xinhai Revolution: The Imperial Chinese Army recaptures Nanking (modern-day Nanjing) during the tumultuous Xinhai Revolution, a significant period of political upheaval that would ultimately lead to the fall of the Qing Dynasty and establishment of the Republic of China.
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.
1913 Great Lakes Storm of 1913: Devastating Maritime Disaster: The Great Lakes Storm of 1913, also known as the 'White Hurricane', was one of the most destructive and deadly maritime disasters in Great Lakes history. On November 10, 1913, the storm's intensity began to subside, revealing the catastrophic aftermath. A haunting symbol of the storm's devastation was the discovery of the American freighter *Charles S. Price* floating upside-down in Lake Huron, highlighting the storm's unprecedented fury. This cyclone-like system brought hurricane-force winds, massive waves, and blinding snow, causing numerous shipwrecks and claiming over 250 lives across the Great Lakes region.
1914 First Battle of Ypres: German Offensive in Western Belgium: During World War I, German armies launched a significant offensive from the Nonne Bosschen (Nun's Copse) forest in western Belgium, engaging British and French forces in a critical confrontation. This battle was part of the larger strategic efforts to break through the Allied lines and potentially turn the tide of the war on the Western Front.
1915 Lord Kitchener Travels to Gallipoli: On November 10, 1915, Lord Kitchener, a prominent British military leader, set sail for Gallipoli to personally assess the military situation. His visit underscored the strategic importance of the Gallipoli Campaign and the high-level attention being given to this challenging military operation.
1916 Russian Political Leadership Change: Boris Stürmer resigned as Prime Minister of Russia at the urging of Nicholas II of Russia and was replaced by Alexander Trepov. This leadership transition occurred during the tumultuous period of World War I, reflecting the internal political instability of the Russian Empire in the years leading up to the Russian Revolution.
1917 Second Battle of Passchendaele: A significant engagement during World War I, the Second Battle of Passchendaele took place in Westrozebeke, Belgium, representing another brutal chapter in the prolonged conflict on the Western Front.
1918 Armistice Communication Received: On November 10, 1918, the Western Union Cable Office in North Sydney, Nova Scotia received a top-secret coded message from Europe, revealing that all fighting would cease on land, sea, and in the air on November 11, 1918. This message was crucial in communicating the imminent end of World War I.
1919 Jacob Abrams Supreme Court Case: The Supreme Court of the United States upheld the conviction of Jacob Abrams for inciting resistance to the war effort against Soviet Russia, a significant moment in early 20th-century legal and political history.
1920 Rafael del Pino: Prominent Business Magnate: Rafael del Pino was a notable Spanish businessman and entrepreneur who emerged as one of the most affluent individuals of his era. During the early 20th century, he established significant business interests that contributed to his substantial wealth and economic influence. His financial success positioned him among the most prominent economic figures of his time.
1921 Liberty Memorial Groundbreaking Ceremony: A significant groundbreaking ceremony was held in Kansas City, Missouri, for the Liberty Memorial, coinciding with the national convention of the American Legion. This memorial would later become an important World War I commemorative site, honoring the sacrifices of American military personnel.
1922 Execution of Erskine Childers during Irish Civil War: Irish Republican Army official Erskine Childers was captured by Irish Free State forces during the Irish Civil War. Following his capture, Childers was subjected to a military trial, found guilty, and subsequently executed by firing squad two weeks after his arrest, marking a significant moment of internal conflict in Ireland's struggle for independence.
1923 German Ex-Crown Prince Wilhelm Flees Netherlands: Wilhelm, the former German Crown Prince and eldest son of Kaiser Wilhelm II, fled from his exile in the Netherlands back to Germany during a tumultuous period in the Weimar Republic. This event marked a significant moment in the post-World War I transition of the German monarchy, as Wilhelm sought to potentially re-establish his political relevance.
1924 Tientsin Conference of 1924: The Tientsin Conference was a significant diplomatic gathering in China, convened on November 10, 1924, between prominent warlords Zhang Zuolin, Feng Yuxiang, and Lu Yongxiang. The conference was initiated at the invitation of former President Sun Yat-sen, with the primary objective of negotiating an end to the ongoing civil war between rival military factions. This meeting represented an important attempt to stabilize the fragmented political landscape of early 20th-century China.
1925 Uneventful Day in 1925: While no specific major historical events were recorded for November 10, 1925, this does not necessarily mean nothing of significance occurred. Many historical moments happen quietly, without immediate documentation. The mid-1920s was a period of cultural and technological transition, with ongoing developments in areas like jazz music, automotive industry, and international diplomacy.
1926 U.S. Numbered Highway System Established: The United States establishes its Numbered Highway System, including the iconic Route 66, which would become a symbol of American road travel and westward expansion.
1927 General Motors Declares Record Dividend: On November 10, 1927, General Motors (GM) made history by declaring the largest corporate dividend of its time. The company paid $3.75 per share across its 17,400,000 outstanding shares, resulting in a total dividend payout of $65,250,000 to its investors. This significant financial distribution reflected GM's robust performance and strong market position during the late 1920s, a period of economic prosperity before the Great Depression.
1928 Enthronement of Emperor Hirohito: The official enthronement ceremony of Emperor Hirohito was held, marking the formal recognition of his imperial status. This ceremony took place approximately two years after he initially succeeded to the throne on December 26, 1926, following the death of Emperor Taishō. The event symbolized the transition of imperial power and the beginning of the Shōwa era in Japanese history.
1929 Portuguese Government Pardons Exiled Military Officers: In a significant political reconciliation, the Cabinet Council of Portugal officially pardoned 86 military officers who had been previously exiled to the Azores for their involvement in a failed plot against the government in 1927. This act of clemency represented an important step towards national healing and potentially reducing political tensions within the Portuguese military establishment.
1931 Last Chinese Emperor Puyi Moves to Manchuria: On November 10, 1931, Puyi, the last emperor of China's Qing Dynasty, left his exile in Tianjin and surrendered to Japanese authorities. The Japanese were strategically offering to restore him to the throne in Manchuria as part of their imperial expansion plans, effectively making him a puppet ruler in the Japanese-controlled region.
1932 Nazi Student Riots at Breslau University Against Jewish Professor: On November 10, 1932, a significant antisemitic incident occurred at Breslau University (now Wrocław University in Poland), where Nazi student groups violently demonstrated against the appointment of a Jewish law professor. These riots were part of the escalating antisemitic tensions in German academic institutions during the rise of Nazi ideology, reflecting the growing discrimination and hostility towards Jewish academics in pre-World War II Germany.
1933 First Sitdown Strike in United States Labor History: Workers at the Hormel food processing factory in Austin, Minnesota, initiated the first recorded sitdown strike in the United States. This labor action, occurring during the depths of the Great Depression, marked a significant moment in American labor rights, where employees peacefully occupied the workplace to protest working conditions and demand better treatment.
1934 Birth of Norm Cash, MLB First Baseman: Norm Cash was born in Eldorado, Texas, USA. He would go on to become a prominent first baseman for the Detroit Tigers, playing a significant role in Major League Baseball during his career. Cash was known for his powerful batting and defensive skills at first base, becoming an important player for the Tigers in the 1950s and 1960s.
1935 Birth of Igor Dmitriyevich Novikov: Igor Dmitriyevich Novikov, a renowned theoretical astrophysicist and cosmologist, was born in Moscow, USSR. Novikov would later become famous for his significant contributions to understanding black holes, cosmology, and theoretical physics, particularly his work on the Novikov-Hawking singularity theorem.
1936 No Significant Recorded Events: While no major historical events were documented for November 10, 1936, this period was part of the tumultuous decade leading up to World War II. In the mid-1930s, global tensions were rising, with significant political developments in Europe, including the Spanish Civil War and the growing power of fascist regimes.
1937 Getúlio Vargas Establishes Estado Novo in Brazil: On November 10, 1937, Brazilian President Getúlio Vargas announced the Estado Novo (New State), a significant political transformation that marked the beginning of his authoritarian regime. By promulgating a new Constitution, Vargas effectively seized dictatorial powers, fundamentally altering Brazil's political landscape. This coup-like transition would see Vargas rule Brazil with centralized, autocratic control until 1945, dramatically reshaping the country's governance and social structure.
1938 Kristallnacht: Nazi Pogrom Against Jews: A devastating pogrom erupted throughout Nazi Germany and parts of Austria, marking a horrific escalation of state-sponsored antisemitic violence. Jewish synagogues were burned, businesses destroyed, and Jewish citizens were subjected to widespread persecution, arrests, and violence, signaling an intensification of the Nazi regime's systematic oppression of Jewish communities.
1939 Finnish Nobel Laureate in Literature: Finnish author Frans Emil Sillanpää was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first Finnish writer to receive this prestigious international recognition. His works often depicted rural Finnish life and human experiences with profound psychological depth.
1940 First Aircraft Carrier Strike in World War II: During World War II, the Royal Navy launched a groundbreaking naval attack by conducting the first aircraft carrier strike in history, targeting the Italian battleship fleet anchored at the Taranto naval base. This strategic operation demonstrated the emerging importance of naval aviation in modern warfare.
1941 Churchill Pledges Immediate British Support to US in Potential Japan Conflict: In a significant speech at the Mansion House in London, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill publicly committed that if the United States were to enter into war with Japan, the British Empire would declare war within one hour of the United States' declaration.
1942 Germany Invades Vichy France: During World War II, Nazi Germany launched an invasion of Vichy France following an agreement by French Admiral François Darlan to an armistice with the Allies in North Africa. This strategic move significantly altered the geopolitical landscape of the war.
1943 US Forces Prepare for Tarawa Invasion: On November 10, 1943, a combined force of 35,000 US Army and Marine Corps troops initiated a strategic military operation targeting Betio on the Tarawa Atoll in the Pacific Theater of World War II. This significant amphibious assault was part of the broader island-hopping campaign aimed at pushing back Japanese forces and gaining strategic control in the Pacific region.
1944 German Forced Labor Operation in Netherlands: Nazi German forces conducted a massive forced labor operation, forcibly sending 52,000 men from Rotterdam and Schiedam to Germany, further demonstrating the brutal occupation policies during World War II.
1945 Liberation of Buchenwald Concentration Camp: US forces liberated the Nazi concentration camp at Buchenwald, revealing the horrific atrocities committed during the Holocaust and marking a significant moment in World War II's aftermath.
1946 Soviet Nuclear Reactor Project Commences: Under the leadership of renowned physicist Igor Kurchatov, the Soviet Union began assembling its first nuclear reactor, marking a critical milestone in the nation's scientific and technological development during the early Cold War era.
1947 British Withdrawal from Palestine: Great Britain initiated the withdrawal of its troops from Palestine, a significant geopolitical move that would have profound implications for the region's future and the establishment of Israel.
1948 Japan Found Guilty of War of Aggression: The International Military Tribunal for the Far East formally declared Japan guilty of waging an aggressive war against the United States, British Commonwealth, the Netherlands, and France, marking a significant post-World War II legal judgment that held Japanese leadership accountable for wartime actions.
1949 United States Marine Corps Birthday: The Marine Corps Birthday is an annual celebration commemorating the establishment of the United States Marine Corps on November 10, 1775. This significant day honors the proud history, traditions, and sacrifices of Marines throughout generations. Each year, Marines worldwide celebrate with formal ceremonies, cake-cutting traditions, and reflections on their corps' distinguished legacy of service and valor.
1950 U.S. Air Force Nuclear Incident Over Quebec: A U.S. Air Force B-50 Superfortress bomber experienced an in-flight emergency and was forced to jettison a Mark 4 nuclear weapon over Quebec, Canada. Notably, the nuclear device did not contain a plutonium core, minimizing potential catastrophic risks.
1951 First Customer-Dialed Long-Distance Telephone Call: On November 10, 1951, a groundbreaking moment in telecommunications history occurred when Mayor M. Leslie Denning of Englewood, New Jersey, made the first customer-dialed long-distance telephone call to Mayor Frank Osborne of Alameda, California, without operator assistance. This event marked a significant technological advancement in telecommunications, enabling direct communication across vast distances.
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.
1953 New York Giants Baseball Tour of Japan Concludes: The New York Giants baseball team completed their historic tour of Japan, marking an important moment in international sports diplomacy and cultural exchange during the post-World War II era. This tour helped strengthen baseball connections between the United States and Japan, showcasing the sport's ability to bridge cultural divides.
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.
1955 Major Breakthrough in Polio Research: Dr. Carlton Schwerdt achieved a significant scientific milestone by successfully crystallizing the poliomyelitis virus at the University of California. This breakthrough was crucial in understanding the virus's structure and paved the way for more advanced research into polio prevention and treatment.
1956 Henry Stanley Meets David Livingstone: On this day in historical remembrance, the famous encounter between explorers Henry Stanley and David Livingstone is commemorated. In 1871, Stanley greeted Livingstone in Africa with the legendary words, 'Dr. Livingstone, I presume?', marking a significant moment in the exploration of the African continent and the search for the source of the Nile River.
1957 Elvis Presley Performs in Hawaii: On November 10, 1957, Elvis Presley performed two concerts at the Honolulu Stadium in Hawaii, attracting 14,963 spectators who each paid $1 for admission. This performance was part of Presley's early touring years, showcasing his rising popularity and the emerging rock and roll music scene of the 1950s.
1958 Birth of Bossa Nova: A pivotal moment in Brazilian music history occurred when João Gilberto recorded 'Chega de Saudade', marking the official birth of Bossa Nova. This innovative musical style blended traditional samba rhythms with jazz influences, creating a sophisticated and smooth sound that would later influence global music.
1959 USS Triton Joins Nuclear Submarine Fleet: The USS Triton, a groundbreaking nuclear submarine, was commissioned into the U.S. Navy. At 447 feet long and weighing 5,000 tons, it was the largest submarine of its time. Equipped with two nuclear reactors, the vessel represented a significant technological advancement in naval engineering, with a construction cost of $100 million.
1960 Birth of Neil Gaiman: Neil Gaiman, a renowned English author, illustrator, and screenwriter known for works like 'American Gods' and 'The Sandman', was born on November 10, 1960, in Portchester, Hampshire, England. He would go on to become a highly influential figure in modern fantasy and comic book literature.
1961 Stalingrad Renamed Volgograd: The city of Stalingrad, famous for its pivotal World War II battle, is officially renamed Volgograd as part of the Soviet Union's de-Stalinization process, removing the direct reference to Joseph Stalin.
1962 Funeral of Eleanor Roosevelt: The funeral service for Eleanor Roosevelt, a prominent First Lady, humanitarian, and diplomat, was held at St. James Episcopal Church in Hyde Park, New York. As the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and a significant political figure in her own right, her passing marked the end of an era in American public service and civil rights advocacy.
1963 Malcolm X's Influential Speech in Detroit: Malcolm X delivered a powerful and historic speech titled 'Message to the Grass Roots' at the Northern Negro Grass Roots Conference in Detroit, Michigan. This speech was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, addressing racial inequality and calling for Black empowerment through a more militant approach to social change.
1964 Australia Reintroduces Compulsory Military Service: Australia partially reinstates compulsory military service in response to escalating tensions during the Indonesian Confrontation, a geopolitical conflict between Indonesia and Malaysia that threatened regional stability.
1965 First American Spacewalk: Ed White became the first American astronaut to perform a spacewalk during the Gemini 4 mission. This historic moment was a significant milestone in the United States' space exploration efforts, demonstrating human capability to operate outside a spacecraft and advancing NASA's understanding of extravehicular activities.
1966 Lunar Orbiter 2 Mission: NASA's Lunar Orbiter 2 successfully achieves a complex orbital trajectory around the Moon, ranging between 196 and 1,871 kilometers, contributing to critical lunar mapping and exploration efforts during the Space Race.
1967 First Color Photo of Earth's Entire Disk: On November 10, 1967, the first comprehensive color photograph of Earth's entire disk was captured, marking a significant milestone in space imaging and our understanding of our planet from space.
1968 Mário Soares Released from Banishment: Portuguese socialist leader Mário Soares was freed from political banishment, marking a significant moment in Portugal's political resistance against the authoritarian Estado Novo regime. Soares, a key figure in the Portuguese democratic movement, was released from exile in Sao Tomé under the new leadership of Marcello Caetano.
1969 Sesame Street Debuts on PBS: On November 10, 1969, the groundbreaking children's educational television program Sesame Street premiered on PBS (Public Broadcasting Service), introducing innovative educational content featuring Jim Henson's beloved Muppet characters. The show would go on to revolutionize early childhood learning through engaging, entertaining, and inclusive programming.
1970 Vietnam War: A Week Without American Combat Fatalities: In a rare occurrence during the Vietnam War, an entire week passed without any reported American combat deaths in Southeast Asia, potentially indicating a shift in military engagement.
1971 Khmer Rouge Attack on Phnom Penh: Khmer Rouge forces launch a devastating attack on Phnom Penh and its airport in Cambodia, killing 44 people, wounding at least 30, and damaging nine aircraft. This event underscores the escalating violence during the Cambodian Civil War.
1972 Southern Airways Flight 49 Hijacking: On November 10, 1972, Southern Airways Flight 49 was hijacked by three armed men, creating a dramatic and dangerous international incident. The hijackers threatened to crash the aircraft into the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a critical nuclear research facility, which raised significant national security concerns. After a tense two-day ordeal that involved multiple stops and negotiations, the plane ultimately landed in Havana, Cuba, where Fidel Castro's government immediately imprisoned the hijackers, preventing further potential threats.
1973 Kidnapping of J. Paul Getty III: Kidnappers of oil heir J. Paul Getty III escalated their ransom demands by brutally cutting off his ear and mailing it to the Rome newspaper *Il Messaggero*. This shocking act confirmed the seriousness of their abduction and highlighted the extreme tactics used in high-profile kidnappings during the 1970s.
1974 Montreal Canadiens Historic Shutout: The Montreal Canadiens delivered a dominant performance, shutting out the Washington Capitals with an overwhelming 11-0 victory, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive strength.
1975 UN Resolution 3379 on Zionism: The United Nations General Assembly passes controversial Resolution 3379, which controversially defines Zionism as a form of racism, a resolution later repealed in 1991.
1976 Gary Gilmore Execution Authorization: The Utah Supreme Court authorized the execution of Gary Gilmore, a convicted murderer who notably requested his own execution. This case was groundbreaking as it represented one of the first legal executions in the United States after the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976.
1977 Historic Peace Diplomacy: Sadat Visits Israel: Egyptian President Anwar Sadat becomes the first Arab leader to make an official visit to Israel, meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin in a groundbreaking diplomatic effort to seek a permanent peace settlement between Egypt and Israel.
1978 Israel Withdraws from Peace Negotiations: Israel's top negotiators unexpectedly broke away from ongoing Middle East peace talks, signaling potential diplomatic tensions and challenges in regional conflict resolution.
1979 Mississauga Train Derailment: On November 10, 1979, a 106-car Canadian Pacific freight train carrying explosive and poisonous chemicals derailed in Mississauga, Ontario, just west of Toronto. The incident triggered a massive explosion and prompted the largest peacetime evacuation in Canadian history, marking a significant emergency response event in North America.
1980 Poland Recognizes Solidarity Union: The Polish government officially acknowledges the Solidarity trade union, a pivotal moment in the country's struggle against communist rule. This recognition represents a significant breakthrough for the labor movement and civil resistance in Eastern Europe.
1981 Disney and Westinghouse Launch Family Cable Service: Walt Disney Productions and Westinghouse Broadcasting announced a groundbreaking partnership to develop a family-oriented cable television service, signaling the evolving media landscape of the early 1980s.
1982 Death of Soviet Leader Leonid Brezhnev: Leonid I. Brezhnev, the long-serving Soviet first secretary and General Secretary of the Communist Party, died of a heart attack at age 75. His death marked the end of an era in Soviet leadership, concluding his 18-year tenure that significantly shaped Cold War geopolitics.
1983 Microsoft Windows 1.0 Introduction: Bill Gates introduces Windows 1.0, a groundbreaking graphical user interface that would revolutionize personal computing. This launch marks a pivotal moment in computer technology, setting the stage for Microsoft's dominance in the operating system market.
1984 First Breeders' Cup Horse Racing Championship: The inaugural Breeders' Cup World Championships took place at Hollywood Park Racetrack in California, marking a significant milestone in professional horse racing. This prestigious event brought together top thoroughbred horses and jockeys from across the United States to compete in multiple high-stakes races.
1985 First AIDS-themed TV Movie 'An Early Frost' Screens: 'An Early Frost' becomes the first television movie to address the AIDS epidemic, airing on NBC. This groundbreaking film played a crucial role in raising public awareness about HIV/AIDS, helping to combat stigma and misinformation during the early years of the health crisis.
1986 Bangladesh Constitution Restoration: On November 10, 1986, Bangladesh restored its constitutional governance, marking a significant moment in the country's political development and democratic process. This restoration represented a critical step in stabilizing the nation's political framework after periods of disruption.
1987 Black Monday Stock Market Crash: On November 10, 1987, global stock markets experienced a catastrophic financial event known as Black Monday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) plummeted by 508 points, representing a staggering 22.6% decline in a single trading day. This unprecedented market crash is considered one of the most significant financial events of the late 20th century, causing widespread economic panic and triggering major reforms in financial market regulations.
1988 China Earthquake Death Toll Update: Chinese authorities confirm that the death toll from a recent devastating earthquake is expected to rise above the current count of 938 fatalities, signaling a potential major humanitarian crisis.
1989 Fall of the Berlin Wall Begins: On November 10, 1989, Germans began systematically dismantling the Berlin Wall, a powerful symbolic moment marking the end of the Cold War division between East and West Germany. Citizens from both sides started breaking down the concrete barrier that had separated families, friends, and a nation for nearly three decades.
1990 World Wide Web Proposal: Tim Berners-Lee published a more formal proposal for the World Wide Web, a pivotal moment in the development of the internet that would revolutionize global communication.
1991 South Africa's Cricket Comeback: South Africa returns to international cricket after a 21-year isolation, playing its first international match since 1970 in a one-day game against India, marking a significant moment in sports diplomacy.
1992 Rodney King Riots in Los Angeles: The Rodney King riots erupted in Los Angeles following the controversial acquittal of four police officers involved in the brutal beating of Rodney King, an African American motorist. The riots, which began on April 29, 1992 (not November 10), lasted six days and were a significant moment in the ongoing struggle against racial injustice and police brutality in the United States. The unrest resulted in 63 deaths, over 2,000 injuries, more than 12,000 arrests, and property damage estimated at approximately $1 billion.
1993 Joseph & the Amazing opens at Minskoff Theater NYC for 223 performances
1994 World War I Armistice Coded Message: The Western Union Cable Office in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, received a top-secret coded message from Europe signaling the imminent cessation of fighting across all theaters of World War I, a moment that would herald the end of one of the most devastating conflicts in human history.
1995 Execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa by Nigerian Government: On November 10, 1995, Nigerian playwright and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa was hanged by government forces, along with eight other members of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). This controversial execution sparked international outrage and led to a global boycott of Shell Oil Company for its exploitative practices in Ogoni land. Saro-Wiwa had been a vocal critic of the Nigerian government and multinational oil corporations, highlighting environmental destruction and human rights abuses in the Niger Delta region.
1996 Murder of Rapper Yaki Kadafi: Yafeu Fula, known professionally as rapper Yaki Kadafi, was tragically shot and killed in New Jersey at the young age of 19. Kadafi was associated with the Tupac Shakur's Outlawz rap group and his death was part of the turbulent East Coast-West Coast hip hop rivalry of the 1990s.
1997 WorldCom and MCI Communications Merger: Telecommunications giants WorldCom and MCI Communications announced a landmark $37 billion merger, which was the largest corporate merger in U.S. history at the time, signaling significant consolidation in the telecommunications industry.
1998 Windows 1.0 Introduction: Bill Gates introduced Windows 1.0, marking a significant milestone in personal computing and setting the stage for Microsoft's dominance in the operating system market.
1999 World Anti-Doping Agency Established: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was officially founded in Lausanne, Switzerland, marking a significant milestone in the global fight against performance-enhancing drug use in sports. This international independent organization was created to promote, coordinate, and monitor the fight against doping in sports through education, research, and global collaboration among sports organizations, governments, and athletes.
2000 Notable Deaths on November 10, 2000: Several prominent individuals passed away on this date, including Jacques Chaban-Delmas (French politician), Adamantios Androutsopoulos (Greek academic), Alan Tyson (scholar), and Salvatore Palazzolo. Their deaths marked a significant loss across various fields of expertise.
2001 China Joins World Trade Organization: After 15 years of complex negotiations, the People's Republic of China was officially admitted to the World Trade Organization, marking a significant milestone in global economic integration and China's international economic engagement.
2002 Earth's Magnetic Field Decline Discovery: According to the Guardian newspaper, Gauthier Hulot, a researcher from the Paris Geophysical Institute, has found compelling evidence of a gradual decrease in the Earth's magnetic field strength over the past two centuries. This scientific observation suggests the potential for a magnetic field polarity reversal within the next few hundred years, which could have significant implications for global communication, navigation systems, and planetary protection from solar radiation.
2003 Srebrenica Massacre Survivors Sue UN and Netherlands: Survivors of the Srebrenica massacre, considered the most horrific European atrocity since World War II, are pursuing legal action against the United Nations and the Netherlands for failing to protect the Muslim enclave during the Bosnian War.
2004 Death of Yasser Arafat: Yasser Arafat, the long-standing leader of the Palestinian Authority, passed away at the age of 75 in a Paris hospital. Following his death, Rawhi Fattouh was elected as the interim president of the Palestinian Authority. Mahmoud Abbas became the leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), with Farouk Kaddoumi serving as the foreign minister.
2005 Historic Election of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in Liberia: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf defeats George Weah in the Liberian presidential runoff election, becoming the first African woman to be elected as head of state. This landmark moment represents a significant milestone for women's political representation in Africa.
2006 Assassination of Nadarajah Raviraj: Sri Lankan Tamil politician Nadarajah Raviraj was assassinated in Colombo, marking a significant moment of political violence during the Sri Lankan Civil War. His death highlighted the ongoing tensions and conflict in the region.
2007 Cyclone Sidr Devastates Bangladesh: A catastrophic cyclone named Sidr struck Bangladesh, resulting in an estimated 5,000 fatalities and causing massive destruction, particularly to the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest. The disaster underscored the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events.
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.
2009 Naval Skirmish Between North and South Korea: A tense maritime confrontation occurred in the Yellow Sea when a North Korean patrol vessel entered South Korean territorial waters, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that damaged vessels on both sides. This was the first such incident in seven years, highlighting ongoing tensions between the two nations.
2010 Obama's Speech on US-Muslim World Relations: President Barack Obama delivered a speech in Indonesia, emphasizing the need for improved relations between the United States and the Muslim world, signaling a diplomatic effort to bridge cultural and political divides.
2011 Syrian Uprising Violence: Opposition activists reported at least 38 people, including six children, were killed by Syrian security forces across multiple cities. The casualties were distributed as 16 in Homs, 10 in Hama, and 12 in other locations, highlighting the ongoing brutal suppression of protests.
2012 Barack Obama Wins 2012 US Presidential Election: President Barack Obama secured victory in the 2012 United States presidential election by winning Florida's 29 electoral votes, bringing his total to 332 electoral votes—well above the 270 required to win. Simultaneously, Democrat Jay Inslee won the Washington state governorship.
2013 Typhoon Haiyan Devastates Philippines: Typhoon Haiyan caused catastrophic destruction in the Philippines, with an estimated 10,000 fatalities in the central province of Leyte. The typhoon was one of the most powerful tropical cyclones ever recorded, causing widespread damage and loss of life.
2014 Boko Haram School Massacre in Nigeria: A devastating Islamist insurgency attack occurred in Potiskum, Yobe state, where a suicide bomber killed at least 47 students during a school assembly, highlighting the ongoing terrorist threat in the region.
2015 Syria Peace Talks in Vienna: Russia proposed an eight-point plan during international Syria peace talks in Vienna, suggesting a constitutional reform process followed by early presidential elections to potentially resolve the ongoing Syrian Civil War.
2016 Trump-Obama White House Transition Meeting: President-elect Donald Trump met with incumbent President Barack Obama at the White House for the first time, marking a traditional peaceful transition of presidential power. This historic meeting symbolized the democratic process of power transfer in the United States.
2017 Lebanon-Saudi Arabia Diplomatic Crisis: Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, urgently called for their citizens to evacuate Lebanon. The escalation was triggered by Saudi Arabia's assertion that a missile attack from Yemen on its airport constituted an act of war.
2018 California Camp Fire and Woolsey Fire Devastation: The town of Paradise, California, suffered catastrophic damage during the Camp Fire, with over 6,700 buildings destroyed. This became California's most destructive wildfire in recorded history. The Camp Fire's death toll rose to 23, while the Woolsey Fire claimed two additional lives.
2019 Evo Morales Resigns as President of Bolivia: President Evo Morales and several key government officials resigned following 19 days of civil protests and a recommendation from the military. The resignation came after widespread allegations of election irregularities and potential manipulation of the national election results.
2020 Pfizer Vaccine News Boosts Stock Market: Promising news about Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine triggered a significant surge in stock prices, signaling potential economic recovery and hope in the fight against COVID-19.
2021 COP26 Conference: Global Agreement on Phasing Out Fossil Fuel Vehicles: At the COP26 Conference, a landmark agreement was reached by twenty-four nations and leading automotive manufacturers including Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo. The commitment involves phasing out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and completely ending the sale of fossil fuel vehicles by 2040, marking a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
2022 Ukrainian Military Strategic Advance in Kherson Region: The Ukrainian military achieved significant territorial gains by recapturing the city of Snihurivka in Mykolaiv Oblast and the village of Kyselivka. These advances brought Ukrainian forces within nine miles of Kherson's city center, marking a strategic progression in the ongoing conflict. Concurrent with the ground advance, explosions were reported near the strategically important Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, indicating potential military activity in the region.
2023 The Beatles' 'Now and Then' Achieves #1 Chart Position: The Beatles' final single 'Now and Then' reached #1 on the British singles chart, an extraordinary achievement 54 years after their last chart-topping hit. This milestone, made possible through AI-assisted music restoration, marks a poignant moment in music history.

What Is special about November 10?

November 10 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about November 10.