Historical Events on November 19: 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 19, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on November 19 - Key Moments Throughout History

1900 Colombian Navy Seizes British Steamship in Diplomatic Incident: On November 19, 1900, the Colombian Navy forcibly seized the British steamship Taboga after a contentious dispute with the ship's captain. The vessel was detained when its captain refused to transport Colombian military troops, leading to an international maritime confrontation that highlighted the tensions between Colombia and foreign maritime interests during the early 20th century.
1903 Carrie Nation's Senate Address Attempt: Temperance activist Carrie Nation, known for her radical anti-alcohol crusade, attempted to address the United States Senate regarding her prohibition efforts. Nation, famous for her dramatic 'hatchetations' where she would smash liquor bottles and destroy saloons, sought to bring national attention to the temperance movement during this bold political gesture.
1904 Theodore Roosevelt Wins Presidential Election: In a decisive victory, incumbent President Theodore Roosevelt of the Republican Party defeated Democratic candidate Alton B. Parker in the 1904 United States presidential election. Roosevelt's win solidified his political mandate and continued his progressive reform agenda, which had begun after he assumed the presidency following William McKinley's assassination in 1901.
1905 Tommy Dorsey's Early Life in Pennsylvania: Tommy Dorsey, a prominent American jazz trombonist, bandleader, and orchestra leader, was noted in his early years in Mahanoy, Pennsylvania. This period marked the beginning of his influential musical career, which would later include significant contributions to big band and swing music genres.
1906 London Chosen as 1908 Olympic Games Host: London was selected to host the 1908 Summer Olympic Games, marking a significant moment in international sports history. This selection represented an important milestone for the city and the Olympic movement, as it would be the first time London would host the modern Olympic Games.
1907 The Panic of 1907: A Pivotal Financial Crisis: The Panic of 1907 was a significant financial crisis that dramatically transformed the economic landscape of the United States. Triggered by a series of bank failures and a steep decline in stock market values, this economic downturn was one of the most severe financial contractions in American history, second only to the Great Depression. The crisis exposed critical weaknesses in the nation's banking and monetary systems, ultimately catalyzing crucial monetary reforms. Most notably, it directly led to the establishment of the Federal Reserve System in 1913, which was designed to provide greater stability and prevent similar economic catastrophes in the future. The panic began with a failed attempt to corner the market on the stock of the United Copper Company, which quickly spread to broader financial markets, causing widespread bank runs and a significant economic contraction.
1908 Uneventful Day in World History: On November 19, 1908, no major historical events were recorded in the primary sources. While this day might seem unremarkable, it represents a moment of relative global stability during the early 20th century, just a few years before the tumultuous World War I would dramatically reshape international relations.
1909 Christian Leaders Protest Congo Free State Atrocities: A significant humanitarian protest was organized at Albert Hall in Britain, where Christian church leaders, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, and 50 Members of Parliament assembled to condemn the brutal abuses committed by Belgium in the Congo Free State. This event highlighted international awareness of colonial atrocities and human rights violations.
1910 University of Illinois Football Team Finishes Perfect Season: The University of Illinois football team completed an extraordinary season by remaining unbeaten, untied, and unscored upon. They secured their final victory with a 3-0 win against Syracuse on November 19, 1910, demonstrating their defensive prowess and athletic excellence.
1911 Britain's First Seaplane Takes Flight: On November 18, 1911, Britain achieved a groundbreaking moment in aviation history with the maiden flight of its first seaplane, signaling the country's emerging capabilities in aerial technology and maritime aviation.
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.
1913 Jack Thompson's Surprising Funeral Appearance: In a remarkable turn of events, Jack Thompson dramatically disrupted his own funeral visitation in Hamilton, Ontario. Eight days after being presumed dead and drowned, Thompson unexpectedly appeared at the event, shocking mourners and challenging the prevailing belief of his demise. This extraordinary incident highlights the unpredictability of life and the potential for misidentification in early 20th-century death reporting.
1914 Battle of Kolubara during World War I: During the early stages of World War I, Austro-Hungarian forces launched a significant offensive against Serbia, initially gaining strategic ground as Serbian armies strategically retreated towards Belgrade. This battle was part of the complex military campaigns in the Balkans, representing a critical moment in the Serbian resistance against Austro-Hungarian invasion.
1915 Royal Naval Air Service Bombing Raid Tragedy: During World War I, Royal Naval Air Service pilots Richard Bell Davies and Gilbert Smylie were killed while conducting a bombing raid against a strategic railway junction. Their mission represented the dangerous early days of aerial warfare, where pilots faced extreme risks in combat operations.
1916 Death of Emperor Francis Josef: Emperor Francis Josef of Austria died, ending a 68-year reign and marking a significant transition in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Archduke Karl succeeded him during the critical period of World War I.
1917 Battle of Caporetto: A Pivotal World War I Conflict: The Battle of Caporetto was a significant engagement during World War I, fought between Austro-Hungarian and German forces against Italian troops. This intense 27-day battle resulted in a decisive defeat for the Italian Army, forcing them to retreat and establish a new defensive line along the strategically important Piave River. The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of German stormtrooper tactics and caused a major crisis in the Italian military and political leadership.
1918 Establishment of the League of Nations: The League of Nations, the first worldwide intergovernmental organization whose principal mission was to maintain world peace, was formally established in the aftermath of World War I. This groundbreaking diplomatic institution represented a pivotal moment in international relations, aiming to prevent future global conflicts through collective security and diplomatic negotiations.
1919 US Senate Rejects Treaty of Versailles: The United States Senate voted against ratifying the Treaty of Versailles and joining the League of Nations, with 55 senators voting against and 39 voting in favor. This decision significantly impacted the post-World War I international diplomatic landscape and the United States' global engagement.
1921 Birth of Roy Campanella, Baseball Legend: Roy Campanella, a pioneering African American baseball player and Hall of Fame catcher, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a key player for the Brooklyn Dodgers during the 1940s and 1950s, Campanella was instrumental in breaking racial barriers in Major League Baseball and was one of the first African American players to achieve significant success in the sport before Jackie Robinson.
1922 First Female U.S. Senator Sworn In: Rebecca Felton of Georgia becomes the first woman United States Senator, taking the oath of office and breaking a significant gender barrier in American political representation.
1923 Oklahoma Governor Walton Impeached for Anti-KKK Stance: On November 19, 1923, the Oklahoma State Senate dramatically removed Governor John C. Walton from office due to his strong opposition to the Ku Klux Klan. Walton's progressive stance against the racist organization led to his political downfall, highlighting the significant social and political tensions of the early 1920s in the United States.
1924 Assassination of Major-General Sir Lee Stack: On November 19, 1924, Major-General Sir Lee Stack, the British Governor-General of the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan, was shot by Egyptian nationalist students in Cairo. Critically wounded during the attack, he succumbed to his injuries the following day. This assassination represented a significant moment of anti-colonial resistance in Egypt, highlighting the growing tensions between British colonial authorities and Egyptian nationalist movements.
1925 Coolidge Advocates US Membership in World Court: In a significant diplomatic address to the New York State Chamber of Commerce, President Calvin Coolidge formally proposed that the United States join the Permanent Court of International Justice, commonly known as the World Court. This recommendation represented an important moment in American foreign policy, signaling a potential shift towards greater international engagement and multilateral cooperation in the post-World War I era.
1926 Birth of Jeane Kirkpatrick: Jeane Kirkpatrick was born in Duncan, Oklahoma. She would later become a prominent U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations during the Reagan administration, known for her influential foreign policy perspectives and strong anti-communist stance.
1927 General Motors Declares Record-Breaking Dividend: On November 19, 1927, General Motors (GM) made financial history by declaring the largest corporate dividend of its era. The company paid an impressive $3.75 per share across its 17,400,000 outstanding shares, resulting in a total dividend payout of $65,250,000. This landmark financial event underscored GM's robust financial health and market dominance during the booming economic period of the late 1920s, just before the Great Depression.
1928 First Issue of Time Magazine: The inaugural issue of Time magazine was published, featuring Japanese Emperor Hirohito on its cover. This marked a significant moment in print media history, establishing what would become one of the most influential news magazines globally.
1929 Hoover's Railway Executive Conference: U.S. President Herbert Hoover convened a strategic meeting in Washington with twelve prominent American railway executives to discuss the state of the nation's transportation infrastructure and potential economic strategies during the early stages of the Great Depression.
1930 Bonnie and Clyde's First Robbery: On November 19, 1930, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow committed their first documented robbery, marking the beginning of their infamous criminal partnership. This event would launch their notorious crime spree across the central United States, which would ultimately end in their dramatic deaths in 1934.
1931 Jean Renoir's La Chienne Released: On November 19, 1931, French filmmaker Jean Renoir released 'La Chienne', a groundbreaking film that would later be recognized as a significant work in the development of French cinema. The movie, an early sound film, explored complex themes of love, betrayal, and social dynamics, demonstrating Renoir's emerging talent as a director.
1932 Industrial Magnates Push for Hitler's Chancellorship: Prominent industrialists Alfred Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach (Shaft) and Fritz Thyssen actively lobbied for Adolf Hitler to be appointed as the German Chancellor, signaling growing support from powerful economic elites for the Nazi Party's political ambitions.
1933 Spanish Second Republic General Elections of 1933: The Spanish Second Republic held significant general elections on November 19, 1933, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's democratic evolution. These elections were historic for two key reasons: they were the first elections in which Spanish women were granted the right to vote, and they resulted in a decisive victory for right-wing political parties. The electoral outcome dramatically shifted the political landscape, signaling a conservative turn in Spanish politics during the tumultuous interwar period.
1934 Professional Wrestling's Staged Nature Exposed by New York Daily News: On November 19, 1934, the New York Daily News published a groundbreaking headline that pulled back the curtain on professional wrestling's scripted performances. The headline 'Londos and Marshall Meet at Garden Tonight for the 26th Time. Score – Londos 26, Marshall 0' dramatically revealed the predetermined nature of wrestling matches. Wrestling promoter Jack Pfefer intentionally exposed the industry's staged outcomes as an act of revenge against his former business associates. The revelation had immediate consequences, causing a significant drop in wrestling event attendance as fans realized the matches were choreographed entertainment rather than genuine athletic competitions.
1935 Anti-Semitic Unrest at University of Budapest: On November 19, 1935, the University of Budapest was temporarily closed following violent anti-Semitic riots on campus. The incident highlighted the growing tensions and discriminatory attitudes towards Jewish students in Hungary during the pre-World War II era, reflecting the broader rise of antisemitism in Central Europe during the 1930s.
1936 Spanish General Elections of 1936: On November 19, 1936, Spain held general elections that resulted in a significant political shift. The right-wing parties, led by the conservative CEDA (Confederación Española de Derechas Autónomas) and the Republican Party, secured a clear electoral victory. As a consequence, a new government administration was formed under the leadership of Alejandro Lerroux, marking a notable conservative turn in Spanish politics during the tumultuous period leading up to the Spanish Civil War.
1937 Chinese Capital Relocated During Second Sino-Japanese War: Amid the escalating conflict with Japan, the Chinese government strategically relocated its capital from Nanking (Nanjing) to Chongqing. This move was a critical response to the Japanese invasion, aimed at preserving governmental continuity and resistance.
1938 Birth of Media Innovator Ted Turner: Ted Turner was born on November 19, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio. A pioneering media mogul, philanthropist, and businessman, Turner would later found CNN, revolutionize television broadcasting, and become a significant global philanthropic figure through the Turner Foundation and UN contributions.
1939 Warsaw Ghetto Isolation Begins: Nazi German authorities officially announced the establishment of barricades around the Warsaw Ghetto, marking the beginning of strict control and segregation of Jewish districts. This action was a critical early step in the systematic isolation and persecution of Jewish populations during World War II.
1940 Devastating German Air Raid on Birmingham: During the Blitz, the German Luftwaffe conducted a massive aerial bombardment of Birmingham, England. Approximately 440 bombers participated in the raid, resulting in 450 civilian casualties. This attack was part of Nazi Germany's strategic bombing campaign against British cities during World War II, aimed at breaking British morale and industrial capacity.
1941 HMAS Sydney and HSK Kormoran Naval Battle: During World War II, a significant naval engagement occurred off the western coast of Australia between the Australian light cruiser HMAS Sydney and the German auxiliary cruiser HSK Kormoran. In a fierce and decisive battle, both vessels were ultimately destroyed, resulting in a tragic loss of life. The Australian ship suffered catastrophic damage, sinking with all 645 crew members perishing. The German vessel was also critically wounded, with approximately 77 German sailors losing their lives. This engagement was one of the most significant naval confrontations involving Australian forces during the Pacific theater of World War II.
1942 Operation Uranus Launched at Stalingrad: Soviet Union forces under General Georgy Zhukov launch Operation Uranus, a strategic counterattack at Stalingrad that dramatically shifts the battle's momentum in favor of the USSR, ultimately becoming a pivotal moment in World War II.
1943 Holocaust: Janowska Concentration Camp Liquidation: During World War II, Nazi forces liquidated the Janowska concentration camp in Lemberg (Lviv), western Ukraine, systematically murdering at least 6,000 Jewish prisoners after a desperate uprising and mass escape attempt. This tragic event was part of the broader Nazi genocide targeting Jewish populations in occupied territories.
1944 Roosevelt Launches 6th War Loan Drive: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced the 6th War Loan Drive, a critical financial initiative aimed at raising $14 billion in war bonds to support the United States' extensive war effort during World War II. This massive fundraising campaign was crucial in financing military operations and equipment.
1945 MacArthur Initiates Trials of Japanese War Leaders: General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers in post-war Japan, ordered the arrest of 11 prominent Japanese wartime leaders, including former Foreign Minister Yōsuke Matsuoka and General Sadao Araki. This action was a crucial step in the Allied effort to hold Japanese military and political leadership accountable for war crimes and aggressive actions during World War II, setting the stage for the subsequent Tokyo War Crimes Trials.
1946 Zhou Enlai Leaves Nanjing Negotiations: Communist leader Zhou Enlai departs Nanjing, ending negotiations with the Kuomintang. He and nine other Communist officials were provided safe passage on an American aircraft arranged by General George C. Marshall, marking a significant moment in the Chinese Civil War.
1947 Philip Mountbatten Becomes Duke of Edinburgh: King George VI officially creates Philip Mountbatten the Duke of Edinburgh, a royal title bestowed in preparation for his upcoming marriage to Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen of the United Kingdom. This ceremonial act was a significant step in the royal wedding preparations.
1948 United Nations Treaty Collection Website Launch: On November 19, 1948, the United Nations Treaty Collection homepage was officially activated, marking a significant milestone in international diplomatic documentation and transparency. This digital repository would become a crucial resource for tracking and accessing international treaties, legal agreements, and multilateral instruments signed by UN member states.
1949 US Airmen Rescued in Atlantic Ocean: Eighteen United States airmen were dramatically rescued by the Canadian destroyer Haida after surviving three days adrift in the Atlantic Ocean following a B-29 aircraft crash, highlighting international maritime cooperation and military rescue capabilities.
1950 Eisenhower Appointed NATO Supreme Commander: On November 19, 1950, General Dwight D. Eisenhower was appointed as the Supreme Commander of NATO's European forces, a pivotal role in the early years of the Cold War. This appointment recognized Eisenhower's exceptional military leadership during World War II and his strategic importance in coordinating Western military defense against potential Soviet expansion.
1951 Roy Campanella Wins MVP Award: Roy Campanella, the legendary Brooklyn Dodgers catcher, was named the National League Most Valuable Player on his 30th birthday. This achievement highlighted his exceptional performance during the 1951 baseball season and solidified his status as one of the most talented players of his era.
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.
1953 Laotian Civil War Begins: The Laotian Civil War erupts between the Kingdom of Laos and the Pathet Lao, a communist movement, marking a significant conflict in the context of Cold War-era Southeast Asian geopolitics.
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.
1955 First Issue of National Review Published: William F. Buckley Jr.'s influential conservative magazine, National Review, publishes its inaugural issue, marking a significant moment in American political journalism and conservative intellectual discourse.
1956 Khan Yunis Massacre during the Suez Crisis: On November 19, 1956, during the Suez Crisis, Israeli military forces conducted a violent operation in the Khan Yunis refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the killing of hundreds of Palestinian refugees and local inhabitants. This tragic event is considered one of the most significant and controversial incidents of civilian casualties during the conflict, highlighting the brutal nature of the military confrontation and its devastating impact on civilian populations.
1957 Sputnik 2 Launch: First Animal in Orbit: The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2, marking a significant milestone in space exploration by sending the first living creature, a dog named Laika, into Earth's orbit. This groundbreaking mission represented a crucial step in understanding the potential for human space travel and the biological challenges of spaceflight.
1958 U.S. Military Personnel Reduction Begins: The U.S. Department of Defense initiated a strategic downsizing of its armed forces, targeting the reduction of its 2.6-million member military personnel. This marked a significant shift in post-World War II military personnel management and resource allocation.
1959 Ford Discontinues the Edsel: Ford Motor Company officially cancels the Edsel automobile, marking one of the most notorious product failures in automotive history. The Edsel, named after Henry Ford's son, was introduced with massive marketing but failed to resonate with consumers due to its unconventional design and high price point.
1960 Birth of Miss Elizabeth: Elizabeth Ann Hulette, professionally known as Miss Elizabeth, was born in Frankfort, Kentucky. She would later become a renowned and influential figure in professional wrestling as a manager, known for her elegant and groundbreaking role in the industry.
1961 Meg Ryan Born: Meg Ryan, a prominent American actress and producer known for her iconic roles in romantic comedies like 'When Harry Met Sally' and 'Sleepless in Seattle', was born on November 19, 1961, in Fairfield, Connecticut.
1962 Cuban Missile Crisis Resolution: Soviet Weapons Removal: Fidel Castro officially accepts the removal of Soviet nuclear weapons from Cuba, marking a critical de-escalation moment in the Cuban Missile Crisis and reducing Cold War tensions between the United States, Soviet Union, and Cuba.
1963 South Vietnam Coup d'État: On November 19, 1963, a pivotal military coup unfolded in South Vietnam. Three Marine battalions systematically seized control of critical infrastructure in the capital, including radio stations, police stations, and telecommunications centers. This coordinated action targeted President Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu, ultimately resulting in their arrest and assassination, dramatically altering the political landscape of South Vietnam during the Cold War era.
1964 Third Period of Second Vatican Council Concludes: The third period of the Second Vatican Council, a landmark ecumenical council of the Catholic Church, comes to a close. This period was crucial in modernizing Catholic doctrine, liturgy, and church practices, representing a significant moment of reform and adaptation in the 20th-century Catholic Church.
1965 British Guiana Gains Independence: Anthony Greenwood, serving as the British Secretary of State for the Colonies, officially announced the granting of independence to British Guiana, marking a significant milestone in the country's transition from colonial rule to self-governance.
1966 U.S. Embassy Hostage Crisis in Tehran: Iranian students storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 66 American diplomats and staff members hostage. This event marks a significant escalation in tensions between Iran and the United States.
1967 Johnson's Secret Meeting with 'Wise Men' on Vietnam War: U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson convened a confidential meeting at the White House with a group of trusted former officials known as the 'Wise Men'. The panel, which included prominent figures like Dean Acheson, McGeorge Bundy, Clark Clifford, Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., and Maxwell Taylor, discussed strategies for maintaining public support for the Vietnam War. They recommended continuing the war effort and providing more optimistic reports to the American public, based on their assessment that the United States was making progress in the conflict.
1968 Mali Military Coup Led by Lieutenant Moussa Traoré: On November 19, 1968, Lieutenant Moussa Traoré led a bloodless military coup d'état in Mali, successfully overthrowing President Modibo Keita and establishing himself as the new head of state. This political transition marked a significant moment in Mali's post-colonial history, representing a shift in political leadership through military intervention.
1969 Apollo 12 Moon Landing: On November 19, 1969, NASA's Apollo 12 mission successfully landed astronauts Pete Conrad and Alan Bean on the lunar surface, marking the second human lunar landing in history. Conrad and Bean became the third and fourth humans to walk on the Moon, exploring the Oceanus Procellarum (Ocean of Storms) region and continuing humanity's groundbreaking space exploration efforts.
1970 Operation Ivory Coast: Son Tay Prison Raid: A joint U.S. Air Force and Army team conducted a daring raid on the Son Tay prison camp in Vietnam, attempting to rescue American prisoners of war. Although no Americans were killed and no prisoners were found, the operation led to a significant reorganization of POW detention facilities.
1971 DUPE - Monticello Nuclear Power Plant Radioactive Water Incident: A significant environmental incident occurs at the Monticello Nuclear Power Plant in Minnesota, where radioactive cooling water overflows its containment tank and potentially contaminates the Mississippi River, raising serious environmental and safety concerns.
1972 West German Parliamentary Elections: Parliamentary elections were held in West Germany, with the SPD narrowly winning 45.8% of the vote, followed by the CDU/CSU with 44.9%, and the FDP securing 8.4%. The coalition between the SPD and FDP continued, with Willy Brandt remaining chancellor, signaling political stability in post-war West Germany.
1973 First Regular Laser Light Show Launched: Laserium, pioneered by Ivan Dryer, debuted the first regular laser show at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. Dryer leased a laser from the California Institute of Technology and subsequently toured 46 cities across North America, introducing audiences to an innovative form of visual entertainment that blended technology and artistic performance.
1974 Palestine Liberation Organization Gains UN Observer Status: On November 19, 1974, the United Nations General Assembly granted the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) observer status, marking a significant diplomatic milestone for Palestinian representation in international forums. This decision recognized the PLO as a legitimate representative of the Palestinian people and provided them a platform to voice their political aspirations on the global stage.
1975 Release of 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest': The critically acclaimed film adaptation of Ken Kesey's novel was released, directed by Miloš Forman and starring Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher. The movie would go on to win five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is considered a landmark film in American cinema.
1976 Patty Hearst Released on Bail: American publishing heiress Patty Hearst is freed on $15 million bail, pending appeal of her bank robbery conviction. This marked a significant moment in her high-profile legal case involving her kidnapping and subsequent involvement with the Symbionese Liberation Army.
1977 Anwar Sadat's Groundbreaking Visit to Israel: Egyptian President Anwar Sadat makes history by becoming the first Arab leader to officially visit Israel, meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and delivering a landmark speech before the Knesset in Jerusalem. This unprecedented diplomatic mission was a crucial step towards seeking a permanent peace settlement between Egypt and Israel during a period of intense regional tension.
1978 First U.S. Take Back the Night March in San Francisco: The inaugural Take Back the Night march takes place in San Francisco, marking a significant moment in the feminist movement's campaign against sexual violence. This grassroots demonstration aims to raise awareness about violence against women and reclaim public spaces, symbolizing women's right to safety and freedom from fear.
1979 Carter Freezes Iranian Assets: U.S. President Jimmy Carter issues Executive Order 12170, freezing all Iranian assets in the United States as a direct response to the ongoing Iran hostage crisis, escalating economic tensions between the two nations.
1980 Heaven's Gate Film Premiere: The infamous film 'Heaven's Gate', directed by Michael Cimino, premiered at Cinema 1 in New York City. The movie became notorious for being one of the most financially disastrous films in Hollywood history, with a massive $44 million budget but earning only $3.5 million at the box office.
1981 Assassination of Griffiths Mxenge: Griffiths Mxenge, a prominent African National Congress (ANC) member and human rights lawyer, was brutally assassinated in Durban, South Africa by four agents of the apartheid regime. This politically motivated murder was part of the systematic violence used to suppress anti-apartheid activists during this tumultuous period of South African history.
1982 Death of Erving Goffman, Pioneering Sociologist: Erving Goffman, a highly influential Canadian-American sociologist renowned for his groundbreaking work in social interaction and symbolic interaction theory, passed away on November 19, 1982. Goffman was a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and is widely considered one of the most significant sociologists of the 20th century. His seminal works, including 'The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life' and 'Asylums', revolutionized our understanding of social behavior, micro-sociology, and human communication.
1983 Aeroflot Flight 6833 Hijacking Incident: A tragic attempted hijacking of Aeroflot Flight 6833 occurred in Soviet Georgia, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. Seven hijackers attempted to divert the flight to Turkey, leading to a violent confrontation.
1984 San Juanico Disaster: Major Petroleum Storage Facility Explosion in Mexico City: A catastrophic series of explosions occurred at the PEMEX petroleum storage facility in San Juan Ixhuatepec, Mexico City, resulting in a massive fire that claimed approximately 500 lives. This industrial disaster is considered one of the most devastating technological accidents in Mexican history, causing widespread destruction and significant loss of human life.
1985 Reagan-Gorbachev First Summit Meeting: U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev met for the first time in Geneva, Switzerland, marking a pivotal moment in Cold War diplomacy. This historic meeting represented a significant step towards reducing tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union and would eventually lead to important arms reduction negotiations.
1986 Tina Howe's 'Coastal Disturbances' Premieres: Playwright Tina Howe's critically acclaimed play 'Coastal Disturbances' made its debut at a prominent New York City theater. The premiere was a significant moment in contemporary American theater, showcasing Howe's distinctive storytelling and dramatic style.
1987 Max Headroom Broadcast Signal Hijacking: On November 19, 1987, an unprecedented television signal intrusion occurred in Chicago, where unknown hackers successfully interrupted the broadcast signals of two television stations, WGN-TV and WTTW. During the brief interruption, a person wearing a Max Headroom-style mask appeared on screen, creating one of the most bizarre and mysterious incidents in broadcast history. The first interruption lasted approximately 20 seconds on WGN-TV's evening news broadcast, and a subsequent, more extended hijacking on WTTW lasted around 90 seconds. Despite extensive investigations by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and local authorities, the perpetrators were never identified, making this a legendary moment in early hacker culture and television anomalies.
1988 Lockerbie Bombing of Pan Am Flight 103: On November 19, 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 was destroyed by a terrorist bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland, resulting in the tragic deaths of 270 innocent passengers and crew. This devastating terrorist attack became one of the most notorious international terrorist incidents of the late 20th century, leading to extensive international investigations and diplomatic tensions.
1989 Steffi Graf Wins WTA Tour Championship: Tennis superstar Steffi Graf demonstrated her exceptional skill by defeating Martina Navratilova in a thrilling four-set match at the WTA Tour Championship in New York City. The match scores were 6–4, 7–5, 2–6, 6–2, showcasing Graf's resilience and tactical prowess.
1990 CFE Treaty Signed: The United States, Canada, and twenty other European nations signed the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty (CFE), which limits NATO and Warsaw Pact weapons holdings and caps the American troop presence in Central Europe at 195,000 troops. This landmark arms control agreement was a significant diplomatic milestone during the waning years of the Cold War.
1991 Significant Earthquake in Colombia: A powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck near the West Coast of Colombia, causing potential significant geological disruption and likely impacting local communities with potential infrastructure damage and potential casualties.
1992 Windsor Castle Fire: A catastrophic fire broke out at Windsor Castle, one of the oldest and most significant royal residences in the United Kingdom. The blaze caused extensive damage to this historic royal property, leading to a major restoration effort and significant public attention. The fire damaged approximately 115 rooms, including the State Apartments, and was considered one of the most significant incidents in the castle's long history.
1993 Algerian Muslim Fundamentalist Uprising: A violent uprising by Muslim fundamentalist groups in Algeria resulted in 27 fatalities, highlighting the ongoing political and religious tensions in the country during the early 1990s. This event was part of the broader Algerian Civil War, characterized by conflict between the government and Islamic militant groups seeking to establish an Islamic state.
1994 First National Lottery Draw in the United Kingdom: The United Kingdom launched its first National Lottery draw, offering participants a chance to win substantial prizes. A £1 ticket provided a one-in-14-million opportunity to correctly guess six numbers out of 49, marking a significant moment in British gambling and entertainment history.
1995 Terrorist Attack on Egyptian Embassy: A suicide bomber attacks the Egyptian embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, resulting in 16 fatalities in a tragic act of terrorism.
1996 Port Arthur Massacre Sentencing: Martin Bryant is sentenced to 35 consecutive life sentences plus 1,035 years without parole for the horrific Port Arthur mass shooting in Tasmania, one of Australia's most notorious criminal cases.
1997 McCaughey Septuplets Birth: In Des Moines, Iowa, Bobbi McCaughey, a resident of Carlisle, made medical history by giving birth to septuplets - the second known case where all seven babies were born alive and the first where all survived infancy. This extraordinary event captured global attention and highlighted remarkable advances in medical technology and prenatal care.
1998 Clinton Impeachment Hearings Begin: The United States House of Representatives' Judiciary Committee initiated formal impeachment hearings against President Bill Clinton, stemming from the high-profile Lewinsky scandal. This marked a significant political moment in late 20th-century American history, with potential constitutional implications.
1999 Clinton Impeachment Vote in House of Representatives: The United States House of Representatives voted to impeach President Bill Clinton, a significant political event that marked a critical moment in late 20th-century American political history. This vote was part of the broader Monica Lewinsky scandal and subsequent legal proceedings.
2000 Historic Diplomatic Visit by Anwar el-Sadat: Egyptian President Anwar el-Sadat becomes the first Arab leader to visit Israel since its founding in 1948, marking a groundbreaking moment in Middle Eastern diplomatic relations and paving the way for future peace negotiations.
2001 Aviation and Transportation Security Act Signed: On November 19, 2001, President George W. Bush signed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA), a landmark legislation that fundamentally transformed airport and transportation security in the United States. The act established the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a federal agency responsible for ensuring the safety of air travel in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. This legislation created comprehensive security protocols, mandated enhanced screening procedures, and centralized airport security under federal oversight, marking a significant shift in national transportation safety strategies.
2002 Prestige Oil Tanker Environmental Disaster: On November 19, 2002, the Greek oil tanker Prestige catastrophically split in half and sank off the coast of Galicia, Spain, releasing over 76,000 cubic meters (20 million US gallons) of crude oil. This event became the largest environmental disaster in Spanish and Portuguese maritime history, causing extensive ecological damage to coastal ecosystems and marine life. The incident highlighted significant maritime safety and environmental protection challenges.
2003 Michael Jackson Arrest: Pop singer Michael Jackson is taken into police custody, marking a significant moment in his tumultuous legal history.
2004 Sudanese Civil War Peace Accord: At a United Nations Security Council special session in Nairobi, Kenya, the Sudanese government and southern rebels signed a historic accord to end their 21-year conflict by December 31. The UN unanimously adopted a resolution promising substantial assistance to Sudan, marking a potential turning point in the country's long-standing civil strife.
2005 Maoist Rebels in Nepal Agree to Opposition Alliance: After years of civil conflict that claimed over 12,000 lives since 1996, Maoist rebels from Nepal agreed to join opposition politicians in a united front to challenge King Gyanendra's rule, signaling a potential political breakthrough.
2006 Alexander Litvinenko Polonium Poisoning: Alexander Litvinenko, a former Russian spy who had sought asylum in Britain, was critically ill after being poisoned with polonium-210 in a London sushi restaurant, in what was suspected to be a state-sponsored assassination attempt.
2007 U.S. Senate Iraq War Funding Vote: The U.S. Senate voted on a Democratic bill to fund the Iraq war, which proposed troop withdrawals within 30 days and an end to combat by the end of 2008. Senate Republicans blocked the bill.
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.
2009 European Union Leadership Changes: European Union leaders select Belgian Prime Minister Herman van Rompuy as the first permanent European Council President and Baroness Catherine Ashton from the UK as High Representative, marking a significant moment in EU governance structure.
2010 Pike River Mine Disaster: A catastrophic mining accident occurred at the Pike River Mine in New Zealand, marking the nation's worst mining disaster since 1914. The first of four devastating explosions resulted in the tragic loss of 29 miners' lives, sending shockwaves through the local community and highlighting critical safety concerns in the mining industry.
2011 Egypt's Tahrir Square Protests Turn Violent: Mass protests against Egypt's post-revolutionary military leadership erupted into violent clashes in Cairo's Tahrir Square, resulting in at least two deaths and over 600 injuries as tensions between protesters and police escalated.
2012 Obama's Historic Visit to Burma: President Barack Obama becomes the first sitting US President to visit Burma, meeting with President Thein Sein and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, signaling improved diplomatic relations.
2013 Typhoon Haiyan Devastates Philippines: Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded, struck the Philippines, causing massive destruction and widespread humanitarian crisis. The typhoon was characterized by unprecedented wind speeds and storm surge, leading to thousands of casualties and extensive infrastructure damage.
2014 Nicola Sturgeon Becomes First Female First Minister of Scotland: The Scottish Parliament elected Nicola Sturgeon as the first female First Minister of Scotland, marking a significant milestone in Scottish political history.
2015 China Seeks Justice for Executed Hostage: China promises to bring to justice those responsible for the execution of Chinese hostage Fan Jinghui by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). This marks the first official confirmation of the hostage's identity by China's Foreign Ministry.
2016 GOES-R Weather Satellite Launch: NASA successfully launched the GOES-R geosynchronous environmental satellite using an Atlas V rocket, enhancing weather forecasting capabilities for the Western Hemisphere.
2017 Discovery of Oumuamua: First Interstellar Object: Scientists detected Oumuamua, the first known interstellar object in our solar system. Approximately 400 meters long and reddish in color, its unusual characteristics sparked widespread scientific speculation about its potential origin.
2018 NASA Selects Jezero Crater for Mars 2020 Rover Landing: NASA has chosen the Jezero crater on Mars as the landing site for its 2020 Mars rover mission. This scientifically significant location was once a large lake and potentially contains crucial evidence of ancient microbial life, making it a prime target for exploring Mars' potential past habitability.
2019 Deadly Protests in Bolivia Following Evo Morales' Removal: Violent confrontations erupted in Bolivia when police and military forces used armored vehicles and helicopters to break a blockade by supporters of former president Evo Morales. The operation resulted in at least three fatalities and 22 injuries, reflecting the intense political instability following Morales' controversial resignation.
2020 U.S. COVID-19 Death Toll Reaches Grim Milestone of 250,000: The United States reached a devastating milestone on November 19, 2020, as the COVID-19 death toll surpassed 250,000. Hospitalizations were setting new records daily, approaching 77,000, while newly confirmed infections increased by over 80% in two weeks, averaging around 160,000 per day. The pandemic was spreading rapidly across all states, prompting governors and mayors to implement mask mandates and restrict public gatherings just before the Thanksgiving holiday.
2021 Kyle Rittenhouse Acquitted of Murder Charges: An American jury found Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty of murder for fatally shooting two individuals during racial justice protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, a controversial case that sparked national debate.
2022 Mass Shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs: A tragic mass shooting occurred at Club Q, a prominent LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where a gunman killed five people and wounded 17 others. The incident was a devastating act of violence targeting the LGBTQ+ community, sparking national discussions about hate crimes and gun violence.
2023 US Brokers Potential Israel-Hamas Hostage Deal: The United States is actively negotiating a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, focusing on a strategic pause in hostilities in exchange for the release of hostages currently held by Hamas. This diplomatic effort aims to create a humanitarian corridor and potentially de-escalate the ongoing conflict.

What Is special about November 19?

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