Historical Events on November 28: 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 28, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on November 28 - Key Moments Throughout History

1900 Tsar Nicholas II Recovers from Typhoid Fever: On November 28, 1900, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia began recovering from a serious bout of typhoid fever. This illness had temporarily incapacitated the young monarch, who was then 32 years old and had been ruling the Russian Empire for five years. Typhoid fever, a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water, was a significant health risk during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in regions with poor sanitation.
1901 Uneventful Day in Early 20th Century: While no specific significant historical events were recorded for November 28, 1901, this date represents a typical day during the early years of the 20th century. The world was in a period of transition, with technological innovations, colonial expansions, and emerging global tensions characterizing the era. Although no major events are documented for this specific date, it serves as a snapshot of daily life during the Progressive Era.
1902 Chile-Argentina Border Treaty Signed: On November 28, 1902, Chile and Argentina formally established their international border through a comprehensive treaty, resolving long-standing territorial disputes in the Andean region. This diplomatic agreement marked a significant milestone in peaceful boundary demarcation between the two South American nations, helping to stabilize regional relations and prevent potential conflicts over contested territories.
1903 SS Petriana Maritime Disaster near Melbourne: On November 28, 1903, the SS Petriana ran aground on a reef outside Melbourne, Australia, resulting in one of the earliest documented major maritime oil spills in global maritime history. The incident highlighted the environmental risks associated with maritime transportation during the early 20th century and drew attention to the potential ecological consequences of shipping accidents.
1904 German Colonial Conflict in Southwest Africa: In a significant colonial military engagement, German imperial forces defeated the Hottentot (Nama) people in the Battle of Warmbad, located in German Southwest Africa (present-day Namibia). This conflict was part of the broader German colonial suppression of indigenous resistance in the region, which involved brutal military campaigns against local populations.
1905 Publication of 'The Protestant Ethic': Max Weber publishes 'Die Protestantische Ethik und der Geist des Kapitalismus', a seminal work in sociology that explores the relationship between religious beliefs and economic systems.
1907 Louis B. Mayer Opens First Movie Theater: On November 28, 1907, Louis B. Mayer, a scrap-metal dealer from Haverhill, Massachusetts, launched his first movie theater. This entrepreneurial venture would mark the beginning of his remarkable journey in the entertainment industry. Mayer would later become a pioneering film executive, co-founding Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Studios in 1924 and becoming one of the most influential figures in early Hollywood.
1908 Birth of Claude Lévi-Strauss: Claude Lévi-Strauss was born on this day, a renowned French anthropologist who would become one of the most influential social scientists of the 20th century, known for his groundbreaking work in structural anthropology.
1909 Rachmaninoff Premieres Iconic Piano Concerto in New York: On November 28, 1909, the renowned Russian composer and pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff premiered his groundbreaking Piano Concerto No. 3 in New York City, performing as the soloist himself. This performance would become one of the most challenging and celebrated piano concertos in classical music history, known for its technical complexity and emotional depth. The piece is considered a pinnacle of Romantic era composition and has since been performed by numerous world-class pianists.
1910 U.S. Government Challenges Sugar Trust Monopoly: The U.S. Department of Justice initiated a significant antitrust lawsuit against the Sugar Trust, marking an important moment in the government's efforts to combat monopolistic business practices and promote fair economic competition during the Progressive Era.
1911 Zapata Proclaims the Plan of Ayala: Emiliano Zapata, a prominent Mexican revolutionary leader, publicly proclaimed the Plan of Ayala, a revolutionary manifesto that challenged the government of President Francisco I. Madero. The plan demanded comprehensive land reform, redistribution of property to peasants, and restoration of indigenous community lands that had been seized by wealthy landowners. This document became a crucial ideological foundation for the agrarian revolution in Mexico, emphasizing social justice and land rights for rural communities.
1912 Albania's Declaration of Independence: On November 28, 1912, Albania officially declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's history. This declaration came during the First Balkan War, when the Ottoman Empire was experiencing significant territorial losses. The independence proclamation, led by Ismail Qemali in Vlorë, established Albania as a sovereign state and ended nearly five centuries of Ottoman rule. This momentous event was crucial in reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Balkan region and represented a significant milestone in Albania's national identity and self-determination.
1913 Prussian Military Suppresses Civilian Protest in Saverne: On November 28, 1913, Prussian soldiers in Saverne, Alsace (then part of the German Empire), forcibly arrested and imprisoned 26 civilian demonstrators without legal justification. The incident highlighted the tensions between military authorities and local populations, reflecting the authoritarian nature of the Prussian military system in the pre-World War I era. The arbitrary detention of protesters underscored the lack of civil liberties and the heavy-handed approach of military leadership towards civilian dissent.
1914 New York Stock Exchange Reopens During World War I: In a significant economic response to World War I, the New York Stock Exchange resumed bond trading on November 28, 1914, after being closed since July due to the war's disruptions. This reopening signaled the financial markets' resilience and adaptation to the global conflict.
1916 First German Air Raid on London During World War I: On November 28, 1916, Germany conducted its first daylight aerial bombing raid on London during World War I, marking a significant escalation in aerial warfare tactics. This strategic attack demonstrated the emerging role of aircraft in military operations and brought the war's threat directly to civilian populations.
1917 Bolsheviks Propose Peace Terms: Following the Russian Revolution, the Bolshevik leadership offers peace terms to Germany, signaling their intent to withdraw from World War I and prioritize internal revolutionary objectives.
1918 Emperor Wilhelm II Abdicates: On November 28, 1918, Emperor Wilhelm II of Prussia and Germany formally abdicated his throne in the aftermath of Germany's defeat in World War I. This momentous event marked the end of the German monarchy and paved the way for the establishment of the Weimar Republic.
1919 Lady Astor: First Female MP in British Parliament: Nancy Astor, a US-born British politician, was elected as the first woman to take a seat in the British House of Commons. Her election marked a significant milestone in women's political representation in the United Kingdom. While Countess Markiewicz was technically the first woman elected to Parliament in 1918, she was an Irish republican who refused to take her seat, making Astor the first woman to actually serve as a Member of Parliament.
1920 Kilmichael Ambush during Irish War of Independence: During the Irish War of Independence, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) conducted a significant ambush against British Auxiliaries near Macroom, County Cork. The ambush resulted in the death of seventeen British soldiers, marking a pivotal moment in the Irish struggle for independence and highlighting the guerrilla tactics employed by the IRA.
1921 International Disarmament Conference Agreement: A landmark diplomatic moment where major world powers agreed to China's request to reduce military systems, signaling a potential shift towards global peace and reduced military tensions in the early 1920s.
1922 Greek Political Purge: Execution of Former Ministers: In the aftermath of political upheaval in Greece, six former ministers were sentenced to death, with five executions carried out. This event was part of a significant political transition and retribution following a period of governmental instability and potential perceived treason.
1923 Birth of Gloria Grahame: Gloria Grahame, a renowned American actress known for her distinctive voice and memorable roles in film noir classics like 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'The Big Heat', was born in Los Angeles, California. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1952 for her performance in 'The Bad and the Beautiful'.
1924 Pieter Jelle Troelstra Departs from Dutch Parliament: Pieter Jelle Troelstra, a prominent Dutch socialist politician and leader of the Social Democratic Workers' Party (SDAP), left the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament on this date. Troelstra was a significant figure in early 20th-century Dutch politics, known for his advocacy of workers' rights and democratic socialism.
1925 Grand Ole Opry Radio Debut: The iconic country music radio show Grand Ole Opry makes its first broadcast on WSM radio in Nashville, Tennessee, marking the beginning of a legendary music institution that would shape American country music culture.
1926 Political Street Violence in Weimar Germany: A violent confrontation erupted in Germany between German Communists and Nazi Party members, along with Reichsbanner (Social Democratic paramilitary) members. The incident, which occurred following the death of Leonid Krasin, resulted in 13 people being injured and 60 individuals arrested, highlighting the intense political tensions and street-level conflicts characteristic of the Weimar Republic era.
1927 Abdul Halim of Kedah Becomes Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia: Abdul Halim of Kedah was elected as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Supreme Head of State) of Malaysia, a constitutional monarch role that rotates among the nine Malay hereditary rulers. He served multiple terms and was known for his significant contributions to Malaysian governance during his leadership periods.
1928 Uneventful Day in 1928: While no significant historical events were recorded for November 28, 1928, this does not mean the day was entirely without merit. The late 1920s were a dynamic period of global transition, with ongoing social, economic, and technological changes shaping the world.
1929 Stock Market Continues Downward Spiral: The ongoing economic crisis deepened as the stock market continued its precipitous decline following the catastrophic October crash. The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced further significant losses, signaling the intensifying financial instability that would lead to the Great Depression.
1930 First Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race: The inaugural Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race was launched, marking a significant milestone in Australian maritime sporting history. The race, which would become one of the most challenging and prestigious offshore sailing competitions in the world, began with a small group of enthusiastic sailors competing along the challenging coastal route between Sydney and Hobart.
1931 Hungarian Military Coup Attempt: A significant political incident occurred when a Hungarian army general was arrested along with 31 other conspirators for plotting to overthrow the government. The general subsequently committed suicide while in police custody, highlighting the political tensions and instability in Hungary during the early 1930s.
1932 France-USSR Non-Aggression Pact Signed: On November 28, 1932, France and the Soviet Union signed a bilateral non-aggression treaty, marking a significant diplomatic moment in European international relations during the interwar period. This agreement represented an attempt to reduce tensions and prevent potential military conflicts between the two nations.
1933 Uneventful Day in 1933: While no specific major historical events were recorded for November 28, 1933, this period was part of the Great Depression era in the United States. During this time, President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal policies were actively being implemented to help the country recover from severe economic challenges. The global political landscape was also tense, with the rise of fascism in Europe and economic instability affecting many nations.
1934 Churchill Warns of German Rearmament: Winston Churchill delivered a critical speech to the House of Commons, urgently calling on the British government to increase defense spending. He emphasized the grave threat posed by Germany's secret, illegal, and rapid rearmament efforts, highlighting the potential military danger to European stability.
1935 Nazi Germany Mobilizes Male Population: Adolf Hitler issued a decree declaring all German males between the ages of 18 and 45 as army reservists, signaling a significant expansion of military preparedness and a clear indication of Germany's increasing militarization in the lead-up to World War II.
1936 Franco-Italy Secret Mutual Friendship Treaty: On November 28, 1936, Francisco Franco of Spain signed a secret treaty of mutual friendship and assistance with Fascist Italy, strengthening diplomatic ties between the two authoritarian regimes during the lead-up to World War II.
1937 Franco Declares Naval Blockade During Spanish Civil War: During the Spanish Civil War, Generalissimo Francisco Franco escalated military pressure on Republican forces by announcing a comprehensive naval blockade of Republican-controlled ports. He issued a stark ultimatum, demanding the Republican government's surrender by December 12 and threatening a major offensive if they refused. This strategic move was designed to cut off supply lines and weaken the Republican resistance, demonstrating Franco's increasingly aggressive military tactics.
1938 No Notable Historical Events - November 28, 1938: While no significant historical events were documented for this specific date, the period of late 1938 was marked by rising tensions in Europe preceding World War II. The Munich Agreement had recently been signed, and Nazi Germany was expanding its territorial ambitions, creating a climate of international uncertainty.
1939 Soviet Abrogation of Non-Aggression Pact with Finland: The Soviet government unilaterally revokes the non-attack treaty with Finland, signaling escalating tensions and setting the stage for the imminent Winter War. This diplomatic action represents a critical moment in Soviet expansionist policies preceding World War II.
1940 Luftwaffe Bombing of Bristol During the Blitz: During World War II, the German Luftwaffe conducted a devastating bombing raid on Bristol city centre, resulting in approximately 200 civilian casualties. This attack was part of the broader German strategic bombing campaign against British cities known as the Blitz.
1941 USS Enterprise Departs Pearl Harbor: The USS Enterprise leaves Pearl Harbor to deliver Marine F4F Wildcat fighter planes to Wake Island, a critical mission that inadvertently saves the carrier from the impending Pearl Harbor attack.
1942 Cocoanut Grove Nightclub Fire: On November 28, 1942, a devastating fire broke out at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub in Boston, Massachusetts, resulting in one of the deadliest nightclub fires in U.S. history. The blaze quickly spread through the crowded venue, trapping and killing hundreds of patrons. The fire exposed significant safety deficiencies in building codes and emergency exits, leading to major reforms in fire safety regulations.
1943 Tehran Conference: Critical World War II Allied Strategy Meeting: British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, American President Franklin Roosevelt, and Soviet Premier Josef Stalin convened a pivotal four-day conference in Tehran, Iran. The high-stakes diplomatic summit addressed crucial strategic discussions including European and Far East military strategies, potential Russian engagement with Japan, the formation of the United Nations, geopolitical considerations involving Turkey, Italy, Russia's frontiers, Poland's future, and Germany's eastern territorial boundaries.
1944 First Allied Ship Enters Antwerp Port: The first Allied ship sailed into the Scheldt Estuary at Antwerp, Belgium, representing a crucial logistical breakthrough for Allied forces in their push towards Germany during World War II.
1945 ENIAC Computer Assembly Completed: The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC), the world's first general-purpose electronic computer, completed its assembly. Covering a substantial floor space, this groundbreaking machine represented a pivotal moment in computing history, running its first set of calculations and laying the foundation for modern digital technology.
1946 23rd Indian Division Completes Critical Post-War Mission: The 23rd Indian Division successfully concluded a complex post-World War II mission in the Pacific theater. Over two weeks after V-J Day, the division disarmed 270,000 Japanese troops and evacuated 110,000 Allied prisoners, while simultaneously navigating the emerging conflict between Indonesian and Dutch forces. The mission came at a significant human cost, with 407 soldiers killed, 808 wounded, and 162 missing.
1948 First Polaroid Instant Camera Sold: Edwin Land's revolutionary Polaroid camera went on sale, introducing instant photography to the consumer market and fundamentally transforming how people captured and immediately viewed photographic images.
1949 Churchill's European Union Speech: Winston Churchill delivered a landmark speech at Kingsway Hall in London, advocating for the formation of a united Europe. This speech was a significant moment in post-World War II European political discourse, emphasizing the need for European cooperation and integration to prevent future conflicts.
1950 Attempted Assassination of President Truman: On November 28, 1950, two Puerto Rican nationalists, Griselio Torresola and Oscar Collazo, launched a violent attack attempting to assassinate U.S. President Harry S. Truman at Blair House in Washington, D.C. During the dramatic confrontation, Torresola was fatally shot, while Collazo was wounded and subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment. The incident highlighted the intense political tensions surrounding Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States during the mid-20th century.
1951 Syrian Military Coup by Colonel Adib el-Shishakli: Colonel Adib el-Shishakli successfully executed a military coup, seizing control of the Syrian government and establishing a new political regime. This event marked a significant moment in Syria's political instability during the mid-20th century.
1952 The Chosin Reservoir Battle during Korean War: During the Korean War, American forces and Republic of Korea (ROKA) troops faced a critical moment near the Chosin Reservoir. Approximately 30,000 UN troops were positioned along a 400-mile line, confronting 150,000 Chinese 'People's Volunteer Army (PVA)' forces. The situation was dire, with UN troops at risk of being pushed back and potentially defeated, marking a pivotal and desperate phase of the conflict.
1953 CFL Grey Cup Championship: The 41st Canadian Football League (CFL) Grey Cup was held, with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in a decisive 12-6 victory, showcasing the team's football prowess and championship caliber.
1954 Death of Enrico Fermi: Nobel Prize-winning Italian physicist Enrico Fermi passed away on November 28, 1954. Fermi was a pivotal figure in nuclear physics, instrumental in the development of the first nuclear reactor and contributions to the Manhattan Project.
1955 Landmark Australian Theatre Premiere: Ray Lawler's groundbreaking play 'Summer of the Seventeenth Doll' receives its stage premiere by the Union Theatre Repertory Company in Melbourne, with the playwright himself performing. This production is considered the first authentically naturalistic modern drama in Australian theatre, marking a significant cultural milestone.
1956 And God Created Woman Film Release: Roger Vadim's groundbreaking drama film 'And God Created Woman' (original French title: 'Et Dieu... créa la femme') was released in France, launching Brigitte Bardot into international stardom. The film was a pivotal moment in cinema history, challenging conservative social norms and establishing Bardot as a global sex symbol and cultural icon of the 1950s.
1957 British Naval Dockyard Closure in Hong Kong: The British Government officially announced the planned closure of its naval dockyard in Hong Kong, signaling a strategic withdrawal and reflecting the changing geopolitical landscape of the late 1950s, with the facility set to be shut down by November 30, 1959.
1958 First Successful Flight of SM-65 Atlas ICBM: The United States achieved a significant milestone in military technology with the first successful flight of the SM-65 Atlas, the world's first operational intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). This breakthrough represented a major advancement in strategic defense capabilities during the Cold War era, marking a pivotal moment in aerospace and military engineering.
1959 Minamata Disease Sit-In Protest: Victims of the devastating mercury poisoning from the Chisso Corporation's industrial pollution and their families initiated a sit-in protest at the chemical factory, demanding accountability and compensation for the environmental disaster that caused widespread health damage.
1960 Patrice Lumumba Arrested: Patrice Lumumba, the deposed premier of the Republic of the Congo, was arrested by troops led by Colonel Joseph Mobutu, marking a significant moment in the political turmoil of post-colonial Congo.
1961 Soviet Spy Oleg Penkovsky Exposed: The cover of Oleg Penkovsky, a critical CIA informant who had been passing top-secret Soviet intelligence, was compromised, potentially ending one of the most significant espionage operations of the Cold War.
1962 Jon Stewart Born: Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz, professionally known as Jon Stewart, was born in New York City. He would later become a renowned comedian, political satirist, writer, producer, and television host, most famously known for his transformative 16-year tenure as host of 'The Daily Show' on Comedy Central from 1999 to 2015. Stewart is widely recognized for his sharp political commentary and influential comedic style that blended humor with serious social and political critique.
1963 The Beatles' Record-Breaking Sales: The Beatles achieve a remarkable milestone by selling one million copies of their upcoming single 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' even before its official release, highlighting the band's unprecedented popularity and commercial success.
1964 Vietnam War Escalation Planning: The National Security Council recommended a two-stage escalation of bombing campaigns in North Vietnam to President Lyndon B. Johnson, a critical strategic decision that would significantly impact the Vietnam War's trajectory.
1965 Philippines Commits Troops to Vietnam War: In response to U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson's call for international support in Vietnam, Philippines President-elect Ferdinand Marcos announces the deployment of Philippine troops to assist in the conflict in South Vietnam.
1966 Soviet Soyuz Space Program Launch: The Soviet Union officially begins the Soyuz space program, a critical initiative in the Soviet space exploration efforts that would become a cornerstone of human spaceflight.
1967 Discovery of First Pulsar: The first pulsar (PSR B1919+21, located in the constellation of Vulpecula) was discovered by astronomers Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Antony Hewish at Cambridge University. This groundbreaking astronomical observation revealed a rapidly spinning neutron star that emits regular radio wave pulses, revolutionizing our understanding of stellar evolution and cosmic phenomena.
1968 John Lennon Fined for Drug Possession: Beatles member John Lennon was fined £150 for unauthorized drug possession, reflecting the era's strict legal approach to drug-related offenses and the ongoing scrutiny of high-profile musicians during the late 1960s.
1969 John Lennon Returns MBE Medal: John Lennon dramatically returned his Member of the British Empire (MBE) medal as a powerful protest against the British government's support of the Vietnam War, symbolizing his political activism and opposition to military conflict.
1970 58th CFL Grey Cup: Montreal Alouettes Triumph: In a decisive Canadian Football League championship game, the Montreal Alouettes defeated the Calgary Stampeders 23-10 at the 58th Grey Cup, showcasing their football prowess and securing a significant victory in Canadian sports history.
1971 Deadly CH-47 Chinook Helicopter Crash in Vietnam: A catastrophic CH-47 Chinook helicopter crash claimed the lives of thirty-four members of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division in South Vietnam. This tragic incident highlighted the ongoing dangers faced by military personnel during the Vietnam War.
1972 Atari Launches Pong: Atari releases the arcade version of 'Pong', a groundbreaking video game that marks the beginning of the commercial video game industry and launches the first generation of digital interactive entertainment.
1973 Arab League Summit Recognizes Palestine: The Arab League held a significant summit in Algiers, Algeria, where member states officially recognized Palestine as a political entity, marking a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
1974 John Lennon's Final Public Concert Performance: John Lennon made his last concert appearance as a guest of Elton John at Madison Square Garden in New York City. During the performance, he sang iconic songs including 'Whatever Gets You Thru the Night', 'Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds', and 'I Saw Her Standing There', creating a memorable musical moment shortly before his tragic death.
1975 Microsoft Name First Used: Bill Gates used the name 'Micro-soft' (for microcomputer software) in a letter to Paul Allen, which would later become the globally recognized technology giant Microsoft. The company was officially registered as a trademark on November 26, 1976.
1976 64th CFL Grey Cup Championship: The Ottawa Rough Riders secured a thrilling victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the 64th Canadian Football League (CFL) Grey Cup championship game, winning with a narrow score of 23-20. This intense match showcased the high-stakes drama of Canadian professional football and highlighted the Rough Riders' skill and determination in a closely contested championship.
1978 First Night Cricket Match: A groundbreaking moment in cricket history occurred with the first-ever 'night game' played under floodlights as part of the innovative World Series Cricket competition, revolutionizing the traditional daytime sport.
1979 Mount Erebus Disaster: A tragic aviation accident occurred when Air New Zealand Flight 901, a DC-10 sightseeing aircraft, crashed into Mount Erebus in Antarctica, resulting in the deaths of all 257 passengers and crew members. This catastrophic event is considered one of New Zealand's worst aviation disasters.
1980 Operation Morvarid in Iran-Iraq War: During the Iran-Iraq War, the Iranian Navy executed Operation Morvarid, decisively destroying the majority of the Iraqi Navy in the Persian Gulf. This strategic naval engagement was so significant that it is commemorated annually in Iran as Navy Day, representing a crucial military victory.
1981 Bear Bryant Becomes College Football's Winningest Coach: Legendary Alabama football coach Bear Bryant achieved a historic milestone by winning his 315th game, surpassing Alonzo Stagg to become the most successful coach in college football history. This achievement solidified Bryant's status as one of the greatest coaches in the sport's history.
1982 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Dedication: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C., commemorating over 58,000 U.S. soldiers killed or missing during the Vietnam War, providing a powerful site of remembrance and healing.
1983 NASA Space Shuttle Columbia 6 Mission Launch: The 9th NASA Space Shuttle Mission, Columbia 6, was successfully launched on November 28, 1983. This mission represented another significant milestone in the early era of the Space Shuttle program, demonstrating NASA's growing capabilities in reusable spacecraft technology and space exploration.
1984 William Penn and Hannah Penn Granted Honorary US Citizenship: In a historic gesture of recognition, the United States Congress posthumously granted Honorary Citizenship to William Penn and his wife Hannah Callowhill Penn, over 250 years after their deaths. This honor acknowledges Penn's foundational role in establishing Pennsylvania and his significant contributions to religious freedom and democratic principles in early American colonial history.
1985 Formation of Belgium's 6th Martens Government: On November 28, 1985, Wilfried Martens formed his sixth government in Belgium, continuing his significant role in Belgian political leadership during the 1980s. This government represented a continuation of Martens' political influence and the complex coalition politics of Belgium during that period.
1986 Reagan Administration Exceeds SALT II Arms Limitations: The Reagan administration officially exceeded the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT II) treaty arms limitations for the first time, marking a significant moment in Cold War-era nuclear arms control negotiations.
1987 South African Airways Flight 295 Disaster: South African Airways Flight 295 tragically crashed into the Indian Ocean, resulting in the complete loss of all 159 passengers and crew members. The aircraft was destroyed by a fire in the cargo hold, leading to a catastrophic mid-flight incident off the coast of Mauritius.
1988 Devastating F4 Tornado Strikes North Carolina: On November 28, 1988, a catastrophic F4 tornado tore through five North Carolina counties, causing widespread destruction. The tornado began at 1:00 AM in Umstead National Park near Ebenezer Church Road in Northwest Raleigh and traveled 83 miles before dissipating near Jackson. The most severe damage occurred along a 4-mile stretch near US Highway 70 and Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The tornado destroyed 426 residential homes and 78 businesses, damaged an additional 2,000 homes, and resulted in 154 injuries and 4 fatalities. It was the strongest and deadliest tornado in a series of seven tornadoes during this outbreak.
1989 Velvet Revolution: Communist Party Relinquishes Power in Czechoslovakia: In a historic moment during the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia announced they would voluntarily surrender their long-standing political monopoly in response to mounting public protests, signaling a dramatic shift towards democratic governance.
1990 Margaret Thatcher Resigns as UK Prime Minister: Margaret Thatcher, a pivotal figure in British politics, resigned as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after 11 years in office. John Major succeeded her as the leader of the Conservative Party and was subsequently appointed Prime Minister by Queen Elizabeth II, marking a significant transition in British political leadership.
1991 South Ossetia Declares Independence from Georgia: On November 28, 1991, South Ossetia, a disputed region within Georgia, unilaterally declared its independence. This declaration was a significant geopolitical event that heightened tensions in the Caucasus region. The proclamation was not recognized by Georgia or most of the international community, leading to the South Ossetia War. Only a few countries, primarily Russia and Venezuela, acknowledged South Ossetia's claim to sovereignty.
1992 Whitney Houston's Record-Breaking Billboard Hot 100 Performance: Whitney Houston achieved a remarkable milestone in music history by maintaining the top position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for an impressive 14 consecutive weeks with her iconic ballad 'I Will Always Love You'. The song, featured in the film 'The Bodyguard', became one of the best-selling singles of all time and solidified Houston's status as a global music superstar.
1993 IRA-British Government Communication Revelation: The Observer newspaper disclosed the existence of a secret communication channel between the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the British government, contradicting previous government statements and highlighting the complex political negotiations during the Northern Ireland conflict.
1994 Jeffrey Dahmer Murdered in Prison: Serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was brutally killed by fellow inmate Christopher Scarver in the gymnasium of Columbia Correctional Institution in Portage, Wisconsin. Dahmer, notorious for murdering and dismembering 17 men and boys between 1978 and 1991, was serving multiple life sentences when he was fatally attacked.
1995 Barcelona Treaty Signed: Twenty-seven nations signed the Barcelona Treaty, establishing the foundation for the Union for the Mediterranean, a significant diplomatic initiative aimed at promoting regional cooperation and dialogue between European and Mediterranean countries.
1997 Kosovo Liberation Army First Public Appearance: The Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), an ethnic Albanian guerrilla group fighting for the independence of Kosovo from Serbia, made its first public appearance, marking a significant moment in the Kosovo conflict. The group sought to draw international attention to their struggle for autonomy and self-determination.
1998 Albania Adopts New Constitution: The people of Albania participated in a national referendum to approve their new Constitution, marking a significant milestone in the country's post-communist democratic transition. This constitutional process represented an important step in Albania's political development and alignment with democratic governance principles.
1999 Anti-WTO Protests in Seattle: Large-scale demonstrations erupted in downtown Seattle during the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference, with hundreds of protesters challenging global trade policies. Activists from various backgrounds, including environmental groups, labor unions, and farmers, staged coordinated protests criticizing the WTO's trade rules. Street performers and agricultural workers symbolically demonstrated against corporate-centric trade regulations, highlighting concerns about worker rights and environmental sustainability.
2000 Ukrainian Cassette Scandal Erupts: Ukrainian politician Oleksander Moroz publicly accused President Leonid Kuchma of involvement in the murder of journalist Georgiy Gongadze, triggering the infamous Cassette Scandal that would significantly impact Ukrainian political landscape and press freedom.
2001 Journalists Killed in Afghanistan: On November 28, 2001, during the early stages of the War in Afghanistan, journalists Pierre Billaud, Johanne Sutton, and Volker Handloik were tragically killed in an attack on their convoy. Their deaths highlighted the extreme dangers faced by international journalists reporting in conflict zones during the post-9/11 military operations.
2002 2002 Mombasa Terror Attacks: Coordinated terrorist attacks in Mombasa, Kenya, involving suicide bombers targeting an Israeli-owned hotel and an attempted missile attack on an Arkia Israel Airlines Flight. The attacks were sophisticated, involving both ground and potential aerial assault strategies.
2003 Attacks on Spanish and Japanese Officials in Iraq: Iraqi guerrillas launch attacks targeting foreign officials: rocket-propelled grenades kill seven Spanish intelligence officers in Mahmudiya and two Japanese officials in Tikrit, escalating violence against international personnel.
2004 Ongoing Conflict in Iraq: Intense political and military tensions continue in Iraq. Forty-two primarily Shi'a parties oppose election postponement, while U.S. military casualties mount with at least 50 deaths in two weeks and ongoing insurgent confrontations.
2005 Bush Outlines Iraq Strategy: President Bush unveiled his vision for victory in Iraq, rejecting calls from Democrats and some Republicans for a withdrawal timetable, emphasizing continued military commitment.
2006 Leaked Memo Questions Iraqi Leadership: A classified document leaked to the New York Times, written by National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley, raises doubts about Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's ability to control sectarian violence in Iraq.
2007 Musharraf Steps Down as Pakistan Army Chief: President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf resigns as the head of the Pakistan Army and is succeeded by Lt. General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, marking a significant political transition in Pakistan's military leadership.
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.
2009 Russia Investigates Nevsky Express Bombing: Russia's Prosecutor General initiated criminal proceedings into the previous day's Nevsky Express bombing, which claimed at least 26 lives, signaling a serious investigation into the terrorist incident.
2010 WikiLeaks Releases Massive Diplomatic Cable Trove: WikiLeaks released a comprehensive collection of over 250,000 American diplomatic cables, including 100,000 documents marked as 'secret' or 'confidential', revealing sensitive international communications and diplomatic insights.
2011 Fitch Downgrades US Credit Outlook: Fitch Ratings maintained the United States government's credit rating at AAA but downgraded its economic outlook to negative, reflecting ongoing fiscal uncertainties following Standard & Poor's earlier downgrade.
2012 Egyptian Protests Against Morsi's Power Grab: Egyptian police fired tear gas at protesters in Cairo's Tahrir Square as demonstrations spread nationwide against President Mohamed Morsi's controversial decree expanding his presidential powers. Three people were killed and at least 100 injured during the protests.
2013 Syrian Civil War Developments: Complex developments in the Syrian Civil War included strategic territorial changes, ongoing refugee crisis, and international diplomatic efforts to neutralize chemical weapons. The United Nations reported three million refugees fleeing the conflict, while the US offered to destroy Syria's chemical weapons at sea.
2014 Mexico Proposes Police Reforms: Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto announced comprehensive policing reforms in response to the controversial kidnapping and presumed murder of 43 student-teachers, addressing systemic corruption and collaboration between local authorities and criminal gangs.
2015 Russia Imposes Sanctions on Turkey: Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an order imposing comprehensive economic sanctions against Turkey, including banning charter flights, stopping tourism, restricting imports, and canceling work visas for Turkish citizens.
2016 2016 US Presidential Election Results: Donald Trump is officially declared the winner in Michigan, bringing his electoral college vote to 306. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton's popular vote margin continues to grow, exceeding two million votes, highlighting the unique dynamics of the US electoral system.
2017 Zimbabwe Leadership Transition: Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in as President of Zimbabwe, marking the end of Robert Mugabe's 30-year authoritarian rule.
2018 Tehran Conference of World War II Leaders: On November 28, 1943, a pivotal World War II meeting began in Tehran, bringing together U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Soviet leader Josef Stalin to discuss war strategy and post-war global arrangements.
2019 European Parliament Declares Climate Emergency: The European Parliament took a significant step in addressing global climate change by officially declaring a climate emergency on November 28, 2019. This declaration signaled the EU's commitment to more aggressive climate action and set the stage for potential policy reforms aimed at reducing carbon emissions and mitigating environmental risks.
2020 United States Surpasses 13 Million COVID-19 Cases: The United States reached a critical milestone of 13 million confirmed coronavirus cases, with November recording nearly 4 million new infections. Major hotspots included Texas and Illinois, and Los Angeles County implemented a new three-week stay-at-home order.
2021 Global Scientific Response to Omicron COVID-19 Variant: In late November 2021, countries worldwide initiated urgent scientific investigations into the newly discovered Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. Researchers in South Africa, where the variant was first identified, led comprehensive studies to analyze the variant's transmissibility, potential vaccine resistance, and clinical severity. International scientific communities rapidly collaborated to sequence the variant's genome, assess its mutation profile, and develop strategies to mitigate potential public health risks.
2022 Buffalo Mass Shooting Hate Crime Plea: Payton S. Gendron pleaded guilty to all state charges related to the racially motivated mass shooting at a Buffalo, New York supermarket in May, which resulted in 10 fatalities and three injuries. His guilty plea included charges of first-degree murder, domestic terrorism motivated by hate, and attempted murder as a hate crime.
2023 Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Extension: Israel and Hamas agreed to extend their temporary ceasefire for two additional days, with Hamas releasing 11 more hostages. The truce, originally set to end on November 28, was prolonged until November 30 through Qatari mediation. As part of the agreement, Israel reciprocated by releasing 33 Palestinian prisoners.

What Is special about November 28?

November 28 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 28.