In History, Today on November 11

Today we explore events from the year 1028 to the year 2018. Events span the globe, from the countries of Byzantine Empire, Plymouth Colony, United States, France, Rhodesia, Angola, United Kingdom, Papal States, England, Germany, United Arab Emirates.

1028

Constantinople, Byzantine Empire

Although slightly beyond the year 1000, it is notable that on this date, future Byzantine Emperor Romanos III Argyros was married to Empress Zoe, marking a significant political alliance.

1215

Rome, Papal States

The Fourth Lateran Council convened by Pope Innocent III began in Rome. This council was significant for its comprehensive reforms of the Church and its doctrines, including the definition of transubstantiation.

1620

Provincetown, Plymouth Colony

The Mayflower Compact was signed by Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower in Provincetown Harbor, laying the foundation for self-governance in the Plymouth Colony.

1675

London, England

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz demonstrated integral calculus for the first time to the Royal Society in London.

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1831

Jerusalem, United States

Nat Turner, leader of a slave rebellion in Virginia, was tried, convicted, and hanged, marking a pivotal moment in the history of American slavery and resistance.

1889

Olympia, United States

Washington was admitted as the 42nd state of the United States, expanding the nation's territory in the Pacific Northwest.

1918

Compiègne, France

World War I ended with the signing of the Armistice of Compiègne between the Allies and Germany, marking a victory for the Allies and a defeat for Germany.

1921

Arlington, United States

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dedicated at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, USA, as a tribute to unidentified soldiers who died in World War I.

1930

Washington, D.C., United States

Patent number US1781541 was granted to Albert Einstein and Leó Szilárd for their invention of a refrigerator, showcasing their contributions beyond theoretical physics.

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1938

Berlin, Germany

Following Kristallnacht, the German government issued the 'Decree on the Elimination of the Jews from Economic Life,' which barred Jews from operating businesses and excluded them from economic life.

1965

Salisbury, Rhodesia

Rhodesia, led by Prime Minister Ian Smith, declared its Unilateral Declaration of Independence from the United Kingdom, leading to international isolation and conflict.

1975

Luanda, Angola

Angola gained independence from Portugal, marking the end of Portuguese colonial rule in Africa and the beginning of a prolonged civil war.

1981

New York City, United States

Antigua and Barbuda joined the United Nations as a member state, following its independence from the United Kingdom.

1987

New York City, United States

Vincent van Gogh's painting 'Irises' sold for a record $53.9 million at Sotheby's auction in New York.

1992

London, United Kingdom

The Church of England voted to allow women to be ordained as priests, a landmark decision in the history of the Anglican Church.

2004

Clamart, France

The death of Yasser Arafat, the longtime leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian National Authority, was officially announced. His passing marked the end of an era in Palestinian politics and opened the door for new leadership and potential shifts in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

2008

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The RMS Queen Elizabeth 2, one of the most famous ocean liners in the world, made its final voyage, arriving in Dubai to become a floating hotel and museum. The ship had been in service since 1969 and was a symbol of luxury travel.

2011

Rockville, United States

The video game 'The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim' was released, becoming one of the most critically acclaimed and best-selling video games of all time. It had a significant impact on the gaming industry and popular culture.

2015

London, United Kingdom

India and the United Kingdom signed a series of agreements to strengthen economic and defense ties during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UK. This included deals in the fields of finance, defense, and nuclear energy.

2018

Paris, France

World leaders gathered in Paris to mark the centenary of the end of World War I. The event was attended by numerous heads of state and government, emphasizing the importance of peace and remembrance.