In History, Today on November 15

NASA's SpaceX Crew-2 mission returned to Earth, completing a 200-day science mission in orbit.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's largest free-trade bloc, was signed by 15 Asia-Pacific nations, including China, Japan, and South Korea.

The Camp Fire in California became the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in the state's history, with a death toll of 85 and thousands of structures destroyed.

A military coup took place in Zimbabwe, leading to the resignation of President Robert Mugabe after 37 years in power.

A series of coordinated suicide bombings killed 43 people and wounded over 200 in Beirut, Lebanon. The attacks targeted the predominantly Shia suburb of Bourj el-Barajneh and were claimed by the Islamic State.

Israel launched Operation Pillar of Defense in the Gaza Strip, targeting Hamas militants in response to rocket fire into Israel.

The Occupy Wall Street movement faced a significant setback as police cleared Zuccotti Park in New York City, where protesters had been camped since September.

Cyclone Sidr struck the Khulna Division of Bangladesh, causing widespread destruction. With winds reaching 240 km/h, it led to over 3,000 fatalities and displaced millions, making it one of the worst storms in the country's history.

Al Jazeera English, the English-language news channel of the Al Jazeera Media Network, was launched, expanding its reach to a global audience.

Microsoft released the Xbox gaming console in North America, marking its entry into the gaming industry.

The Space Shuttle Atlantis launches on STS-38, a classified mission for the U.S. Department of Defense.

The Soviet Union launches the Buran spacecraft, its only space shuttle, on an unmanned mission, demonstrating its space capabilities.

A research assistant named Thomas S. Monaghan discovered the first artificially synthesized gene using a process called polymerase chain reaction (PCR), influencing modern genetics.

Intel released the world's first commercial microprocessor, the Intel 4004.

The first Wendy's restaurant opens in Columbus, Ohio, founded by Dave Thomas, marking the beginning of a major fast-food chain.

Richard Hickock and Perry Smith murdered the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas, an event that became the basis for Truman Capote's 1966 non-fiction novel 'In Cold Blood'.

Louis Stephen St. Laurent is sworn in as the 12th Prime Minister of Canada.

The Holocaust: Heinrich Himmler orders that Gypsies and 'part-Gypsies' be put 'on the same level as Jews and placed in concentration camps.'

The Naval Battle of Guadalcanal ends in a decisive Allied victory during World War II, marking a turning point in the Pacific Theater.

In Czechoslovakia, the Nazis close all universities and colleges following student protests, leading to the International Students' Day observance.

The NBC radio network opens with 24 stations.

The League of Nations holds its first assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, marking the first international organization aimed at maintaining world peace.

The Zionist Organization (later the World Zionist Organization) is established in Basel, Switzerland, to promote the development of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

Union General William Tecumseh Sherman begins his 'March to the Sea' during the American Civil War, leaving Atlanta and heading toward Savannah, Georgia.

A public meeting is held in San Francisco to address lawlessness in the city and organize the first Committee of Vigilance.

Swiss Federal Constitution enters into force, creating a confederation with a strong central government and a bicameral parliament.

Pike Expedition reaches Otero County, Colorado, at the site of present-day Pueblo, Colorado during the exploration of the southwestern territory of the Louisiana Purchase.

The Continental Congress approves the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States.

The Treaty of Vienna was signed, concluding the War of the Polish Succession, which recognized Augustus III as King of Poland and returned Naples and Sicily to the Spanish.

Johannes Kepler, the renowned German mathematician and astronomer best known for his laws of planetary motion, passed away in Regensburg.

Francisco Pizarro arrives in Cuzco, the capital of the Inca Empire, marking a significant moment in the Spanish conquest of Peru.

Christopher Columbus noted in his journal that he observed tobacco for the first time among the indigenous people of Cuba.

The Battle of Morgarten took place, where the Swiss Confederation achieved a decisive victory against the Habsburgs, leading to significant strengthening of the Swiss confederation.

The Battle of the Winwaed took place, where King Oswiu of Northumbria defeated King Penda of Mercia, marking a significant turning point in the Christianization of Anglo-Saxon England.