This Day in History

Henry Morton Stanley Locates Dr. David Livingstone in Africa

The famous line “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” was uttered on this day when journalist and explorer Henry Morton Stanley located the missing Scottish missionary and explorer, Dr. David Livingstone, in Africa. Their meeting became an iconic moment in the history of exploration.

Garry Kasparov Becomes the Youngest World Chess Champion

Soviet chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov became the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion on November 9th, 1985, at the age of 22. His remarkable achievements in the world of chess have left an indelible mark on the game’s history.

The Great Northeast Blackout

A massive power outage struck the northeastern United States and parts of Canada on November 9th, 1965, leaving millions of people without electricity for hours. This event underscored the vulnerabilities of modern infrastructures and led to significant improvements in power grid systems.

Kristallnacht 

Tragically, on November 9th, 1938, a violent anti-Jewish pogrom known as Kristallnacht took place in Nazi Germany. Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues were destroyed, and numerous Jews were arrested or killed, highlighting the escalating persecution of Jews leading up to the Holocaust.

Remembrance Day Bombing in Enniskillen

Tragically, on this day in 1987, a bombing occurred during a Remembrance Day ceremony in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland. The attack claimed the lives of twelve people and injured many others, underscoring the challenges faced during the Troubles and highlighting the importance of peace efforts.

John F. Kennedy is Elected 35th President of the United States

November 8th, 1960, marked a pivotal moment in American history as John F. Kennedy was elected as the 35th President of the United States. His election signaled a new era of optimism and change, inspiring a generation with his vision for a better America.

Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen Discovers X-Rays

On this day, Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, a German physicist, discovered X-rays while experimenting with cathode rays. This groundbreaking discovery revolutionized the field of medicine, enabling doctors to see inside the human body without invasive procedures and leading to numerous advancements in diagnostics.

David Dinkins Becomes the First African American Mayor of NYC

David Dinkins was elected as the 106th Mayor of New York City on November 7th, 1989, becoming the first African American to hold this office. His historic election marked a significant milestone in the city’s history and paved the way for diverse leadership in major metropolitan areas.

FDR Wins an Unprecedented Fourth Term as U.S. President 

President Franklin D. Roosevelt made history on November 7th, 1944, when he was re-elected for a fourth term as the President of the United States. His leadership during World War II and the Great Depression solidified his legacy as one of America’s greatest presidents.