November 10 Events in History

November 10 is marked by significant events from various fields throughout history. This day has seen pivotal military moments, such as the Battle of Varna in 1444 and the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975.

It has witnessed the founding of the United States Marine Corps in 1775 and the death of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1938.

Milestones in media and technology, from the premiere of “Sesame Street” in 1969 to the introduction of Windows 1.0 in 1983, also occurred on this day.

November 10th – On this Day in History

1444 – Battle of Varna: The Ottoman Empire Defeats a Polish-Hungarian Army

Battle of Varna

The Battle of Varna, fought on November 10, 1444, was a significant clash between the Ottoman Empire and a coalition of forces from Poland and Hungary.

This battle occurred during the Crusade of Varna, an effort by European Christian states to halt the expansion of the Ottoman Empire into Europe.

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Led by King Władysław III of Poland and Hungary, the Christian forces aimed to strike a decisive blow against the Ottomans. However, the Ottomans, under Sultan Murad II, achieved a crushing victory. King Władysław III was killed in the battle, which marked the end of the Crusade and solidified Ottoman dominance in the Balkans.

1619 – René Descartes’ Dream Inspires His Philosophical Meditations

On the night of November 10, 1619, the French philosopher René Descartes experienced a series of vivid dreams that profoundly influenced his intellectual journey. Descartes believed these dreams were divine revelations, prompting him to develop his philosophical system.

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This event led to his famous work, “Meditations on First Philosophy,” where he explores the nature of existence, the self, and God.

Descartes’ dream-inspired meditations laid the groundwork for modern Western philosophy, particularly his assertion “Cogito, ergo sum” (“I think, therefore I am”), which became a fundamental element of his philosophy.

1674 – The Dutch Republic Cedes New Netherland to England

On November 10, 1674, the Treaty of Westminster was signed, marking the formal transfer of New Netherland from the Dutch Republic to England.

This agreement concluded the Third Anglo-Dutch War and saw the English rename the colony New York, in honor of the Duke of York, later King James II of England.

This cession significantly impacted the development of the American colonies, as New York City emerged as a major commercial and cultural center. The change in control also exemplified the shifting power dynamics between European colonial empires in North America.

1775 – The United States Marine Corps is Founded

The United States Marine Corps was established on November 10, 1775, by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress during the American Revolutionary War. The resolution called for the raising of two battalions of Marines capable of conducting ship-to-ship fighting, providing shipboard security, and supporting landing operations.

The first commandant of the Marine Corps was Samuel Nicholas. The Marines have since played a crucial role in American military history, known for their versatility, bravery, and rigorous training. The Marine Corps’ birthday is celebrated every year with a traditional ball and a cake-cutting ceremony.

1793 – France Ends Forced Worship of God

On November 10, 1793, during the French Revolution, the National Convention proclaimed the end of forced worship and the dechristianization of France. This decision was part of a broader movement to reduce the influence of the Catholic Church and promote secularism and rationalism.

Churches were repurposed as “Temples of Reason,” and religious symbols were replaced with those of the revolution. This policy was controversial and met with resistance from devout Catholics.

However, it marked a significant shift towards secular governance in France and reflected the revolution’s radical departure from traditional religious practices.

1865 – Major Henry Wirz, Superintendent of a Confederate Prison Camp, is Hanged

Major Henry Wirz

On November 10, 1865, Major Henry Wirz, the superintendent of the infamous Confederate prison camp at Andersonville, Georgia, was hanged after being found guilty of war crimes.

Andersonville was notorious for its horrific conditions, where thousands of Union soldiers suffered from malnutrition, disease, and overcrowding.

Wirz was one of the few individuals tried and executed for war crimes related to the American Civil War. His trial and execution were highly publicized and controversial, reflecting the intense emotions and divided opinions in the post-war United States. Wirz’s case remains a significant example of the efforts to seek justice for wartime atrocities.

1871 – Henry Morton Stanley Locates Dr. David Livingstone

On November 10, 1871, journalist and explorer Henry Morton Stanley famously located the missing Scottish missionary and explorer Dr. David Livingstone in the town of Ujiji on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in present-day Tanzania. Livingstone had been out of contact with the outside world for several years while exploring the interior of Africa.

Upon finding him, Stanley allegedly greeted him with the now-famous phrase, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” This encounter highlighted the era’s spirit of exploration and adventure and significantly contributed to the Western world’s knowledge of Africa. It also boosted Stanley’s reputation as a renowned explorer.

1898 – Wilmington Insurrection of 1898: A Coup d’État by White Supremacists

The Wilmington Insurrection of 1898, occurring on November 10, was a violent coup d’état in Wilmington, North Carolina, led by white supremacists who overthrew the legitimately elected biracial government.

This event, also known as the Wilmington Massacre, resulted in the deaths of numerous African Americans and the destruction of African American-owned businesses and properties.

The insurrection was part of a broader campaign of racial violence and voter suppression aimed at reversing the political gains made by African Americans during Reconstruction. It stands as a stark reminder of the racial tensions and injustices that have shaped American history.

1918 – First News of the Armistice Ending World War I Received

Armistice Ending World War I

On November 10, 1918, the Western Union Cable Office in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, received the first news of the Armistice that would end World War I. This announcement signaled the imminent cessation of hostilities on the Western Front, effective at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

The armistice marked the end of a devastating conflict that had caused unprecedented loss of life and reshaped the political landscape of Europe.

Celebrations erupted worldwide as people welcomed the end of the war and the promise of peace, although the formal peace treaty, the Treaty of Versailles, would not be signed until the following year.

1928 – Hirohito is Crowned Emperor of Japan

On November 10, 1928, Hirohito was formally crowned Emperor of Japan in a grand ceremony held in Kyoto. Hirohito, who became emperor in 1926 following the death of his father, Emperor Taishō, presided over Japan during a period of significant transformation.

His reign, known as the Shōwa era, witnessed Japan’s aggressive military expansion, its participation in World War II, and its subsequent occupation and reconstruction under Allied supervision.

Hirohito’s role during the war and his position in post-war Japan have been subjects of extensive historical debate. His coronation marked the beginning of one of the longest reigns in Japanese history, ending with his death in 1989.

1938 – Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the Founder of the Republic of Turkey, Dies

On November 10, 1938, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founding father and first president of the Republic of Turkey, passed away in Istanbul. Atatürk, a former Ottoman military officer, led the Turkish National Movement in the aftermath of World War I, successfully establishing a secular, nationalist state from the remnants of the Ottoman Empire.

His sweeping reforms included the adoption of the Latin alphabet, the introduction of secular laws, and significant advancements in women’s rights. Atatürk’s death marked the end of an era of profound transformation in Turkey. His legacy endures in the nation’s political, social, and cultural fabric, symbolizing modernization and national sovereignty.

1940 – Walt Disney Releases the Animated Film “Fantasia”

On November 10, 1940, Walt Disney released “Fantasia,” an ambitious animated film that blended classical music with innovative animation. The film featured eight animated segments set to pieces of classical music conducted by Leopold Stokowski and performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra.

“Fantasia” was groundbreaking in its use of stereophonic sound, known as “Fantasound,” and its abstract, experimental animation styles. Although initial box office receipts were modest, the film was later recognized as a masterpiece of animation and a milestone in film history. “Fantasia” has since become a beloved classic, showcasing Disney’s creative vision and the artistic potential of animation.

1942 – World War II: Germany Invades Vichy France

Germany Invades Vichy France
Gefangenentransport durch Schutzpolizei

On November 10, 1942, during World War II, German forces launched Operation Anton, the invasion of Vichy France. This move followed the Allied invasion of North Africa and aimed to preempt any potential threat from Vichy forces siding with the Allies.

German troops swiftly occupied key strategic points, encountering minimal resistance from the Vichy government, which had been collaborating with Nazi Germany since 1940.

The occupation of Vichy France solidified German control over the French mainland and had significant implications for the French Resistance and the broader strategic dynamics of the war in Europe.

1951 – Direct-Dial Coast-to-Coast Telephone Service Begins in the United States

On November 10, 1951, the United States inaugurated its first direct-dial coast-to-coast telephone service. This technological milestone was achieved when Mayor M. Leslie Denning of Englewood, New Jersey, made the first direct-dial long-distance call to Mayor Frank Osborne of Alameda, California. Prior to this, long-distance calls required operator assistance to connect.

The advent of direct-dial service marked a significant advancement in telecommunications, enhancing communication efficiency and convenience. This innovation paved the way for the modern telecommunications network, transforming personal and business communication across the country and contributing to the rapid growth of the telephone industry.

1969 – Sesame Street Premieres on PBS

On November 10, 1969, “Sesame Street” premiered on PBS, introducing a groundbreaking educational program that would become a cultural phenomenon. Created by Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett, and produced by the Children’s Television Workshop, the show combined live-action, puppetry, and animation to teach children basic academic and social skills.

With its diverse cast and memorable characters like Big Bird, Elmo, and Cookie Monster, “Sesame Street” addressed various educational and social issues, promoting inclusivity and empathy. The show’s innovative approach to early childhood education and its enduring popularity have made it a beloved institution, influencing generations of children worldwide.

1970 – For the First Time in Five Years, a Week Ends with No Reports of American Combat Fatalities in Southeast Asia

On November 10, 1970, a significant milestone was reached during the Vietnam War: for the first time in five years, an entire week passed without any reported American combat fatalities in Southeast Asia. This marked a rare moment of respite in a conflict that had seen extensive and continuous loss of life.

The Vietnam War, characterized by its guerrilla warfare, extensive bombing campaigns, and complex political ramifications, had deeply affected American and Vietnamese societies.

This brief period of reduced casualties was seen as a glimmer of hope amidst the prolonged and contentious conflict, highlighting the desire for a resolution and peace.

1975 – The SS Edmund Fitzgerald Sinks During a Storm on Lake Superior

SS Edmund Fitzgerald

On November 10, 1975, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, a massive freighter, tragically sank during a severe storm on Lake Superior, resulting in the loss of all 29 crew members. The ship, which was one of the largest to sail the Great Lakes, was caught in a fierce storm with 35-foot waves and hurricane-force winds.

The exact cause of the sinking remains a mystery, with theories ranging from structural failure to water flooding the cargo holds. The disaster was immortalized in Gordon Lightfoot’s song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” and it remains one of the most well-known maritime tragedies in the history of the Great Lakes.

1983 – Bill Gates Introduces Windows 1.0

On November 10, 1983, Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, unveiled Windows 1.0, marking a significant development in personal computing. Windows 1.0 was Microsoft’s first attempt at a graphical user interface (GUI) for the MS-DOS operating system, designed to make computers more accessible and user-friendly.

The system featured a variety of applications, including a calendar, clock, notepad, and paint program, all displayed in tiled windows. While it faced initial skepticism and competition, Windows 1.0 laid the foundation for the future success of the Windows operating system, which would become the dominant platform for personal computers worldwide.

1989 – Germans Begin Demolishing the Berlin Wall

On November 10, 1989, jubilant crowds in Berlin began dismantling the Berlin Wall, a powerful symbol of the Cold War and the division between East and West Germany. This momentous event followed the East German government’s announcement on November 9 that citizens could freely cross the border.

the fall of the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall had stood since 1961, physically and ideologically separating East and West Berlin. Its fall marked the beginning of the end of Communist rule in Eastern Europe and paved the way for German reunification. The destruction of the Wall was celebrated globally and symbolized the triumph of freedom and democracy over oppression.

1995 – Playwright and Activist Ken Saro-Wiwa is Hanged by the Nigerian Government

On November 10, 1995, Nigerian playwright and environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, along with eight other members of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), was executed by the Nigerian government.

Saro-Wiwa had been a vocal critic of the environmental degradation caused by oil companies in the Niger Delta, particularly Shell, and had advocated for the rights of the Ogoni people.

His execution, following a controversial trial, sparked international outrage and condemnation. Saro-Wiwa’s death brought global attention to environmental and human rights issues in Nigeria and underscored the dangerous consequences faced by activists challenging powerful corporate and governmental interests.