November 12 Events in History

November 12th is marked by significant events across various periods of history. From medieval times to modern scientific milestones, this day has witnessed pivotal moments shaping our world.

This article explores twenty notable events that occurred on November 12th, providing a chronological journey through history.

Each event, involving royalty, war, scientific discovery, or cultural milestones, reflects the rich tapestry of human achievement and tragedy.

November 12th – On this Day in History

1035 – King Cnut the Great Dies

King Cnut

King Cnut the Great, also known as Canute, passed away on November 12, 1035. He was a significant figure in medieval European history, ruling over Denmark, England, and Norway, a territory often referred to as the North Sea Empire.

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Cnut’s reign marked a period of relative peace and prosperity in these regions, characterized by strong governance and efforts to integrate various cultural and religious practices. His death led to a succession crisis that eventually resulted in the fragmentation of his empire.

1439 – Plymouth Becomes First Town Incorporated by English Parliament

On November 12, 1439, Plymouth in England became the first town to be incorporated by the English Parliament. This incorporation was a significant development in the history of English municipal governance.

Plymouth’s status as a town officially recognized by parliamentary act reflected its growing importance as a commercial and maritime hub. The incorporation granted the town certain legal privileges and autonomy, setting a precedent for other towns and cities in England to seek similar status.

1555 – English Parliament Re-establishes Catholicism

November 12, 1555, was a pivotal day in the history of England’s religious turmoil when the English Parliament re-established Catholicism. This decision was part of the broader Marian Reforms under Queen Mary I, who sought to reverse the Protestant Reformation initiated by her father, Henry VIII.

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The re-establishment of Catholicism included the restoration of papal authority and the return of ecclesiastical lands to the Church. This move led to significant religious persecution and the execution of prominent Protestant reformers, earning Mary the nickname “Bloody Mary.”

1793 – Jean Sylvain Bailly Guillotined During Reign of Terror

Reign of Terror

Jean Sylvain Bailly, the first Mayor of Paris and a prominent figure during the early stages of the French Revolution, was guillotined on November 12, 1793. Bailly, originally an astronomer, played a key role in the formation of the National Assembly and the early revolutionary government.

However, during the Reign of Terror, he fell out of favor with the radical Jacobins. Accused of being a counter-revolutionary, Bailly was tried and executed in a period marked by widespread political purges and executions.

1840 – Giuseppe Verdi’s Opera “Oberto” Premieres in Milan

Giuseppe Verdi’s first opera, “Oberto,” premiered at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan on November 12, 1840. This debut marked the beginning of Verdi’s illustrious career as one of the most influential composers in the history of opera.

“Oberto” received modest success, encouraging Verdi to continue composing and refining his style. His later works, such as “Rigoletto,” “La Traviata,” and “Aida,” would cement his legacy as a master of Italian opera. The premiere of “Oberto” was a significant milestone in the evolution of Verdi’s musical genius.

1892 – William “Pudge” Heffelfinger Becomes First Professional American Football Player

On November 12, 1892, William “Pudge” Heffelfinger made history by becoming the first professional American football player. He was paid $500 to play for the Allegheny Athletic Association in a game against the Pittsburgh Athletic Club.

This event marked the beginning of professional football in the United States, transitioning the sport from purely amateur status to a paid, professional enterprise. Heffelfinger’s participation paved the way for the establishment of professional football leagues and the eventual formation of the National Football League (NFL), which has become a major part of American sports culture.

1905 – Norway Holds Referendum in Favor of Monarchy

On November 12, 1905, Norway held a referendum to determine whether the country should maintain its monarchy or become a republic. The referendum followed Norway’s peaceful separation from Sweden earlier that year, ending a union that had lasted since 1814.

The majority of Norwegian voters chose to retain the monarchy, leading to the ascension of Prince Carl of Denmark to the Norwegian throne as King Haakon VII. This decision was crucial in shaping Norway’s national identity and political stability, as the country established itself as an independent constitutional monarchy.

1912 – Bodies of Robert Scott and His Men Found in Antarctica

Robert Falcon Scott

The tragic expedition of Robert Falcon Scott reached its somber conclusion on November 12, 1912, when the bodies of Scott and his team were discovered in Antarctica. Scott’s expedition aimed to be the first to reach the South Pole, but they were beaten by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen.

Scott and his men perished on their return journey due to extreme weather conditions, exhaustion, and lack of supplies. The discovery of their bodies highlighted the harsh realities of polar exploration and immortalized Scott and his team as tragic heroes in the annals of exploration history.

1918 – Austria Becomes a Republic Following the Dissolution of Austria-Hungary

On November 12, 1918, Austria was declared a republic, marking the end of the Habsburg Monarchy and the dissolution of Austria-Hungary. The collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was a result of its defeat in World War I and internal nationalist movements seeking independence.

The proclamation of the Republic of German-Austria signaled a significant political transformation as the country transitioned from a multi-ethnic empire to a republic. This change led to significant social, economic, and political upheaval, shaping Austria’s modern identity and its role in post-war Europe.

1927 – Leon Trotsky Expelled from the Soviet Communist Party

Leon Trotsky, a key figure in the Russian Revolution and the early Soviet government, was expelled from the Soviet Communist Party on November 12, 1927. Trotsky’s expulsion was orchestrated by Joseph Stalin, who sought to eliminate rivals and consolidate his power.

Leon Trotsky

Trotsky, who had been a prominent advocate for the international spread of communism and had opposed Stalin’s policies, was increasingly marginalized within the party. His expulsion marked a significant turning point in Soviet politics, as Stalin solidified his authoritarian regime. Trotsky was later exiled and continued to critique Stalin’s leadership until his assassination in 1940.

1933 – The First Known Photo of the Loch Ness Monster

On November 12, 1933, the first known photograph of the alleged Loch Ness Monster was taken by Hugh Gray. The blurry image showed a long, serpent-like figure in the waters of Loch Ness in Scotland.

This photograph sparked widespread interest and curiosity, leading to numerous subsequent investigations, sightings, and speculations about the existence of a prehistoric creature residing in the lake.

The Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as “Nessie,” became a global phenomenon, capturing the imagination of people worldwide and contributing to the mystique and folklore surrounding Loch Ness.

1941 – Soviet Cruiser Chervona Ukraina Sunk During the Battle of Sevastopol

On November 12, 1941, the Soviet cruiser Chervona Ukraina was sunk during the Battle of Sevastopol in World War II. The ship was part of the Black Sea Fleet and played a crucial role in the defense against Axis forces. The sinking occurred as German and Romanian troops intensified their assault on Sevastopol, a strategic port city on the Crimean Peninsula.

The loss of the Chervona Ukraina was a significant blow to the Soviet naval capabilities in the Black Sea. The Battle of Sevastopol itself was a prolonged and brutal conflict, ultimately resulting in a temporary Axis victory before the city was recaptured by Soviet forces in 1944.

1944 – Royal Air Force Launches Massive Attack on Dortmund

Royal Air Force Launches Massive Attack on Dortmund

On November 12, 1944, the Royal Air Force (RAF) launched a massive air raid on the German city of Dortmund as part of the Allied strategic bombing campaign during World War II.

The operation aimed to cripple Germany’s industrial capabilities by targeting key infrastructure, including factories, railways, and transportation hubs.

The bombing resulted in extensive destruction and significant civilian casualties. This raid was one of many conducted by the RAF and the United States Army Air Forces to weaken the Nazi war effort and hasten the end of the conflict. The extensive bombing campaigns played a controversial but pivotal role in the Allied victory.

1948 – Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering (Later Sony) Founded

On November 12, 1948, Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation, which would later become Sony Corporation, was founded by Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita. The company initially focused on developing and repairing electronic equipment but quickly expanded into consumer electronics.

Sony revolutionized the industry with innovations such as the transistor radio, the Walkman, the compact disc (CD), and the PlayStation gaming console. Over the decades, Sony grew into a global conglomerate, influencing various sectors including entertainment, music, and film. The company’s founding marked the beginning of a legacy of technological advancements and cultural impact.

1956 – Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia Join the United Nations

On November 12, 1956, Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia were admitted to the United Nations, signifying their emergence as independent nations on the global stage. Morocco and Tunisia had recently gained independence from French colonial rule, while Sudan had become independent from joint British-Egyptian governance earlier that year.

Joining the UN was a significant step for these countries, symbolizing their sovereignty and commitment to international cooperation. It also marked a broader trend of decolonization in Africa and the Middle East during the mid-20th century, as many countries sought to assert their independence and participate in global affairs.

1969 – Independent Journalist Seymour Hersh Breaks the Story of the My Lai Massacre

My Lai Massacre

On November 12, 1969, independent investigative journalist Seymour Hersh broke the story of the My Lai Massacre, one of the most infamous atrocities of the Vietnam War.

The massacre occurred on March 16, 1968, when American soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, killed between 347 and 504 unarmed South Vietnamese civilians in the village of My Lai.

Hersh’s report brought international attention to the brutal actions of the soldiers and the subsequent cover-up by military authorities.

The revelation of the massacre sparked outrage and significantly shifted public opinion against the Vietnam War, highlighting the horrors of the conflict and leading to a reevaluation of American military conduct and policies.

1970 – The Oregon Highway Division Attempts to Destroy a Beached Whale with Explosives

On November 12, 1970, the Oregon Highway Division attempted an unusual and ultimately unsuccessful method to dispose of a 45-foot, 8-ton beached sperm whale in Florence, Oregon. They decided to use half a ton of dynamite to blow up the carcass, hoping that the smaller pieces would be consumed by seagulls and other scavengers.

The explosion, however, did not go as planned. Instead of disintegrating the whale, the blast sent large chunks of flesh flying over a wide area, causing significant damage to nearby property and narrowly missing spectators.

This event, known as the “exploding whale incident,” became a legendary example of a poorly conceived and executed plan, and it is often cited in discussions of public policy and problem-solving gone wrong.

1980 – NASA Space Probe Voyager I Makes Its Closest Approach to Saturn

On November 12, 1980, NASA’s Voyager I space probe made its closest approach to Saturn, coming within 77,000 miles (124,000 kilometers) of the planet’s cloud tops. This flyby provided unprecedented and detailed images and data about Saturn’s rings, moons, and atmosphere.

Voyager 1 and 2

Voyager I’s encounter with Saturn revealed new insights, including the discovery of complex structures within the rings and the observation of atmospheric phenomena such as hexagon-shaped jet streams at the planet’s north pole.

The mission significantly expanded our understanding of the outer planets and laid the groundwork for future exploration. Voyager I, launched in 1977, continues to transmit data back to Earth as it travels through interstellar space.

1990 – Crown Prince Akihito Formally Installed as Emperor of Japan

On November 12, 1990, Crown Prince Akihito was formally installed as the 125th Emperor of Japan in an elaborate enthronement ceremony. Akihito succeeded his father, Emperor Hirohito, who had passed away on January 7, 1989. The enthronement ceremony, held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, was attended by dignitaries from around the world and marked the beginning of the Heisei era.

Emperor Akihito’s reign was characterized by his efforts to humanize the imperial role, promote peace, and reconcile Japan’s wartime past. His ascension represented a continuity of Japan’s ancient traditions while also embracing modernity. Akihito abdicated in favor of his son, Naruhito, in 2019, citing health reasons, becoming the first Japanese emperor to do so in over two centuries.

2014 – European Space Agency’s Rosetta Mission Lands Philae Probe on Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko

On November 12, 2014, the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Rosetta mission achieved a historic milestone by successfully landing the Philae probe on the comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. This event marked the first time a spacecraft had landed on a comet. The Philae lander, after a ten-year journey aboard the Rosetta spacecraft, touched down on the comet’s surface, despite experiencing some difficulties during the landing process.

Philae’s mission was to conduct scientific experiments to analyze the comet’s composition and provide insights into the early solar system. The data collected by Philae and Rosetta significantly advanced our understanding of comets and their role in the formation of the solar system, making the mission a landmark achievement in space exploration.