November 17 has been a significant date in history, marking a variety of notable events across different eras and regions.
From pivotal battles and political milestones to groundbreaking inventions and cultural moments, this date has seen a diverse array of occurrences that have shaped the world in myriad ways.
This article provides a chronological exploration of 20 key events that happened on November 17, offering insights into their historical context and lasting impact.
November 17th – On this Day in History
1292 – John Balliol becomes King of Scotland
On November 17, 1292, John Balliol was crowned King of Scotland, following the decision of King Edward I of England, who was asked to arbitrate a dispute over the Scottish throne.
This period, known as the Great Cause, saw multiple claimants vying for the crown after the death of the previous monarch, Margaret, Maid of Norway.
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Edward I’s choice of Balliol was influenced by his desire to assert dominance over Scotland, a move that would eventually lead to conflict. Balliol’s reign was marked by tension and rebellion, culminating in his abdication in 1296, which left Scotland in turmoil and led to the Wars of Scottish Independence.
1511 – Henry VIII of England concludes the Treaty of Westminster with Ferdinand II of Aragon

In November 1511, Henry VIII of England entered into the Treaty of Westminster with Ferdinand II of Aragon. This alliance was part of the larger anti-French coalition known as the Holy League, which aimed to curtail the expansionist policies of King Louis XII of France.
Also Read: November 18th – On this Day in History
The treaty was significant for strengthening the diplomatic and military ties between England and Spain, and it set the stage for joint military campaigns in Italy.
This alliance also had broader implications for European politics, as it was a precursor to the shifting balance of power that characterized the continent’s political landscape in the early 16th century.
1558 – Elizabeth I ascends the English throne upon the death of her half-sister, Queen Mary I
On November 17, 1558, Elizabeth I became Queen of England following the death of her half-sister, Mary I. Elizabeth’s accession marked the beginning of a new era for England, often referred to as the Elizabethan Age.
Her reign saw the country emerge as a significant Protestant power and witness a flourishing of the arts, particularly in literature and drama, with figures like William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe.
Elizabeth’s pragmatic approach to governance, including her policies of religious tolerance and her skillful handling of foreign affairs, helped stabilize and strengthen England during a period of considerable political and religious turmoil.
1603 – English explorer, writer, and courtier Sir Walter Raleigh goes on trial for treason
In November 1603, Sir Walter Raleigh, a prominent English explorer, writer, and courtier, was tried for treason. Accused of plotting against King James I, Raleigh’s trial was controversial and widely regarded as unfair.

Despite a lack of concrete evidence, he was convicted and sentenced to death. Raleigh’s sentence was initially commuted to imprisonment in the Tower of London, where he spent 13 years before being released to lead an expedition to find the legendary city of El Dorado.
His trial and subsequent execution in 1618 highlighted the political intrigues and factionalism that characterized the early years of James I’s reign, and his legacy as a martyr and national hero endured long after his death.
1777 – Articles of Confederation submitted to the states for ratification
On November 17, 1777, the Continental Congress submitted the Articles of Confederation to the states for ratification. This document served as the first constitution of the United States, outlining the framework for a confederation of sovereign states.
The Articles of Confederation emphasized a weak central government, reflecting the colonists’ fears of centralized authority following their experiences under British rule. While the Articles granted Congress the power to conduct foreign affairs, maintain armed forces, and issue currency, it lacked authority to levy taxes or regulate commerce.
Ratification by all thirteen states was required, which was completed in 1781. The limitations of the Articles soon became apparent, leading to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution in 1787.
1800 – The United States Congress holds its first session in Washington, D.C.
On November 17, 1800, the United States Congress convened for the first time in Washington, D.C. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of the American capital, which had been established as the seat of government through the Residence Act of 1790.
The move to Washington, D.C. represented the culmination of years of planning and construction, with Pierre Charles L’Enfant’s city plan and the design of key buildings by architects such as James Hoban and Benjamin Latrobe.
The relocation of Congress from Philadelphia to Washington underscored the federal commitment to a permanent, purpose-built capital and helped to shape the city into the political heart of the nation.
1831 – Ecuador and Venezuela separated from Gran Colombia
On November 17, 1831, the territories of Ecuador and Venezuela formally separated from Gran Colombia, a large republic that included present-day Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Gran Colombia had been founded in 1819 under the leadership of Simón Bolívar, who envisioned a united and powerful South American state.
However, political and regional differences, along with administrative challenges, led to internal conflicts. The separation of Ecuador and Venezuela marked the disintegration of Bolívar’s dream of a unified continent, resulting in the emergence of independent republics. This fragmentation influenced the political landscape of South America and set the stage for future national developments.
1855 – David Livingstone becomes the first European to see Victoria Falls
On November 17, 1855, Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone became the first European to view Victoria Falls, one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world. Located on the Zambezi River, between present-day Zambia and Zimbabwe, the falls were known to local indigenous people as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders.”
Livingstone named the falls in honor of Queen Victoria. His discovery brought significant attention to the region and contributed to European interest in African geography and exploration. Livingstone’s extensive travels and detailed reports greatly expanded Western knowledge of the African continent and highlighted the need for missionary work and anti-slavery efforts.
1863 – American Civil War: Siege of Knoxville begins

On November 17, 1863, the Siege of Knoxville commenced during the American Civil War. Confederate forces, under the command of General James Longstreet, besieged the Union-held city of Knoxville, Tennessee. The strategic location of Knoxville made it a valuable target for the Confederacy, aiming to disrupt Union supply lines and communications.
The Union forces, led by Major General Ambrose Burnside, fortified their positions and withstood the siege until reinforcements arrived.
The siege was marked by intense skirmishes and artillery exchanges, culminating in the Battle of Fort Sanders on 29th November, where the Union defenders successfully repelled a major Confederate assault. The failure of the siege bolstered Union control in East Tennessee and contributed to the broader Union war effort.
1869 – Suez Canal in Egypt officially opens, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea
On November 17, 1869, the Suez Canal, one of the most significant engineering feats of the 19th century, officially opened. The canal, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, dramatically shortened the maritime route between Europe and Asia by eliminating the need to navigate around Africa.
The project was spearheaded by French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps and took a decade to complete. Its inauguration was marked by a grand ceremony attended by dignitaries from around the world, including Empress Eugénie of France.
The canal’s opening had profound implications for global trade and politics, facilitating faster and more efficient transportation of goods and military vessels. It remains a vital international waterway to this day.
1871 – The National Rifle Association is granted a charter by the state of New York
On November 17, 1871, the National Rifle Association (NRA) was officially granted a charter by the state of New York. The organization was founded by Union veterans Colonel William C. Church and General George Wingate, who were concerned about the poor marksmanship displayed by soldiers during the Civil War.
The NRA’s primary mission was to promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis, which it pursued through the establishment of shooting ranges and the organization of competitions. Over time, the NRA grew to become a prominent advocacy group for gun rights in the United States, influencing legislation and public opinion on issues related to the Second Amendment and firearms ownership.
1894 – H. H. Holmes, one of the first modern serial killers, is arrested in Boston, Massachusetts
On November 17, 1894, H. H. Holmes, widely considered one of the first modern serial killers, was arrested in Boston, Massachusetts. Born Herman Webster Mudgett, Holmes constructed a hotel in Chicago, later known as the “Murder Castle,” which he designed with hidden rooms, secret passages, and traps to facilitate his crimes.
During the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, Holmes lured numerous victims to his hotel, where they were tortured and murdered. His arrest initially stemmed from an insurance fraud investigation, but it soon uncovered his more heinous activities.
Holmes’s trial and eventual execution in 1896 captured public imagination and horror, highlighting the emerging phenomenon of the serial killer in American society.
1933 – United States recognizes the Soviet Union
On November 17, 1933, the United States formally recognized the Soviet Union, establishing diplomatic relations after years of non-recognition following the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. The decision was made by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who saw the recognition as a means to foster economic ties and counterbalance rising threats from Germany and Japan.
The recognition was formalized through an agreement that included assurances regarding the non-interference in American internal affairs by the Soviet government. This move marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, acknowledging the geopolitical reality of the Soviet Union’s existence and its potential as a partner in international affairs, despite ideological differences.
1962 – President John F. Kennedy dedicates Washington Dulles International Airport

On November 17, 1962, President John F. Kennedy officially dedicated Washington Dulles International Airport, located in Chantilly, Virginia. Named in honor of John Foster Dulles, the former Secretary of State, the airport was designed by the renowned architect Eero Saarinen. Its innovative design featured a sleek, futuristic terminal with a distinctive roof and mobile lounges to transport passengers to their aircraft.
Dulles International was intended to accommodate the increasing demands of air travel and to serve as a gateway to the nation’s capital. The dedication of the airport symbolized America’s commitment to advancing transportation infrastructure and highlighted the growing importance of air travel in connecting people and economies globally.
1968 – The Heidi Game: NBC cuts off the final 1:05 minutes of an Oakland Raiders-New York Jets football game to broadcast the television film Heidi, causing viewers to miss two touchdowns
On November 17, 1968, one of the most infamous incidents in sports broadcasting history occurred, known as the “Heidi Game.” NBC was broadcasting a tightly contested football game between the Oakland Raiders and the New York Jets.
With the Jets leading 32-29 and only 1:05 left on the clock, NBC abruptly switched to its scheduled airing of the children’s film “Heidi.” Viewers missed seeing the Raiders score two touchdowns in the final seconds to win 43-32.
The outcry from fans was immediate and intense, leading to changes in broadcasting policies to ensure that live sporting events would not be interrupted for scheduled programming. The incident highlighted the passionate following of professional football and the importance of accommodating sports fans in broadcast decisions.
1970 – Douglas Engelbart receives the patent for the first computer mouse
On November 17, 1970, Douglas Engelbart was awarded U.S. Patent 3,541,541 for the invention of the computer mouse, a revolutionary device that transformed the way people interact with computers. Engelbart, an engineer and inventor, developed the mouse as part of his work at the Stanford Research Institute, where he sought to improve human-computer interaction.
The original mouse was a simple wooden shell with two metal wheels, designed to detect movement in two dimensions. This innovation paved the way for the development of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and has become an essential tool in personal computing, significantly influencing the design and usability of modern computers and software.
1973 – U.S. President Richard Nixon tells the Associated Press “I am not a crook”

On November 17, 1973, amidst growing allegations related to the Watergate scandal, U.S. President Richard Nixon made his famous declaration, “I am not a crook,” during a press conference with the Associated Press.
This statement was intended to assert his innocence regarding the accusations of involvement in the cover-up of the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex.
Despite his assertion, the Watergate scandal continued to escalate, leading to increased scrutiny of Nixon’s actions and ultimately his resignation on August 8, 1974. The phrase “I am not a crook” became emblematic of the scandal and highlighted the deepening crisis of trust in American political leadership during that era.
1989 – Velvet Revolution: The first of a series of protests in Czechoslovakia begins in response to the police beating of student protesters
On November 17, 1989, the Velvet Revolution began in Czechoslovakia with a peaceful student demonstration in Prague that was violently suppressed by police. This event sparked widespread protests and strikes across the country, leading to a non-violent revolution that resulted in the overthrow of the Communist regime.
The movement, characterized by its peaceful nature and the unity of students, intellectuals, and workers, culminated in the resignation of the Communist government and the election of dissident playwright Václav Havel as president.
The Velvet Revolution marked a significant moment in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, symbolizing the power of non-violent resistance and the desire for democratic reforms.
2003 – Arnold Schwarzenegger is sworn in as the Governor of California
On November 17, 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger was sworn in as the 38th Governor of California following his victory in the recall election that ousted incumbent Governor Gray Davis.
Schwarzenegger, a Republican and internationally famous actor, ran on a platform of economic reform, promising to address the state’s budget crisis, improve business conditions, and overhaul the workers’ compensation system.
His election was notable not only for his celebrity status but also for the unusual nature of the recall election, which allowed voters to remove a sitting governor and choose a replacement simultaneously.
Schwarzenegger’s tenure as governor saw a mix of successes and challenges, including efforts to balance the state budget and address environmental issues, as well as navigating the complexities of California’s diverse political landscape.