November 24 Events in History

On November 24, history has witnessed a myriad of significant events spanning centuries and continents.

From pivotal battles and groundbreaking discoveries to tragic disasters and monumental political changes, each of these events has left an indelible mark on the course of human history.

This article delves into 20 notable occurrences on this day, exploring their historical contexts and lasting impacts. Through these narratives, we gain a deeper understanding of how November 24 has shaped our world across different eras and cultures.

November 24th – On this Day in History

380 – Theodosius I’s Adventus into Constantinople

In 380, Theodosius I made his adventus, or formal entry, into Constantinople, marking a significant moment in his reign as Emperor of the Roman Empire. The adventus was a ceremonial arrival, symbolizing the emperor’s power and the acceptance of his rule by the city.

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This event followed his proclamation as Augustus by Gratian, the senior emperor in the West. Theodosius’ entry into Constantinople reinforced his position as the new ruler of the Eastern Roman Empire.

His reign was marked by efforts to consolidate and stabilize the empire, as well as his strong support for Nicene Christianity, which he would later make the state religion through the Edict of Thessalonica in 380.

642 – Battle of Maserfield: Penda of Mercia Defeats Oswald of Northumbria

Battle of Maserfield

The Battle of Maserfield, fought on August 5, 642, saw Penda of Mercia defeat and kill Oswald of Northumbria. This battle was a pivotal event in the early medieval power struggles between the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Penda, a pagan king, successfully challenged the dominance of Northumbria, which had been established under Oswald’s predecessor, Edwin.

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Oswald’s death had significant religious and political repercussions; he was later venerated as a saint and martyr in Christian tradition. Penda’s victory temporarily halted the expansion of Northumbrian influence and underscored the volatile nature of alliances and enmities among the early English kingdoms.

1227 – Assassination of Polish Prince Leszek I the White

On November 24, 1227, Polish Prince Leszek I the White was assassinated at an assembly of Piast dukes in Gąsawa. Leszek, a member of the Piast dynasty, had been involved in ongoing conflicts over the fragmentation of Poland, which was divided into several semi-independent duchies.

His assassination was likely the result of a conspiracy among rival nobles, highlighting the intense internal strife and the struggle for power within the Polish territories. This event further destabilized the region and exemplified the challenges faced by medieval Polish rulers in maintaining unity and authority over their fragmented lands.

1248 – Conquest of Seville by King Ferdinand III of Castile

In 1248, King Ferdinand III of Castile successfully conquered Seville, one of the key cities in Muslim-ruled Andalusia. This conquest was part of the larger Reconquista, the centuries-long effort by Christian kingdoms to reclaim territory from Muslim rulers on the Iberian Peninsula.

The fall of Seville marked a significant milestone, as it was one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the region. Ferdinand III’s victory facilitated the further consolidation of Christian rule in southern Spain and contributed to the eventual unification of Castile and León.

The conquest also had profound cultural and demographic impacts, as the city’s Muslim population was either expelled or converted to Christianity.

1542 – Battle of Solway Moss: English Victory over Scottish Forces

Battle of Solway Moss

The Battle of Solway Moss, fought on November 24, 1542, resulted in a decisive English victory over a much larger Scottish force near the River Esk in Dumfries and Galloway.

The battle occurred during a period of heightened tension between England and Scotland, exacerbated by King Henry VIII’s efforts to pressure Scotland into a dynastic union through the marriage of his son Edward to the infant Mary, Queen of Scots.

The Scottish defeat led to the capture of numerous nobles and significantly weakened the position of the Scottish king, James V, who died shortly after the battle. This event paved the way for further English influence over Scotland and was a precursor to the eventual union of the two crowns in 1603.

1642 – Abel Tasman Becomes the First European to Sight Van Diemen’s Land

On November 24, 1642, Dutch explorer Abel Tasman became the first European to sight Van Diemen’s Land, which was later renamed Tasmania. This discovery occurred during Tasman’s expedition to explore the southern and eastern seas on behalf of the Dutch East India Company.

Tasman’s sighting of the island marked a significant moment in the European exploration of the Southern Hemisphere. Van Diemen’s Land was named in honor of Anthony van Diemen, the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies. Tasman’s discovery expanded European knowledge of the region and laid the groundwork for future exploration and eventual settlement by the British in the late 18th century.

1835 – Texas Provincial Government Authorizes the Creation of the Texas Rangers

On November 24, 1835, the Texas Provincial Government officially authorized the creation of a horse-mounted police force known as the Texas Rangers. This decision was made in the context of the Texas Revolution, as settlers in the region sought to gain independence from Mexican rule.

The Texas Rangers were initially tasked with protecting settlers from Native American attacks and enforcing laws in the vast, often lawless frontier. Over time, the Rangers became legendary figures in Texas history, known for their role in maintaining order and their participation in significant events such as the Battle of the Alamo and the Mexican-American War.

The establishment of the Texas Rangers marked the beginning of a storied institution that continues to play a role in Texas law enforcement to this day.

1859 – Charles Darwin Publishes “On the Origin of Species”

On November 24, 1859, Charles Darwin published “On the Origin of Species,” a groundbreaking work that introduced the theory of evolution by natural selection. Darwin’s book challenged the prevailing scientific and religious views of the time by proposing that species evolve over time through a process of natural selection, where the fittest individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Charles Darwin

“On the Origin of Species” provided extensive evidence from Darwin’s observations and research, particularly his studies of finches in the Galápagos Islands. The publication of this book marked a turning point in the field of biology and had profound implications for our understanding of life on Earth. It remains one of the most influential scientific works ever published.

1877 – Anna Sewell’s “Black Beauty” is Published

On November 24, 1877, Anna Sewell’s novel “Black Beauty” was published. The book, written from the perspective of a horse, tells the story of Black Beauty’s life and experiences, highlighting the treatment of horses in 19th-century England.

Sewell wrote “Black Beauty” with the intention of promoting humane treatment of animals, particularly horses, which were often subjected to harsh and cruel conditions. The novel’s vivid and empathetic portrayal of Black Beauty’s suffering and eventual happiness resonated with readers and contributed to changes in public attitudes towards animal welfare.

“Black Beauty” became an immediate bestseller and remains a classic of children’s literature and animal rights advocacy.

1904 – The First Successful Caterpillar Track is Made

On November 24, 1904, the first successful caterpillar track was made, marking a significant advancement in vehicle technology. The caterpillar track, also known as a continuous track or tank tread, was designed to allow vehicles to traverse rough and uneven terrain with greater ease than traditional wheeled vehicles.

This invention had profound implications for agriculture, construction, and military applications. The development of the caterpillar track is often attributed to Benjamin Holt and his company, Holt Manufacturing Company, which later became part of Caterpillar Inc.

The innovation revolutionized the way heavy machinery and military tanks were designed and operated, providing improved mobility and versatility in challenging environments.

1917 – Milwaukee Police Department Bombing

On November 24, 1917, a tragic bombing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, resulted in the deaths of nine members of the Milwaukee Police Department. This incident, known as the Milwaukee Police Department bombing, remains the deadliest single event in U.S. police history until the September 11 attacks in 2001.

The bomb, which had been disguised as a package, exploded inside the police station, killing the officers instantly and injuring several others. The attack was part of a broader wave of labor unrest and anarchist violence during the World War I era.

The incident highlighted the tensions and dangers faced by law enforcement officers during this tumultuous period in American history.

1932 – The FBI Crime Lab Officially Opens

On November 24, 1932, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officially opened its crime laboratory, known as the FBI Crime Lab.

The lab was established to provide scientific analysis and support for law enforcement investigations across the United States. Under the leadership of J. Edgar Hoover, the FBI sought to professionalize and modernize its investigative techniques, and the creation of the crime lab was a crucial step in this process.

The lab initially focused on forensic analysis, including fingerprint identification, handwriting examination, and the analysis of firearms and tool marks. Over the decades, the FBI Crime Lab has expanded its capabilities to include advanced techniques such as DNA analysis, digital forensics, and chemical analysis, becoming one of the premier forensic laboratories in the world.

1940 – Slovakia Joins the Axis Powers

On November 24, 1940, Slovakia became a signatory to the Tripartite Pact, officially joining the Axis Powers during World War II. The Tripartite Pact, originally signed by Germany, Italy, and Japan, was a military alliance aimed at establishing a new order based on the Axis’ geopolitical interests.

Slovakia’s alignment with the Axis was influenced by its political leadership, which sought to gain favor and protection from Nazi Germany. The decision to join the Axis had significant consequences for Slovakia, including its participation in the war on the Eastern Front and its complicity in the persecution and deportation of Jewish citizens.

Slovakia’s alliance with the Axis Powers lasted until the end of the war when it was liberated by Allied forces.

1943 – Sinking of the USS Liscome Bay

USS Liscome Bay

On November 24, 1943, during World War II, the USS Liscome Bay, an escort carrier of the United States Navy, was torpedoed and sunk by a Japanese submarine near Tarawa in the Pacific Ocean. The attack resulted in the deaths of 650 men, including Rear Admiral Henry Mullinnix.

The sinking of the Liscome Bay was one of the deadliest naval disasters for the United States during the war. The ship had been providing air support for the Battle of Tarawa, a critical campaign in the Pacific theater.

The loss of the Liscome Bay underscored the dangers faced by naval forces during the war and the significant human cost of the conflict. The tragedy highlighted the vulnerability of escort carriers and led to increased efforts to improve the safety and survivability of such vessels in combat.

1963 – Assassination of Lee Harvey Oswald by Jack Ruby

On November 24, 1963, Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin of President John F. Kennedy, was murdered by nightclub owner Jack Ruby. The shooting occurred in the basement of the Dallas Police Headquarters while Oswald was being transferred to a more secure facility.

Ruby’s act of vigilante justice was broadcast live on television, shocking the nation already reeling from Kennedy’s assassination two days earlier. Ruby’s motivations for killing Oswald remain a subject of speculation and conspiracy theories, with some suggesting he wanted to silence Oswald to protect others involved in a broader plot.

Ruby was convicted of murder but died of cancer in 1967 while awaiting a new trial. Oswald’s death further complicated the investigation into Kennedy’s assassination and contributed to enduring public suspicion and numerous conspiracy theories regarding the events of November 1963.

1965 – Joseph Désiré Mobutu Seizes Power in the Republic of the Congo

On November 24, 1965, Joseph Désiré Mobutu seized power in the Republic of the Congo (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) through a military coup. Mobutu, who later changed his name to Mobutu Sese Seko, ousted the country’s second prime minister, Joseph Kasa-Vubu, marking the beginning of his 32-year dictatorship.

Mobutu established a one-party state, promoting a policy of “authenticity” that sought to rid the country of colonial influence by Africanizing names and symbols. His regime was characterized by widespread corruption, human rights abuses, and economic mismanagement, despite receiving substantial support from Western countries during the Cold War.

Mobutu’s rule ended in 1997 when he was overthrown by rebel forces led by Laurent-Désiré Kabila, leading to the country’s ongoing instability and conflict.

1971 – D. B. Cooper Hijacking Incident

On November 24, 1971, during a severe thunderstorm over Washington state, a man known as D. B. Cooper hijacked a Northwest Orient Airlines plane. Cooper claimed to have a bomb, demanded $200,000 in ransom, and requested parachutes.

After receiving the ransom and parachutes at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, he released the passengers and ordered the plane to fly towards Mexico City with specific instructions to keep the plane below 10,000 feet and fly with the rear stairs deployed.

Somewhere over the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest, Cooper parachuted from the plane, disappearing without a trace. Despite an extensive manhunt and FBI investigation, Cooper’s true identity and fate remain unknown, making it one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in aviation history.

1974 – Discovery of Lucy, the Prehistoric Hominid

On November 24, 1974, paleoanthropologist Donald Johanson and his team discovered the skeletal remains of a prehistoric hominid named “Lucy” in the Afar Depression in Ethiopia. Lucy, classified as Australopithecus afarensis, lived approximately 3.2 million years ago and provided crucial insights into human evolution.

The discovery was significant because Lucy’s well-preserved skeleton revealed that bipedalism (walking on two legs) predated the development of larger brains in early hominids. Lucy’s name was inspired by The Beatles’ song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” which the team was listening to at the excavation site.

Her discovery transformed the understanding of the human evolutionary timeline and remains one of the most famous and important finds in paleoanthropology.

1976 – The Last Waltz: The Band’s Farewell Concert

On November 24, 1976, the rock group known as The Band held their farewell concert, “The Last Waltz,” at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. The concert was an elaborate and star-studded event featuring performances by prominent musicians such as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and Van Morrison.

Directed by Martin Scorsese, the concert was filmed and later released as a documentary in 1978, widely regarded as one of the greatest concert films ever made.

“The Last Waltz” marked the end of The Band’s original lineup and highlighted their significant contributions to rock and folk music. The event is celebrated for its historical importance and the collaboration of some of the era’s most influential artists.

2012 – Fire at a Clothing Factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh

On November 24, 2012, a devastating fire broke out at the Tazreen Fashion factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh, killing at least 112 people and injuring many others. The factory, which produced garments for major international brands, lacked adequate fire safety measures, and many workers were trapped inside due to locked exits.

The tragedy highlighted the severe safety deficiencies in Bangladesh’s garment industry, which is one of the largest in the world. The fire prompted global outrage and led to increased scrutiny and demands for improved working conditions and safety standards in garment factories. In the aftermath, several initiatives were launched to enhance factory safety, including the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh, signed by numerous global retailers and labor organizations.