November 28 is a date marked by significant historical events that have shaped the world in various ways.
From the liberation of cities and groundbreaking achievements in women’s rights to key moments in global exploration and political milestones, this day stands out in history.
In this article, we explore twenty notable events that occurred on November 28, spanning centuries and continents, to provide a comprehensive look at the diverse and impactful occurrences associated with this date.
November 28th – On this Day in History
1443 – Skanderbeg Liberates Kruja
In 1443, Gjergj Kastrioti, better known as Skanderbeg, successfully liberated the city of Kruja from Ottoman control.
Skanderbeg, an Albanian nobleman and military commander, had been taken hostage by the Ottoman Empire as a child and converted to Islam. Despite his upbringing within the Ottoman ranks, he remained loyal to his Albanian roots.
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Upon capturing Kruja, Skanderbeg raised the Albanian flag, symbolizing a defiant stance against Ottoman rule. This event marked the beginning of a series of successful military campaigns that made Skanderbeg a national hero and a symbol of resistance in Albanian history.
1520 – Magellan Navigates the Strait

On November 28, 1520, Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer leading a Spanish expedition, successfully navigated the strait at the southern tip of South America, which now bears his name, the Strait of Magellan. This achievement was a significant milestone in the first circumnavigation of the Earth.
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The strait provided a crucial maritime route, demonstrating the feasibility of westward sea travel to reach the Spice Islands. Magellan’s voyage through the strait showcased his navigation skills and opened new avenues for global exploration and trade, altering the course of maritime history.
1582 – Shakespeare and Hathaway’s Marriage License
In 1582, in Stratford-upon-Avon, William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway secured a marriage license, paying a £40 bond. This event marks the formal beginning of their union, which played a significant role in Shakespeare’s personal life.
Anne Hathaway was eight years Shakespeare’s senior, and their marriage has been the subject of much historical and literary scrutiny. The bond ensured that there were no legal impediments to the marriage, and it allowed them to wed with some urgency, which has led to speculation about the circumstances surrounding their union.
1660 – Founding of the Royal Society
The Royal Society, founded in London on November 28, 1660, is the oldest scientific academy in continuous existence. Established during the Restoration period, the Society was initiated by a group of natural philosophers and physicians who aimed to promote knowledge through experimentation and empirical evidence.
The founding of the Royal Society marked a significant advancement in the scientific revolution, fostering an environment where intellectual inquiry and scientific discovery could thrive. It has since played a crucial role in the development and dissemination of scientific knowledge.
1729 – Natchez Massacre at Fort Rosalie
On November 28, 1729, the Natchez Indians launched a devastating attack on Fort Rosalie, near present-day Natchez, Mississippi. In a well-coordinated assault, they killed 138 Frenchmen, 35 French women, and 56 children. This massacre was a response to the encroaching French colonial expansion and the imposition of their rule over the Natchez territory.
The event shocked the French colonial administration and led to a brutal retaliation against the Natchez people. The massacre at Fort Rosalie highlighted the tensions and violent conflicts between European colonizers and Native American tribes during the colonial period.
1776 – Battle of Fort Cumberland

On November 28, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Fort Cumberland took place in Nova Scotia. This confrontation was part of the larger struggle between American Patriots and British Loyalists.
Rebel forces, led by Jonathan Eddy, attempted to capture the fort to inspire local support and extend the influence of the revolution into Canada. Despite their efforts, the rebels were repelled by the British defenders.
The failure to capture Fort Cumberland signified the challenges faced by the American revolutionaries in gaining support outside the Thirteen Colonies and underscored the complex dynamics of loyalty and rebellion in the broader conflict.
1785 – Treaty of Hopewell
The Treaty of Hopewell was signed on November 28, 1785, marking a significant moment in the early history of the United States.
This treaty was an agreement between the United States government and the Cherokee Nation, aiming to establish boundaries and ensure peace between settlers and the Cherokee people. The treaty acknowledged Cherokee lands and promised protection in exchange for peace and trade routes.
However, the promises made in the Treaty of Hopewell were often ignored or violated by settlers and government officials, leading to future conflicts and displacement of the Cherokee people. The treaty represents the early, often contentious, relations between the U.S. government and Native American tribes.
1821 – Panama Independence Day
November 28, 1821, marks Panama’s Independence Day, celebrating its separation from Spain and its decision to join Gran Colombia. This significant event was part of the larger Latin American wars of independence, where many colonies fought for and achieved independence from Spanish rule.
Panama’s strategic location made it a valuable territory, and its independence was crucial for the political and economic dynamics of the region.
By joining Gran Colombia, Panama aligned itself with the revolutionary movement led by Simón Bolívar, aiming for a united and strong Latin America. This day remains a pivotal point in Panama’s history, symbolizing its national sovereignty and identity.
1843 – Hawaiian Independence Day
Ka Lā Hānau o Lā Kūʻokoʻa, or Hawaiian Independence Day, is celebrated on November 28, 1843, when the Kingdom of Hawaii was officially recognized as an independent nation by the United Kingdom and France. This recognition was the result of efforts by King Kamehameha III and his diplomats to secure international recognition and protection against colonial ambitions.
The declaration of Hawaii’s independence marked a significant achievement in maintaining its sovereignty and territorial integrity amidst the era of imperial expansion. This day is celebrated in Hawaii as a reminder of the kingdom’s successful efforts to establish its place in the international community.
1862 – Battle of Cane Hill

The Battle of Cane Hill took place on November 28, 1862, during the American Civil War. This battle occurred in the northwest region of Arkansas and involved Union forces under General John Blunt confronting Confederate troops.
The Union’s decisive victory at Cane Hill was part of the larger campaign to secure control over the strategically important region. The battle showcased the tactical prowess of Union forces and contributed to their efforts to weaken Confederate control in the Trans-Mississippi Theater.
The success at Cane Hill helped pave the way for subsequent Union victories in the region and was a significant moment in the Civil War’s Western campaigns.
1893 – New Zealand Grants Women’s Suffrage
On November 28, 1893, New Zealand made history by becoming the first country in the world to allow women to vote in a national election. This landmark decision was the result of years of campaigning by suffragists, particularly the efforts of Kate Sheppard, who became a leading figure in the movement.
The successful passage of the Electoral Act 1893 was a groundbreaking achievement in the global fight for women’s rights. Women’s participation in the election demonstrated their political influence and set a precedent that inspired suffrage movements worldwide. This event marked a significant step towards gender equality and established New Zealand as a pioneer in democratic reforms.
1905 – Founding of Sinn Féin
On November 28, 1905, Irish nationalist Arthur Griffith founded Sinn Féin, which means “We Ourselves” or “Ourselves Alone” in Irish. Originally established as a political and cultural movement, Sinn Féin aimed to promote the cause of Irish independence from British rule.
Griffith’s vision for Sinn Féin was to establish a dual monarchy, similar to the Austro-Hungarian model, where Ireland would have its own parliament while remaining united with Britain under a shared monarch.
Over time, Sinn Féin evolved into a more radical organization, advocating for complete Irish independence and becoming closely associated with the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The founding of Sinn Féin marked a significant moment in Ireland’s struggle for self-determination and political sovereignty.
1919 – Lady Astor Becomes the First Female MP
On November 28, 1919, Nancy Astor, Viscountess Astor, became the first woman to take her seat as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. Born in the United States, Lady Astor married into the British aristocracy and entered politics after her husband, Waldorf Astor, inherited a peerage and moved to the House of Lords.
Her election as a Conservative MP for Plymouth Sutton marked a significant milestone in the history of British politics. Lady Astor’s presence in Parliament paved the way for greater female representation in British politics and highlighted the ongoing struggle for gender equality in public life. Her career was marked by advocacy for social issues, including temperance and women’s rights.
1943 – Tehran Conference
The Tehran Conference, held from November 28 to December 1, 1943, was a crucial meeting during World War II between U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin. This conference marked the first time the three leaders of the Allied powers met together.
The primary objective of the Tehran Conference was to coordinate military strategy against the Axis powers and discuss post-war reorganization. Key decisions included the agreement on Operation Overlord, the planned invasion of Normandy, which ultimately took place in June 1944.
The conference also addressed the issue of establishing a second front in Western Europe to alleviate pressure on Soviet forces fighting in the East. The Tehran Conference was a pivotal moment in the Allied war effort and laid the groundwork for future cooperation among the Allies.
1960 – Mauritania Gains Independence
On November 28, 1960, Mauritania gained independence from France, marking the end of colonial rule and the beginning of self-governance for the West African nation. This significant event followed a series of decolonization movements across Africa during the mid-20th century.
Mauritania’s path to independence was relatively peaceful compared to other colonies that experienced violent struggles. The first President of Mauritania, Moktar Ould Daddah, led the country through its initial years of independence, focusing on nation-building and development.
Mauritania’s independence day is celebrated annually, commemorating the country’s sovereignty and the efforts of its people to establish an independent state.
1964 – Mariner 4 Launch

On November 28, 1964, NASA launched Mariner 4, a historic space mission that marked the first successful flyby of Mars. This mission was part of the larger Mariner program, designed to explore the inner planets of the solar system.
Mariner 4 provided the first close-up images of Mars, revealing a surface marked by craters and dispelling some of the long-held myths about the possibility of life on the planet.
The spacecraft’s journey took approximately eight months, and it transmitted 21 images back to Earth, transforming our understanding of Mars. This mission was a significant milestone in space exploration, paving the way for future Mars missions and enhancing our knowledge of the Red Planet.
1971 – Death of Fred Quilt
On November 28, 1971, Fred Quilt, a leader of the Tsilhqot’in First Nation in Canada, passed away following an altercation with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The incident, which occurred during a routine traffic stop, led to allegations of police brutality and sparked widespread outrage and protests among Indigenous communities and their allies.
Quilt’s death highlighted the broader issues of systemic racism and the treatment of Indigenous peoples by law enforcement in Canada. It prompted calls for justice and reforms within the RCMP, as well as increased awareness of the rights and struggles of Indigenous peoples in Canada. The case remains a significant moment in the history of Indigenous activism in the country.
1975 – East Timor Declares Independence
On November 28, 1975, East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, declared its independence from Portugal after centuries of colonial rule. The declaration came during a period of decolonization in Asia and Africa.
However, the independence was short-lived as, just nine days later, Indonesian forces invaded and occupied East Timor, leading to a protracted and bloody struggle for self-determination. The occupation lasted until 1999, during which time widespread human rights abuses were reported.
East Timor finally achieved full independence on May 20, 2002, following a United Nations-administered transition period. The initial declaration of independence in 1975 remains a symbol of East Timor’s enduring quest for sovereignty and freedom.
1994 – Norwegian EU Membership Referendum
On November 28, 1994, Norwegian voters participated in a referendum to decide whether Norway should join the European Union (EU). The debate over EU membership was highly contentious, involving economic, political, and cultural considerations. Ultimately, 52.2% of voters rejected EU membership, while 47.8% were in favor.
The result reflected concerns about national sovereignty, economic control, and the impact on Norway’s fishing and agricultural sectors. Norway’s decision to remain outside the EU has continued to shape its policies and relationship with the rest of Europe. The 1994 referendum is a significant event in Norwegian history, demonstrating the country’s commitment to maintaining its independence and the unique aspects of its national identity.
1999 – WTO Protests in Seattle
On November 28, 1999, the World Trade Organization (WTO) convened in Seattle, Washington, for its ministerial conference. This meeting became the focal point of widespread protests, known as the “Battle of Seattle,” as activists from around the world gathered to voice their opposition to the organization’s policies and the broader effects of globalization.
Protesters included labor unions, environmental groups, human rights activists, and anti-globalization advocates. The demonstrations highlighted issues such as workers’ rights, environmental degradation, and the negative impacts of free trade on developing countries.
The protests were marked by clashes between demonstrators and police, leading to arrests and the use of tear gas and rubber bullets. The events in Seattle brought significant attention to the criticisms of the WTO and sparked a global debate on the future of international trade and economic policy.