November 4 Events in History

On November 4th, history has witnessed numerous significant events that have shaped the world in various ways.

From monumental discoveries and pivotal battles to groundbreaking political milestones and cultural shifts, this date holds a rich tapestry of moments that have left a lasting impact.

This article delves into twenty notable occurrences on November 4th, providing a chronological exploration of events that range from ancient battles and scientific breakthroughs to modern political triumphs and societal changes.

November 4th – On this Day in History

1576 – Eighty Years’ War: Spain captures Antwerp

In 1576, during the Eighty Years’ War, the Spanish forces captured Antwerp after a brutal three-day assault known as the “Spanish Fury.” Antwerp, a major economic center in the Low Countries, was left in ruins, and thousands of its citizens were killed.

The sack of Antwerp was part of the broader conflict between the Spanish Habsburgs and the Dutch rebels seeking independence.

Also Read: November 3 Events in History

The event galvanized the Dutch resistance and led to the Pacification of Ghent, a treaty uniting the northern and southern provinces of the Netherlands against Spanish rule. The devastation of Antwerp highlighted the severe consequences of the protracted war.

1677 – Mary II of England marries William of Orange

Mary II

On November 4, 1677, Mary II of England married William of Orange, who would later become William III of England. This union was both a personal and political alliance, aimed at strengthening ties between England and the Dutch Republic against the expansionist policies of France under Louis XIV.

Also Read: November 5th – On this Day in History

Mary, the daughter of James, Duke of York (later James II), and William, her first cousin, ascended the English throne in 1689 following the Glorious Revolution. Their joint reign, marked by significant constitutional changes, including the Bill of Rights 1689, laid the foundations for modern parliamentary democracy in Britain.

1783 – Mozart’s Symphony No. 36 premieres in Linz, Austria

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 36, also known as the “Linz Symphony,” premiered on November 4, 1783, in Linz, Austria. This symphony was composed in a remarkably short time—just four days—during Mozart’s visit to the city. The work is a vibrant and dynamic composition, showcasing Mozart’s extraordinary talent and creativity.

The premiere was a significant event in the classical music world, further establishing Mozart’s reputation as one of the leading composers of his time. The “Linz Symphony” remains a popular and frequently performed piece in the classical repertoire.

1791 – Battle of the Wabash: Western Confederacy defeats the United States

The Battle of the Wabash, also known as St. Clair’s Defeat, occurred on November 4, 1791. It was one of the most significant Native American victories over the United States.

Battle of the Wabash

The Western Confederacy, an alliance of Native American tribes led by Little Turtle of the Miami and Blue Jacket of the Shawnee, decisively defeated the United States forces commanded by General Arthur St. Clair.

The battle took place near present-day Fort Recovery, Ohio. The U.S. forces suffered heavy casualties, with over 600 soldiers killed and many more wounded.

This defeat underscored the challenges the United States faced in asserting control over the Northwest Territory and led to significant changes in U.S. military policy and Indian affairs.

1839 – Newport Rising: Last Large-Scale Armed Rebellion in Britain

The Newport Rising, which took place on November 4, 1839, was the last significant armed rebellion against authority in mainland Britain.

Led by John Frost, a former mayor of Newport and a prominent Chartist, the uprising aimed to address grievances about political representation and working conditions. Thousands of Chartists marched on Newport, Monmouthshire, hoping to liberate their imprisoned comrades and provoke a broader revolution.

The authorities, however, were prepared and met the marchers with armed force. After a brief but violent confrontation, the rebellion was suppressed, resulting in over 20 deaths and numerous injuries.

The leaders were arrested, tried, and initially sentenced to death, though their sentences were later commuted to transportation. The Newport Rising highlighted the intense social and political tensions of the period and underscored the Chartists’ struggle for democratic reforms, which eventually influenced future political changes in Britain.

1847 – Sir James Young Simpson Discovers Anesthetic Properties of Chloroform

On November 4, 1847, Sir James Young Simpson, a Scottish obstetrician, discovered the anesthetic properties of chloroform. This groundbreaking discovery revolutionized medical practice by providing a more effective and manageable means of anesthesia compared to previously used substances like ether.

Simpson and his colleagues tested chloroform on themselves, noting its ability to induce unconsciousness without significant adverse effects. This discovery rapidly gained acceptance in medical circles, despite some initial resistance due to concerns about safety and morality.

Chloroform’s use in surgery and childbirth significantly alleviated pain and suffering, marking a milestone in the history of medicine and paving the way for more advanced anesthetic techniques.

1861 – The University of Washington Opens in Seattle

The University of Washington was established in Seattle on November 4, 1861, under the original name of the Territorial University of Washington. Its establishment marked an important step in the development of higher education in the Pacific Northwest.

The university began with a single building on a 10-acre campus donated by local settlers and has since grown into one of the leading public research universities in the United States.

Over the decades, the University of Washington has expanded its academic programs, research facilities, and campus size, contributing significantly to the educational, cultural, and economic development of the region. It remains a hub for innovation and academic excellence, attracting students and scholars from around the world.

1864 – American Civil War: Battle of Johnsonville

Battle of Johnsonville

The Battle of Johnsonville, part of the American Civil War, took place from November 4 to November 5, 1864. Confederate forces led by General Nathan Bedford Forrest conducted a surprise attack on the Union supply base at Johnsonville, Tennessee.

Using artillery positioned across the Tennessee River, Forrest’s troops bombarded the Union supply depot, destroying millions of dollars worth of supplies, including a large number of transport ships and warehouses.

The Union forces, taken by surprise and unable to effectively counter the attack, suffered significant losses. This Confederate victory disrupted Union supply lines and showcased Forrest’s tactical ingenuity. Despite this success, it was ultimately a strategic delay rather than a turning point in the war, as the Union continued its advance towards ultimate victory.

1890 – London Opens the City and South London Railway

On November 4, 1890, London saw the opening of its first deep-level underground railway, the City and South London Railway (C&SLR). This pioneering line ran from King William Street in the City of London to Stockwell in South London and was notable for being the first major railway to use electric traction instead of steam locomotives.

The introduction of electric trains marked a significant technological advancement, providing cleaner, faster, and more reliable urban transportation. The C&SLR’s success demonstrated the viability of electric underground railways, leading to the development and expansion of the London Underground network, which became a model for urban transit systems worldwide.

This innovation helped shape the modern cityscape and revolutionized public transportation, making it an integral part of daily life in metropolitan areas.

1922 – Howard Carter Discovers the Tomb of Tutankhamun

On November 4, 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter made one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century: the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings, Egypt. Carter, funded by Lord Carnarvon, had been searching for years before he stumbled upon the steps leading to the tomb’s entrance.

Pharaoh Tutankhamun

The discovery was monumental because it was the first time an almost intact royal tomb from ancient Egypt had been found. The tomb contained a wealth of artifacts, including the famous gold mask of Tutankhamun, jewelry, chariots, and other treasures, providing an unprecedented glimpse into the opulence of the Egyptian pharaohs.

The find sparked a worldwide interest in Egyptology and has significantly contributed to our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and burial practices.

1924 – Nellie Tayloe Ross Elected as the First Female Governor in the United States

On November 4, 1924, Nellie Tayloe Ross was elected as the governor of Wyoming, making her the first woman to hold such a position in the United States. Ross assumed office following the death of her husband, Governor William B. Ross, and her election was a significant milestone in the women’s suffrage movement, which had achieved a major victory with the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

During her tenure, Ross advocated for fiscal responsibility, improved government efficiency, and social reforms, including support for prohibition and child welfare initiatives.

Although she was defeated in her bid for re-election in 1926, Ross continued to serve in public roles, notably as the Director of the United States Mint, where she became the first woman to hold that position as well. Her career paved the way for future female politicians and leaders in the United States.

1939 – World War II: U.S. Modifies Neutrality Stance with “Cash and Carry” Policy

On November 4, 1939, the United States Congress passed an amendment to the Neutrality Act of 1935, implementing the “cash and carry” policy. This significant change allowed belligerent nations to purchase arms and other goods from the U.S. as long as they paid cash and transported the items on their own ships.

The policy was designed to aid the Allies, particularly Britain and France, without directly involving the U.S. in World War II. By avoiding the risks associated with American ships being targeted by German submarines, the “cash and carry” policy marked a shift from strict neutrality towards a more supportive stance for the Allies.

This move was a precursor to further American involvement in the war, which eventually led to the Lend-Lease Act of 1941 and full-scale U.S. engagement after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

1952 – Establishment of the National Security Agency (NSA)

On November 4, 1952, the United States government established the National Security Agency (NSA) as a part of the Department of Defense. The NSA was created to centralize the cryptographic and communications intelligence activities of the U.S. military and intelligence community. Its primary mission was to protect U.S. government communications and to intercept and analyze foreign communications for intelligence purposes.

Over the years, the NSA has grown to become one of the most secretive and powerful intelligence agencies in the world, known for its role in codebreaking during the Cold War and its extensive surveillance capabilities in the digital age. The establishment of the NSA marked a significant development in the U.S. intelligence infrastructure, reflecting the growing importance of signals intelligence (SIGINT) in national security.

1956 – Soviet Troops Enter Hungary to Suppress the Hungarian Revolution

Hungarian Revolution

On November 4, 1956, Soviet troops invaded Hungary to crush the Hungarian Revolution, a nationwide uprising against Soviet-imposed policies and control.

The revolution had begun on October 23rd, 1956, with massive demonstrations demanding political reform, freedom from Soviet oppression, and the withdrawal of Soviet troops. Initially, the Hungarian government, led by Imre Nagy, declared neutrality and sought to withdraw from the Warsaw Pact.

However, the Soviet Union, determined to maintain its influence in Eastern Europe, responded with overwhelming military force. Soviet tanks and troops entered Budapest and other Hungarian cities, brutally suppressing the revolt.

Thousands of Hungarians were killed, and many more were arrested or forced into exile. The crushing of the Hungarian Revolution highlighted the limitations of Soviet tolerance for independence movements within its sphere of influence and had a profound impact on Cold War dynamics, reinforcing the perception of Soviet dominance in Eastern Europe.

1970 – Genie, a Feral Child, is Discovered in Los Angeles

On November 4, 1970, a 13-year-old girl named Genie was discovered in Los Angeles, having been subjected to extreme isolation and neglect by her parents. Genie had spent most of her life confined to a small room, tied to a potty chair or a crib, with little to no human interaction or stimulation.

Her discovery by social workers led to an intense period of scientific study, as researchers sought to understand the effects of severe deprivation on human development, particularly language acquisition.

Genie became the subject of numerous psychological and linguistic studies, as her case provided unique insights into the critical periods for language development and the effects of social isolation on cognitive and emotional growth.

Despite the ethical controversies surrounding her treatment and study, Genie’s case remains one of the most well-known and tragic examples of feral children in modern history.

1979 – Iran Hostage Crisis: Iranian Militants Storm the US Embassy

On November 4, 1979, Iranian militants stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage. This event marked the beginning of the Iran Hostage Crisis, which lasted for 444 days.

The militants demanded the extradition of the Shah of Iran, who had been admitted to the United States for medical treatment, and sought to undermine American influence in Iran following the Islamic Revolution. The crisis dominated U.S. news and politics, severely straining relations between the two countries. Diplomatic efforts and a failed rescue mission in April 1980 only added to the tension.

The hostages were eventually released on January 20, 1981, the day Ronald Reagan was inaugurated as President. The crisis had a profound impact on U.S. foreign policy, contributing to a lasting mistrust between the United States and Iran.

1995 – Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin is Assassinated

Yitzhak Rabin

On November 4, 1995, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated by Yigal Amir, a right-wing extremist opposed to Rabin’s peace efforts with the Palestinians. Rabin had just attended a peace rally in Tel Aviv, where he expressed his commitment to the Oslo Accords, a set of agreements aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Amir, motivated by his belief that Rabin’s policies endangered the security of Israel, shot Rabin as he was leaving the rally. Rabin’s assassination shocked the world and deeply impacted the Israeli peace process.

His death was a significant setback for those advocating for a negotiated settlement to the conflict and highlighted the intense divisions within Israeli society over the peace process.

2008 – Barack Obama Elected as the First African-American President of the United States

On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States, making history as the first African-American to hold the office. His election marked a significant milestone in American history and was seen as a momentous step forward in the nation’s long struggle with racial inequality.

Obama, a senator from Illinois, ran on a platform of change and hope, appealing to a wide range of voters with his message of unity and progress. His victory was celebrated globally and symbolized a new era in American politics.

Obama’s presidency brought significant legislative achievements, including the Affordable Care Act, and he navigated the country through the aftermath of the global financial crisis. His election and presidency had a profound impact on American society and politics, inspiring millions and reshaping the political landscape.

2020 – Kamala Harris Becomes the First Female, First Black, and First Asian-American Vice President-elect of the United States

On November 4, 2020, Kamala Harris was elected Vice President of the United States, making history as the first woman, first Black, and first Asian-American to hold the office. Harris, a senator from California and former Attorney General of California, ran alongside President Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket.

Her election was a landmark achievement in American politics, reflecting the nation’s growing diversity and the breaking of long-standing racial and gender barriers. Harris’s background as the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants brought a unique perspective to the vice presidency.