November 6 Events in History

November 6 has been a day of significant historical events across various fields, ranging from political milestones to scientific achievements and natural disasters.

This article explores 20 notable events that occurred on this date, highlighting their impact and the context in which they happened.

From the election of U.S. Presidents and pivotal moments in wars to groundbreaking scientific discoveries and tragic accidents, each event offers a glimpse into the past and its influence on the present.

November 6th – On this Day in History

1860 – Abraham Lincoln is elected as the 16th President of the United States

Abraham Lincoln

On November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States. This election marked a pivotal moment in American history, as Lincoln’s victory was a significant factor leading to the secession of Southern states and the onset of the Civil War.

Also Read: November 5 Events in History

Running as a candidate from the newly formed Republican Party, Lincoln won the presidency without any support from the Southern states, which highlighted the deep divisions within the country over issues such as slavery and states’ rights.

His election underscored the growing sectional tensions and set the stage for the monumental conflicts that would soon engulf the nation.

1861 – Jefferson Davis is elected as the President of the Confederate States of America

One year after Abraham Lincoln’s election, on November 6, 1861, Jefferson Davis was elected as the President of the Confederate States of America. This election formalized Davis’s leadership of the Confederacy, which had been established earlier in the year following the secession of several Southern states from the Union.

Also Read: November 7th – On this Day in History

Davis, a former U.S. Senator and Secretary of War, faced the daunting task of leading the Confederacy through the Civil War. His presidency was marked by significant challenges, including securing international recognition, maintaining internal unity, and managing the war effort against the more industrialized and populous North.

1869 – The first intercollegiate football game in the United States

On November 6, 1869, the first intercollegiate football game in the United States was played between Rutgers and Princeton. This historic match took place in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and marked the beginning of organized college football in America.

The game was significantly different from modern football, resembling more of a combination of soccer and rugby. Rutgers emerged victorious with a score of 6 to 4.

This event laid the groundwork for the development of American football, which would evolve over the next few decades into the sport we know today, with standardized rules and increasing popularity.

1913 – Mohandas Gandhi is arrested while leading a march of Indian miners in South Africa

On November 6, 1913, Mohandas Gandhi was arrested while leading a march of Indian miners in South Africa. This event was part of Gandhi’s larger campaign of nonviolent resistance against discriminatory laws targeting Indian workers in the region.

Gandhi’s leadership in organizing the march demonstrated his commitment to civil disobedience as a means of protesting injustice. His arrest drew international attention to the plight of Indian laborers and the oppressive policies of the South African government.

This period in Gandhi’s life was crucial in shaping his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, which he would later apply to the struggle for Indian independence from British rule.

1917 – World War I: Battle of Passchendaele ends

Battle of Passchendaele

The Battle of Passchendaele, one of the most grueling and controversial battles of World War I, ended on November 6, 1917.

Fought between July and November 1917 near the Belgian village of Passchendaele (now known as Passendale), this battle was characterized by horrific conditions, including relentless rain that turned the battlefield into a quagmire of mud.

British and Commonwealth forces, under the command of General Sir Douglas Haig, launched the offensive with the aim of capturing the Passchendaele Ridge.

The battle resulted in massive casualties on both sides, with estimates of up to 700,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing. Despite the high cost, the Allies managed to capture the ridge, but the strategic value of the victory remains a subject of debate among historians.

1928 – Herbert Hoover wins the U.S. presidential election, defeating Alfred E. Smith

On November 6, 1928, Herbert Hoover won the U.S. presidential election, defeating Democratic candidate Alfred E. Smith. Hoover, a Republican, was a former Secretary of Commerce and was seen as a capable and experienced leader.

His victory was decisive, reflecting widespread public confidence in his promise of continued prosperity under Republican policies. Smith, the Governor of New York, faced significant challenges, including anti-Catholic sentiment and opposition to his stance against Prohibition.

Hoover’s campaign emphasized technological progress and economic growth, which resonated with voters during the final years of the Roaring Twenties. However, less than a year into Hoover’s presidency, the stock market crash of 1929 ushered in the Great Depression, dramatically altering his administration’s legacy.

1935 – Edwin Armstrong presents his paper on FM radio to the Institute of Radio Engineers in New York City

On November 6, 1935, Edwin Armstrong, an American electrical engineer and inventor, presented his groundbreaking paper on frequency modulation (FM) radio to the Institute of Radio Engineers in New York City.

Armstrong’s work introduced a new method of radio broadcasting that greatly reduced static and interference compared to the existing amplitude modulation (AM) systems. His presentation demonstrated the superior sound quality and reliability of FM radio, which would eventually revolutionize the broadcasting industry.

Despite initial resistance from established AM broadcasters and regulatory challenges, Armstrong’s FM technology gained acceptance and became the standard for high-fidelity radio transmission, significantly enhancing the listening experience for audiences worldwide.

1944 – Plutonium is first produced at the Hanford Atomic Facility and subsequently used in the Fat Man atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan

On November 6, 1944, plutonium was first produced at the Hanford Atomic Facility in Washington State. This marked a critical milestone in the Manhattan Project, the United States’ top-secret program to develop atomic weapons during World War II. The plutonium produced at Hanford was used in the “Fat Man” atomic bomb, which was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, on August 9, 1945.

The explosion of “Fat Man” resulted in widespread devastation and significant loss of life, contributing to Japan’s decision to surrender and effectively ending World War II. The production of plutonium at Hanford not only highlighted the scientific and engineering achievements of the Manhattan Project but also underscored the profound ethical and humanitarian implications of nuclear weapons.

1947 – “Meet the Press” makes its television debut

On November 6, 1947, “Meet the Press,” the longest-running television news program in history, made its debut. Created by journalist Martha Rountree and producer Lawrence Spivak, the show featured in-depth interviews with political figures, policymakers, and other newsmakers.

Its format of pressing guests with tough, unscripted questions set a new standard for broadcast journalism and contributed to its enduring popularity and influence.

Over the decades, “Meet the Press” has hosted numerous U.S. Presidents, foreign leaders, and key public figures, becoming a cornerstone of political discourse and a vital platform for public accountability in American media.

1962 – United Nations General Assembly passes a resolution condemning South Africa’s apartheid policies and calls for all UN member states to cease military and economic relations with the nation

On November 6, 1962, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 1761, condemning South Africa’s apartheid policies. The resolution called for all UN member states to cease military and economic relations with the nation as a means of exerting international pressure to end racial segregation and discrimination.

This marked a significant step in the global anti-apartheid movement, highlighting the international community’s growing opposition to South Africa’s systemic racism and human rights abuses.

The resolution paved the way for subsequent sanctions and boycotts, which played a crucial role in the eventual dismantling of apartheid and the establishment of a democratic government in South Africa.

1963 – Vietnam War: Coup d’état by the South Vietnamese army against President Ngô Đình Diệm

Ngô Đình Diệm

On November 6, 1963, a coup d’état orchestrated by the South Vietnamese military led to the overthrow and assassination of President Ngô Đình Diệm. The coup was a response to widespread dissatisfaction with Diệm’s autocratic rule and his failure to effectively counter the communist insurgency led by the Viet Cong.

Diệm’s oppressive policies, particularly against Buddhists, had alienated large segments of the population and eroded his support base. The U.S. initially supported Diệm but later withdrew their backing as his regime became increasingly unpopular.

The coup marked a significant turning point in the Vietnam War, leading to a period of political instability in South Vietnam and deepening U.S. involvement in the conflict.

1971 – The Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, with the largest radio telescope ever constructed, officially opens

On November 6, 1971, the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico officially opened. At the time, it featured the largest radio telescope ever constructed, with a 305-meter (1,000-foot) diameter dish. The observatory quickly became a vital tool for astronomers, allowing them to make groundbreaking discoveries in various fields such as planetary science, atmospheric studies, and radio astronomy.

Its capabilities enabled the detection of pulsars, the mapping of near-Earth asteroids, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI).

Arecibo also contributed to significant advancements in understanding gravitational waves and provided critical data for numerous scientific missions. Its iconic dish became a symbol of scientific innovation and exploration.

1984 – Ronald Reagan is re-elected as President of the United States, defeating Walter Mondale

On November 6, 1984, Ronald Reagan was re-elected as President of the United States in a landslide victory over Democratic challenger Walter Mondale. Reagan’s campaign emphasized the economic recovery during his first term, marked by significant tax cuts, deregulation, and a strong stance against the Soviet Union.

Ronald Reagan

Mondale, a former Vice President under Jimmy Carter, struggled to gain traction against Reagan’s popularity and optimistic vision of “Morning in America.” Reagan’s victory was one of the most decisive in U.S. history, with him winning 49 out of 50 states and capturing over 58% of the popular vote.

His re-election solidified the conservative shift in American politics and set the stage for continued policies of economic liberalization and strong national defense.

1991 – The KGB is officially dissolved

On November 6, 1991, the KGB, the Soviet Union’s main security agency, was officially dissolved. The dissolution came as part of the sweeping reforms initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev’s policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) and was accelerated by the failed coup attempt in August 1991 by hardline members of the KGB and other government bodies.

The end of the KGB marked a significant moment in the decline of the Soviet Union, which would dissolve entirely by the end of 1991.

The agency, known for its extensive surveillance, intelligence operations, and political repression, was succeeded by the Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) in post-Soviet Russia, reflecting the country’s transition from a communist state to a federation with new political dynamics.

1995 – Cleveland Browns relocation controversy: Art Modell announces the Cleveland Browns will be moving to Baltimore

On November 6, 1995, Art Modell, owner of the Cleveland Browns, shocked fans and the NFL community by announcing the relocation of the team to Baltimore, Maryland.

This decision came after years of financial struggles and unsuccessful attempts to secure a new stadium in Cleveland. The announcement ignited a fierce backlash from Browns fans and led to legal battles and intense negotiations.

Eventually, a compromise was reached: the Browns’ name, colors, and history would remain in Cleveland for a new team, which began play in 1999, while Modell’s franchise became the Baltimore Ravens. This relocation controversy highlighted the passionate connection between sports teams and their local communities and sparked debates over public funding for stadiums and the business of professional sports.

1996 – NASA launches the Mars Global Surveyor

On November 6, 1996, NASA launched the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The spacecraft embarked on a mission to map the Martian surface, study its topography, composition, and weather patterns, and act as a relay for future missions.

MGS entered orbit around Mars in September 1997 and began its primary mapping mission in March 1999.

Over its nine-year operational period, the spacecraft provided unprecedented detailed images and data, revealing evidence of ancient water flows, intricate geological formations, and the planet’s changing weather conditions. Its contributions significantly advanced our understanding of Mars, laying the groundwork for future exploration and the search for signs of past life on the Red Planet.

2001 – Michael Bloomberg is elected Mayor of New York City

On November 6, 2001, Michael Bloomberg was elected Mayor of New York City, succeeding Rudolph Giuliani. Bloomberg, a billionaire businessman and founder of the financial data and media company Bloomberg L.P., ran as a Republican despite his lifelong Democratic affiliation.

His campaign focused on his successful business background and promises to rebuild New York’s economy in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.

Bloomberg’s tenure as mayor was marked by efforts to improve public health, education, and infrastructure, as well as implementing controversial policies like the expansion of the police department’s stop-and-frisk program. His three terms in office left a lasting impact on the city’s governance and development.

2004 – An express train collides with a stationary car near the village of Ufton Nervet, England, killing seven and injuring 150

On November 6, 2004, a tragic train accident occurred near the village of Ufton Nervet in Berkshire, England. An express train traveling from London Paddington to Plymouth collided with a stationary car that had been deliberately parked on a level crossing by its driver, who intended to commit suicide.

The collision caused the train to derail, resulting in the deaths of seven people, including the train driver and the car driver, and injuring 150 others. The incident led to significant scrutiny of level crossing safety measures in the UK and prompted reviews and improvements in rail safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

2005 – The Evansville Tornado of November 2005 kills 25 people and injures 230 in Indiana and Kentucky

Evansville Tornado

On November 6, 2005, a devastating tornado struck the area around Evansville, Indiana, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The tornado, classified as an F3 on the Fujita scale, touched down in the early morning hours, catching many residents off guard as they slept.

It tore through the Eastbrook Mobile Home Park, resulting in the majority of the fatalities, and continued its path of destruction into neighboring Kentucky.

The tornado killed 25 people and injured 230, highlighting the vulnerabilities of mobile home communities to severe weather events. The tragedy underscored the need for improved warning systems and emergency preparedness, leading to changes in local building codes and disaster response strategies.

2012 – Barack Obama is re-elected as President of the United States, defeating Mitt Romney

On November 6, 2012, Barack Obama was re-elected as President of the United States, defeating Republican challenger Mitt Romney.

The election was characterized by a hard-fought campaign focusing on economic recovery, healthcare reform, and foreign policy. Obama, the incumbent president, ran on the achievements of his first term, including the Affordable Care Act and the killing of Osama bin Laden.

Romney, a former governor of Massachusetts, centered his campaign on his business experience and proposed economic policies. Obama’s victory was secured by winning key swing states, ultimately receiving 332 electoral votes to Romney’s 206.

His re-election affirmed the public’s support for his policies and leadership, setting the stage for his second-term agenda, which included continued efforts on healthcare, immigration reform, and climate change initiatives.