On This Day in History

November 2

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1969
Invention

First Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Installed in Canada

Canada installed its first ATM, modernizing banking by allowing customers to perform financial transactions without a teller.

📍 Toronto, Canada

Invention Finance
1967
Politics

Che Guevara Captured in Bolivia

Revolutionary leader Che Guevara was captured by Bolivian forces, marking the end of his efforts to incite global insurgency.

📍 La Higuera, Bolivia

Politics Revolution
1967
Invention

First Scheduled Color Television Broadcast in the UK

The BBC launched the first regular color television broadcasts in the United Kingdom, transforming the viewing experience.

📍 London, England

Invention Media
1966
Politics

The Cuban Adjustment Act Signed into Law

The United States enacted the Cuban Adjustment Act, allowing Cuban refugees to apply for permanent residency after fleeing Fidel Castro's regime.

📍 Washington, D.C., USA

Politics Immigration
1962
Politics

UN Adopts Resolution to End Apartheid in South Africa

The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution condemning apartheid and calling for sanctions against South Africa.

📍 New York City, USA

Politics Human Rights
1959
Invention

First Scheduled Jet Service Across the Pacific

Pan American World Airways inaugurated the first jetliner service across the Pacific Ocean, revolutionizing international air travel.

📍 San Francisco, USA

Invention Aviation
1940
War

Italy Invades Greece During WWII

Italian forces invaded Greece during World War II, but were met with strong resistance, marking a significant Axis setback.

📍 Greece

War WWII
1922
Exploration

Howard Carter Discovers the Tomb of Tutankhamun

British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the sealed tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in Egypt's Valley of the Kings, one of the greatest archaeological finds in history.

📍 Valley of the Kings, Egypt

Exploration Archaeology
1920
Invention

First Radio Broadcast of KDKA, Launching Commercial Radio

KDKA in Pittsburgh made the first commercial radio broadcast, marking the birth of modern radio with coverage of the U.S. presidential election.

📍 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Invention Communication
1919
Invention

First Commercial Flight Between London and Paris

The first regular international commercial flight service began between London and Paris, marking a new era in air travel.

📍 London, England / Paris, France

Invention Aviation
1917
Politics

Declaration of the Balfour Declaration Supporting a Jewish Homeland

The British government issued the Balfour Declaration, expressing support for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

📍 London, England

Politics Middle East
1889
Politics

North and South Dakota Admitted as U.S. States

North Dakota and South Dakota were admitted to the United States as the 39th and 40th states, expanding the Union.

📍 USA

Politics US History
1880
Science

First Issue of Science Magazine Published

The inaugural issue of *Science* magazine was published, becoming one of the world's leading scientific journals.

📍 New York City, USA

Science Publication
1865
Politics

Birth of Warren G. Harding, 29th U.S. President

Warren G. Harding, who served as the 29th President of the United States and advocated for a 'return to normalcy' after World War I, was born.

📍 Ohio, USA

Politics US Presidents
1864
Science

Death of George Boole, Father of Boolean Algebra

George Boole, mathematician and logician whose work laid the foundations for computer science, died in Ireland.

📍 County Cork, Ireland

Science Mathematics
1849
Politics

Death of James K. Polk, 11th U.S. President

James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States known for expanding U.S. territory through the Mexican-American War, died shortly after leaving office.

📍 Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Politics US Presidents
1800
Culture

Day of the Dead Celebrations Begin in Mexico

Día de los Muertos, a blend of indigenous and Catholic traditions honoring deceased loved ones, became widely celebrated in Mexico.

📍 Mexico

Culture Tradition
1755
Politics

Birth of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France

Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France before the French Revolution and a symbol of royal excess, was born in Vienna.

📍 Vienna, Austria

Politics Monarchy
1731
Culture

First U.S. Library Opens to the Public

The Library Company of Philadelphia, founded by Benjamin Franklin, opened as the first public lending library in America.

📍 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Culture Education
1640
Culture

Death of Peter Paul Rubens, Flemish Baroque Painter

Renowned Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens, famous for his vibrant and dynamic paintings, died in Antwerp.

📍 Antwerp, Belgium

Culture Art