On This Day in History

November 11

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1982
Culture

Opening of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C., honoring U.S. service members who fought and died in the Vietnam War.

📍 Washington, D.C., USA

Culture War Memorial
1975
Politics

Angola Gains Independence from Portugal

Angola declared independence from Portuguese colonial rule after years of armed struggle, marking a key event in African decolonization.

📍 Luanda, Angola

Politics Decolonization
1955
Science

Death of António Egas Moniz, Pioneer of Lobotomy

Portuguese neurologist António Egas Moniz, Nobel laureate and controversial pioneer of lobotomy, died in Lisbon.

📍 Lisbon, Portugal

Science Medicine
1941
Culture

Founding of the Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial was officially opened in Canberra to honor the nation's military sacrifices.

📍 Canberra, Australia

Culture War Memorial
1921
Culture

First World War Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Dedicated in the U.S.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was dedicated at Arlington National Cemetery to honor unidentified American soldiers who died in World War I.

📍 Arlington, Virginia, USA

Culture Commemoration
1919
Politics

Establishment of Veterans Day in the United States

The first Armistice Day was commemorated in the U.S., later becoming Veterans Day to honor all military veterans.

📍 USA

Politics Commemoration
1919
Politics

End of World War I Marked as Remembrance Day

The first Remembrance Day was observed in Commonwealth nations to honor soldiers who died in World War I.

📍 United Kingdom and Commonwealth

Politics Commemoration
1919
Science

Einstein’s Theory of Relativity Proven by Eddington’s Expedition Announced

The results of Arthur Eddington’s solar eclipse expedition confirmed Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, revolutionizing physics.

📍 London, England

Science Physics
1919
Invention

Founding of General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC)

General Motors established GMAC to provide financing for automobile purchases, revolutionizing consumer credit in the automotive industry.

📍 Detroit, Michigan, USA

Invention Economy
1918
War

World War I Ends with Armistice

World War I ended when the Armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany, bringing four years of global conflict to a close.

📍 Compiègne, France

War World War I
1918
Politics

Poland Regains Independence After 123 Years

Poland re-emerged as an independent nation after World War I, ending 123 years of partitions by Austria, Prussia, and Russia.

📍 Warsaw, Poland

Politics Independence
1918
Politics

Emperor Charles I Renounces Participation in Austrian Affairs

Emperor Charles I of Austria renounced involvement in state affairs, signaling the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

📍 Vienna, Austria

Politics World War I
1889
Politics

Washington Becomes 42nd State of the United States

Washington was admitted to the Union as the 42nd U.S. state, expanding the nation's Pacific Northwest territory.

📍 Washington, USA

Politics US History
1863
Politics

Mary Edwards Walker Becomes First Female U.S. Army Surgeon

Mary Edwards Walker was appointed the first female surgeon in the U.S. Army during the Civil War and later became a Medal of Honor recipient.

📍 USA

Politics Women’s Rights
1846
Invention

Patent Granted for the First Rotary Printing Press

Richard March Hoe received a patent for the rotary printing press, greatly accelerating newspaper and book production.

📍 New York City, USA

Invention Printing
1837
Culture

Birth of Algernon Charles Swinburne, English Poet

Algernon Charles Swinburne, a leading English poet of the Victorian era known for his controversial themes, was born.

📍 London, England

Culture Literature
1831
Politics

Death of Nat Turner, Leader of Slave Rebellion

Nat Turner, who led a significant slave rebellion in Virginia, was executed, becoming a symbol of resistance against slavery.

📍 Jerusalem, Virginia, USA

Politics Civil Rights
1821
Culture

Birth of Fyodor Dostoevsky, Russian Novelist

Fyodor Dostoevsky, author of literary classics such as *Crime and Punishment* and *The Brothers Karamazov*, was born in Moscow.

📍 Moscow, Russia

Culture Literature
1750
Invention

Opening of London’s Westminster Bridge

Westminster Bridge, one of London’s iconic crossings over the River Thames, was officially opened to the public.

📍 London, England

Invention Architecture
1620
Politics

Mayflower Compact Signed by Pilgrims

The Mayflower Compact was signed by Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower, establishing a framework for self-government in the New World.

📍 Provincetown Harbor, Massachusetts, USA

Politics Colonial History