On This Day in History
November 11
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.
Angola Gains Independence from Portugal
Angola declared independence from Portuguese colonial rule after years of armed struggle, marking a key event in African decolonization.
Death of António Egas Moniz, Pioneer of Lobotomy
Portuguese neurologist António Egas Moniz, Nobel laureate and controversial pioneer of lobotomy, died in Lisbon.
Founding of the Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial was officially opened in Canberra to honor the nation's military sacrifices.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Founding of General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC)
General Motors established GMAC to provide financing for automobile purchases, revolutionizing consumer credit in the automotive industry.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Opening of London’s Westminster Bridge
Westminster Bridge, one of London’s iconic crossings over the River Thames, was officially opened to the public.
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.