On This Day in History
November 6
UN General Assembly Adopts Universal Declaration on the Eradication of Hunger
The United Nations adopted a declaration emphasizing the right of everyone to be free from hunger and malnutrition.
Colonel Qaddafi Seizes Power in Libya
Colonel Muammar Qaddafi formally took power in Libya after a coup, beginning his 42-year rule over the country.
First Flight of the Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet Prototype
The Boeing 747, the world’s first wide-body 'jumbo jet,' made its maiden flight, revolutionizing long-distance air travel.
UN General Assembly Condemns Apartheid in South Africa
The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution condemning apartheid policies in South Africa and called for sanctions.
First Automatic Toll Collection System Installed
The world's first automatic toll collection system was installed in New Jersey, streamlining highway transportation.
First Jet-to-Jet Aerial Refueling Completed
The U.S. Air Force completed the first successful jet-to-jet aerial refueling, extending the operational range of military aircraft.
First U.S. Professional Basketball Game Played
The first professional basketball game in the U.S. was played in Toronto, marking the beginning of what would become the NBA.
Birth of Sally Field, Award-Winning Actress
Sally Field, acclaimed American actress known for roles in *Forrest Gump* and *Norma Rae*, was born.
Helsinki Stock Exchange Founded
The Helsinki Stock Exchange was established, becoming Finland’s primary securities market.
Death of Igor Stravinsky’s Premiere Ballet *The Firebird*
Igor Stravinsky's ballet *The Firebird* had its final performance of the premiere season in Paris, marking his rise to fame.
Death of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Russian Composer
Renowned Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, known for masterpieces like 'Swan Lake' and 'The Nutcracker,' died in St. Petersburg.
Republican Party Symbol First Used in Political Cartoon
The elephant was used for the first time as the symbol of the U.S. Republican Party in a cartoon by Thomas Nast.
Abraham Lincoln Elected 16th President of the United States
Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States, a pivotal event leading to the American Civil War.
Birth of John Philip Sousa, American Composer
John Philip Sousa, famed for his military marches such as 'The Stars and Stripes Forever,' was born in Washington, D.C.
Birth of Cesare Lombroso, Father of Criminology
Cesare Lombroso, the Italian criminologist who founded the scientific study of criminal behavior, was born.
Death of Antoine Lavoisier’s Collaborator Pierre-Simon Laplace
Pierre-Simon Laplace, French mathematician and astronomer known for his work on celestial mechanics, died in Paris.
Birth of Adolphe Sax, Inventor of the Saxophone
Adolphe Sax, Belgian inventor of the saxophone, was born, contributing significantly to modern music.
Death of Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia
Catherine the Great, who expanded the Russian Empire and promoted Enlightenment ideals, died after a 34-year reign.
First Hydrogen Balloon Flight in Paris
French scientist Jacques Charles launched the first manned hydrogen balloon flight, advancing human aviation.
Birth of Edmond Halley, Astronomer of Halley’s Comet
Edmond Halley, English astronomer best known for calculating the orbit of the comet later named after him, was born.