Written by Sheila Schlegel
Modified & Updated: 10 Oct 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
November 18th is a significant date in history, marked by various notable events and discoveries that have shaped the world we live in today. From groundbreaking scientific achievements to important political milestones, this date holds a rich tapestry of historical events that have left a lasting impact on society.
Exploring the events that unfolded on this day offers us a fascinating glimpse into the past, allowing us to appreciate the progress and advancements made by humanity over the centuries. From important inventions to historic moments in politics, November 18th has witnessed a diverse range of significant happenings that continue to resonate with us today.
In this article, we will delve into the facts and events that took place on November 18th throughout history. So, join us on this journey as we uncover the remarkable stories behind this day and gain a deeper understanding of our collective past.
Key Takeaways:
- November 18th marks the publication of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” the discovery of penicillin, and the landing of Apollo 12 on the moon, showcasing a day filled with historical and scientific significance.
- On November 18th, important political milestones, cultural events, and the birth of notable individuals like Louis Daguerre and Alan Shepard all contribute to the rich tapestry of human history.
HISTORICAL EVENTS
- 1865: The famous novel “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll is published.
- 1928: The first Mickey Mouse cartoon, “Steamboat Willie,” is released.
- 1956: The Supreme Court of the United States declares racial segregation on buses unconstitutional in the case of Browder v. Gayle.
- 1978: Cult leader Jim Jones and more than 900 members of his Peoples Temple commit mass suicide in Jonestown, Guyana.
- 2003: The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court rules that same-sex couples have the right to marry.
SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS
- 1307: Italian scientist William of Ockham presents his principle of lex parsimoniae, known as Occam’s Razor.
- 1928: The world’s first antibiotics, penicillin, is discovered by Alexander Fleming.
- 1969: Apollo 12, the second manned mission to the moon, lands successfully with Commander Charles Conrad Jr., Commander Richard F. Gordon Jr., and Lunar Module Pilot Alan L. Bean.
- 1987: The first successful deep-sea manned submersible, the Alvin, is used to explore the wreck of the RMS Titanic.
- 2014: The European Space Agency’s Rosetta mission successfully lands a probe, Philae, on the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko.
POLITICAL MILESTONES
- 1307: William Tell, a legendary Swiss folk hero, shoots an apple off his son’s head, defying the authority of the Habsburg ruler.
- 1928: The Republic of China recognizes the independence of Tibet.
- 1959: The United Nations General Assembly passes a resolution calling for the removal of troops from the Portuguese colonies of Angola and Mozambique.
- 1993: The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is ratified by the United States House of Representatives.
- 2016: Michelle Bachelet is re-elected as the President of Chile for the second time.
CULTURAL EVENTS
- 1307: The city of Venice, Italy, grants theater owners exclusive rights to stage dramatic performances.
- 1909: The world’s first color movie, “A Visit to the Seaside,” is shown in Brighton, England.
- 1978: The movie “The Deer Hunter,” directed by Michael Cimino and starring Robert De Niro, is released in the United States.
- 1993: The first episode of the animated television series “Beavis and Butt-Head” airs on MTV.
- 2014: The film “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1” directed by Francis Lawrence is released.
BIRTHS
- 1787: Louis Daguerre, French artist and pioneer in photography.
- 1899: Eugene Ormandy, Hungarian-American conductor and violinist.
- 1923: Alan Shepard, American astronaut, and the first American to travel into space.
- 1968: Owen Wilson, American actor and screenwriter.
- 1984: Romain Dauriac, French journalist, and art curator, ex-husband of Scarlett Johansson.
NOTABLE DEATHS
- 1906: Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, British statesman and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
- 1962: Niels Bohr, Danish physicist, and Nobel laureate for his contributions to understanding atomic structure and quantum theory.
- 1978: Jim Jones, American cult leader and founder of the Peoples Temple, known for the Jonestown mass murder-suicide.
- 1997: Michael Hutchence, Australian musician, and lead vocalist of the band INXS.
- 2017: Malcolm Young, Scottish-born Australian musician and founding member of the rock band AC/DC.
Conclusion
November 18th has been witness to significant historical events, groundbreaking scientific discoveries, important political milestones, unforgettable cultural moments, and the birth and passing of notable individuals throughout history. From the publication of renowned novels to landmark court rulings, from the exploration of outer space to the release of groundbreaking films, November 18th has left a lasting impact on the world. This date serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of human history and the diverse array of achievements that have shaped our present-day society.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of November 18th in history?
A: November 18th is significant in history as it marks the occurrence of various important events across different fields such as literature, science, politics, culture, and more.
Q: Are there any famous birthdays on November 18th?
A: Yes, notable individuals such as Louis Daguerre, Eugene Ormandy, Alan Shepard, Owen Wilson, and Romain Dauriac were all born on November 18th.
Q: What are some notable scientific breakthroughs on November 18th?
A: November 18th witnessed significant scientific achievements like the discovery of penicillin, the landing of Apollo 12 on the moon, and the successful landing of the Philae probe on comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko.
Q: Are there any significant political events associated with November 18th?
A: Absolutely, notable political milestones include the recognition of Tibet’s independence, the ratification of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and Michelle Bachelet’s re-election as the President of Chile.
Q: Are there any notable cultural moments linked to November 18th?
A: Yes, cultural events like the granting of exclusive theater rights in Venice, the first color movie screening, the release of influential films like “The Deer Hunter” and “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1,” and the debut of the animated series “Beavis and Butt-Head” all happened on November 18th.
Q: Who are some of the notable individuals who passed away on November 18th?
A: Notable individuals who passed away on November 18th include Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, Niels Bohr, Jim Jones, Michael Hutchence, and Malcolm Young.
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