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12 November Today in History
Establishment of Istanbul University
On November 12, 1925, the name of Istanbul Darülfünûn was changed to Istanbul University and it was restructured based on the modern university system.
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayoral Elections
On November 12, 1994, Recep Tayyip Erdogan was elected as the Mayor of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. This election was a significant turning point in Erdogan's political career.
Turkey's First Space Observatory Opened
Turkey's first space observatory, the Atatürk University Space Sciences Research and Application Center, was opened in Erzurum on November 12, 2010.
The Inauguration of Turgut Özal as Prime Minister
On November 12, 1983, Turgut Özal took office as the 19th Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey. Özal pursued a policy of implementing liberal reforms in the Turkish economy and encouraging foreign investment.
Istanbul Becoming the 2010 European Capital of Culture
On November 12, 2009, it was officially announced that Istanbul would be the European Capital of Culture in 2010. This allowed Turkey to become more visible on the international culture and arts scene.
Abdication of Wilhelm II and Proclamation of the German Republic
On 12 November 1918, the German Emperor Wilhelm II, after fleeing to exile in the Netherlands two days prior, formally abdicated his throne. This marked the end of the German Empire and was followed by the proclamation of the Weimar Republic in Germany.
Adolf Hitler Arrested after Failed Munich Putsch
Adolf Hitler, leader of the National Socialist German Workers' Party, was arrested on 12 November 1923 after the failed Munich Putsch. This attempted coup against the German Weimar Republic marked a key moment in the rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party.
Birth of Renate Lasker-Harpprecht
Renate Lasker-Harpprecht, a German Holocaust survivor and journalist, was born on 12 November 1927 in Breslau, Germany (now Wrocław, Poland). She was one of the few remaining survivors of the Auschwitz concentration camp and was known for her work on promoting reconciliation and understanding between Germans and Jews.
Nazi Party Gains Power in Reichstag Elections
On 12 November 1933, the Nazi Party, led by Adolf Hitler, won 92% of the vote in the German Reichstag elections. This allowed Hitler to consolidate his power and push forward with his aggressive and destructive policies.
East German Refugees Arrive in West Germany
Hundreds of East German refugees arrived in West Germany on 12 November 1989, after Hungary opened its border, marking one of the key moments in the fall of the Berlin Wall. This event was a significant step towards the reunification of Germany.
Armistice Day
The end of the First World War was celebrated on what became known as Armistice Day. The day marked the end of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I, which took effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, and was also a national holiday in the United Kingdom. Since it fell on 12 November in 1918, this became one of the key dates in British history.
The Opening of the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing
On 12 November 1927, The Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing was opened in Ypres, Belgium. The memorial is dedicated to British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in the Ypres Salient of World War I and whose graves are unknown. It is one of the most notable war memorials in the world.
The Opening of the First Major Road Traffic Crossing Across the River Thames
On November 12, 1936, in London, the first major road traffic crossing across the River Thames, the Dartford-Purfleet Tunnel, was officially opened by the Minister of Transport, Leslie Hore-Belisha. The tunnel was a huge step forward in the UK's transport infrastructure.
Exchange Control Act 1946
The Exchange Control Act of 1946 was passed by the UK Parliament. The Act gave the government wide-ranging powers to control the use of foreign exchange and the transfer of money abroad. This was enacted in an attempt to prevent the outflow of funds from the UK after the Second World War.
The Church of England Approves the Ordination of Women
On 12 November 1991, the Church of England's General Synod voted to approve the ordination of women. This decision was a major milestone in the Church's history and marked a significant change in its policies.
First Carl's Jr. Restaurant Opens
Carl's Jr., a well-known American fast-food restaurant chain, was first established on November 12, 1927 by Carl Karcher and his wife Margaret. It started as a hot dog cart in Los Angeles, and the success led to the opening of their first restaurant.
The Naval Battle of Guadalcanal
The Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, one of the key engagements during World War II, started on November 12, 1942. It was one of the turning points in the Pacific War, with the U.S. and its allies getting the upper hand against the Japanese Empire.
Ellis Island Closes
Ellis Island, the gateway for over 12 million immigrants to the United States as the nation's busiest immigrant inspection station from 1892 until 1954, was closed on November 12, 1954.
Independent investigative journalist Seymour Hersh exposes the My Lai Massacre
Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Seymour Hersh exposed the My Lai Massacre on November 12, 1969. During the massacre, hundreds of unarmed Vietnamese civilians were killed by U.S. soldiers in March 1968 during the Vietnam War.
NASA's Voyager 1 Spacecraft Makes its Closest Approach to Saturn
On November 12, 1980, NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft made its closest approach to Saturn and gave humanity its first detailed images of the ringed planet. The data collected by Voyager 1 helped scientists to better understand Saturn's atmosphere, its magnetosphere, and its rings.
End of World War I
On November 12, 1918, one day after the Armistice of Compiègne was signed, effectively ending the World War I, Germany became a de facto republic. Kaiser Wilhelm II had already abdicated on November 9, and the Social Democrats under Friedrich Ebert started to fill the power vacuum.
Execution of the Thirteen from Schmiedeberg
The Thirteen from Schmiedeberg, who were members of the German organization Bund der Geächteten (League of the Outlawed), were executed on November 12, 1923 by the French Occupation Forces in the Ruhr area during the Occupation of the Ruhr. This event caused a wave of protest in Germany.
Nazi Germany's First Nationwide Referendum
On November 12, 1933, the Nazi Party held its first nationwide referendum, which aimed to officially withdraw Germany from the League of Nations. The referendum was heavily manipulated, and official results showed that over 95% of the population approved the withdrawal.
German Bombing of Coventry
In World War II, on the night of November 12, 1940, the German Luftwaffe carried out a severe bombing raid on the city of Coventry in the United Kingdom. This was a part of the strategic bombing campaign of the Luftwaffe and caused significant damage and loss of life.
Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe
On November 12, 1990, the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe was signed in Paris by 22 states including Germany. The treaty aimed at establishing a balance of military forces in Europe and provided for significant reductions of tanks, artillery, and aircraft.
BBC Television Service Launch
The BBC Television Service, later renamed BBC One, was launched on this date. This was the world's first regular, "high-definition" service and marked the start of the British public's love affair with television.
Birth of Neil Young
Neil Young, Canadian singer-songwriter and musician, was born on this date. Although born in Canada, Young spent a significant part of his career based in the United Kingdom, where he gained international fame as a solo artist and as a member of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. His work has had significant influence on British music and culture.
Exchange Bank of Canada Opens
The Exchange Bank of Canada was opened in London on this date, marking an important milestone in the economic cooperation between Canada and the United Kingdom. This institution played a key role in facilitating trade and investment between the two countries.
The Death of Robert Maxwell
British media proprietor and Member of Parliament, Robert Maxwell, died on this day under mysterious circumstances. His death led to the revelation of a huge financial scandal involving the pension funds of the Mirror Group Newspapers, which he had owned.
Ken Clarke Announces Prison Reforms
The Justice Secretary, Ken Clarke, announced comprehensive reforms to the British prison system on this date. This included a shift towards rehabilitation and reduced sentencing for early guilty pleas. This marked a crucial point in British justice system reform.
William Pudge Heffelfinger, the First Professional Football Player
On this day, William Pudge Heffelfinger became the first professional American football player on record. He was paid $500 by the Allegheny Athletic Association to play in a game against the Pittsburgh Athletic Club, thus marking the start of professional football.
The Battle of Guadalcanal
The Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, one of the pivotal battles in World War II, started on this day. This event marked a significant turning point in the Pacific theater. The battle lasted for six days, and resulted in a strategic victory for the United States, marking the beginning of the end for Japan’s ambitions in the Pacific.
Ellis Island Closes
Ellis Island, the gateway through which millions of immigrants entered the United States, shut its doors on November 12, 1954, after more than sixty years of operation. It has since been made into a museum celebrating America's cultural heritage.
The Oregon Whale Explosion
An unusual event occurred in Florence, Oregon on this day when a dead sperm whale that had washed ashore was blown up by the Oregon Highway Division in an attempt to dispose of its rotting carcass. The event became infamous as footage of the exploding whale spread, and it is now often used as a metaphor for situations where a solution to a problem makes the problem decidedly worse.
Voyager I Spacecraft Makes Closest Approach to Saturn
On this day, NASA's Voyager I spacecraft made its closest approach to the planet Saturn. The spacecraft sent back detailed images and data of Saturn and its moons, significantly contributing to our understanding of the outer planets in the solar system.
The Armistice of 11 November 1918
Though it officially took place on the 11th of November, the impact of the armistice, which brought an end to the fighting in World War I, was felt worldwide on the 12th. The armistice was signed at Compiègne, France, by the Allies and Germany, effectively ending the 'war to end all wars' on land, sea and air.
Birth of René Voillaume
René Voillaume, a prominent French Christian leader and writer, was born in Versailles, France. He founded the Little Brothers of Jesus, a Christian religious order inspired by the life and writings of Blessed Charles de Foucauld.
Birth of Jacques Antoine
Jacques Antoine, a major French television producer and creator, was born on this date. He was the mind behind many popular French television shows, including "Fort Boyard" and "The Treasure Hunt". His work had a significant impact on French television and pop culture.
Napoleonic Wars - Treaty of Paris
The second Treaty of Paris ended the Napoleonic Wars. It was signed on this day by representatives of King Louis XVIII of France and the allies. The treaty set the borders of France back to their extent at the time of the French Revolution in 1790, and imposed war indemnities on the country. It was an important event in European diplomatic history.
Death of Jules Leotard
Jules Leotard, the French acrobat who invented the art of trapeze, died on this day. He was also known for his daring costume, which later became known as the leotard, named in his honor.