Major Historical Events on November 11- Today in History

Today, we turn back the pages of history to revisit November 11’s major historical events. Every year on this date, remarkable moments have unfolded—political decisions, cultural shifts, and world-changing discoveries. This overview highlights some of the most pivotal occurrences, illustrating how November 11 became a significant marker in the historical timeline.

Martin V Ends the Great Schism – 1417 AD

Pope Martin V’s unanimous election brought unity to the Catholic Church, officially ending the Great Schism that had split church leadership and authority for decades.

Columbus Sights St. Martin – 1493 AD

Christopher Columbus glimpsed the Caribbean island of St. Martin, expanding European knowledge of the New World during his second voyage.

Cherry Valley Raid by Iroquois – 1778 AD

In a fierce response to colonial attacks, Iroquois forces launched the Cherry Valley Raid during the American Revolution, targeting a New York frontier settlement.

British Victory at Crysler’s Farm – 1813 AD

In the War of 1812, British troops under Colonel J.W. Morrison overcame U.S. forces led by General John Boyd at Crysler’s Farm, marking a significant win for Britain.

Nat Turner’s Execution After Uprising – 1831 AD

Nat Turner, an enslaved man who led a deadly slave rebellion in Virginia, was hanged; the event stirred fear and reprisal violence across the South.

Mary Edwards Walker Receives Medal of Honor – 1865 AD

Civil War surgeon Dr. Mary Edwards Walker became the first woman awarded the U.S. Medal of Honor for her service—a historic recognition reinstated in 1977 after a brief rescind.

Birth of Iconic Actress Maude Adams – 1872 AD

Maude Adams, celebrated for her roles in Peter Pan and as Shakespeare’s heroines, was born, setting the stage for a remarkable theater career in early American drama.

Ned Kelly’s Execution in Australia – 1880 AD

Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, known as the most notorious of the bushrangers, was hanged in Melbourne, cementing his legacy in Australian folklore.

Washington Joins the United States – 1889 AD

Washington state officially became the 42nd U.S. state, expanding the Union and contributing to the nation’s westward growth.

End of World War I with Armistice – 1918 AD

At dawn, the Allied powers and Germany signed an armistice in France, officially concluding World War I six hours later—a historic moment of peace.

Armistice Day Marks WWI’s End – 1920 AD

Armistice Day honored fallen soldiers with unknown soldier burials in Paris, London, and Arlington, marking the anniversary of World War I’s end.

Gemini 12 Launches in Space Exploration – 1966 AD

NASA launched Gemini 12, the last mission in the Gemini program, achieving an automated atmospheric reentry—a milestone in space exploration.

Birth of Leonardo DiCaprio – 1974 AD

Renowned actor Leonardo DiCaprio, known for his dynamic roles and contributions to cinema and environmental causes, was born on this day.

Angola Declares Independence – 1975 AD

Angola gained independence as Portuguese colonial rule ended, marking the start of a new, though turbulent, era for the African nation.

Church of England Approves Women’s Ordination – 1992 AD

The Church of England voted to ordain women as priests, a decision that redefined roles within the church; the first ordination occurred in 1994.

Yasser Arafat Passes in Paris – 2004 AD

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who headed the PLO and Fatah and served as president of the PA, died, ending a complex political legacy.

Death of F.W. de Klerk – 2021 AD

On November 11, 2021, F.W. de Klerk, the last apartheid-era President of South Africa and a key figure in the country’s transition to majority rule, passed away at the age of 85.

Also Read: Major Historical Events on November 10- Today in History