Major Historical Events on November 14- Today in History

Every day of the year holds moments that have shaped the world we live in, and November 14 is no exception. From pivotal discoveries to monumental political changes, events on this date have played essential roles in human history. Here, we take a closer look at some of the major historical events on November 14, shedding light on their historical importance.

Clement V’s Papal Ascent: First of the Avignon Popes – 1305 AD

Clement V was crowned pope, marking the start of the Avignon Papacy, where seven consecutive popes ruled from Avignon instead of Rome, a period significant for its political tensions between the papacy and European monarchs.

Discovery of the Great Comet – 1680 AD

German astronomer Gottfried Kirch discovered the Great Comet of 1680, notable for being the first comet discovered by telescope and for its exceptional brightness.

The Release of Moby Dick: Melville’s Timeless Tale – 1851 AD

Harper & Brothers published Moby Dick, Herman Melville’s masterpiece that would become an iconic novel, exploring themes of obsession and revenge through Captain Ahab’s quest to conquer the great white whale.

The Outbreak of the Serbo-Bulgarian War – 1885 AD

Serbian King Milan Obrenovic IV declared war on Bulgaria, sparking the Serbo-Bulgarian War—a brief but pivotal conflict that reshaped the power dynamics in the Balkans and influenced future national boundaries.

Nellie Bly’s Record-Breaking Global Journey – 1889 AD

Inspired by Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days, American journalist Nellie Bly set off to beat Phileas Fogg’s fictional record, completing her journey in just over 72 days, capturing worldwide attention.

The Legacy of Booker T. Washington: Educator and Reformer – 1915 AD

Booker T. Washington, a prominent African American educator and advocate, passed away at 59; his work at Tuskegee University set the foundation for vocational education and progress for Black Americans in the 19th and 20th centuries.

BBC Begins Daily Radio Broadcasts – 1922 AD

The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) commenced daily radio broadcasts from the 2LO transmitter at Marconi House in London, marking the start of regular public radio service in the UK.

King Hussein of Jordan: A Modern Monarch’s Birth – 1935 AD

Born in 1935, King Hussein’s reign would span over 46 years, guiding Jordan through transformative political and economic changes and establishing its position in the modern Middle East.

Prince Charles, Future British Monarch, is Born – 1948 AD

Prince Charles, the eldest child of Queen Elizabeth II, was born, destined to become the longest-serving heir apparent in British history with a lifelong dedication to public service and environmental advocacy.

Ruby Bridges Integrates New Orleans Schools – 1960 AD

At only six, Ruby Bridges bravely entered William Frantz Elementary School, becoming a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement as the youngest student to integrate a school in the American South.

Apollo 12’s Historic Mission to the Moon – 1969 AD

Apollo 12 launched with Charles Conrad, Richard F. Gordon, and Alan L. Bean, achieving the second successful crewed Moon landing and advancing scientific understanding of lunar geology.

Dow Jones Breaks 1,000: A Financial Milestone – 1972 AD

For the first time, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 1,000 points, marking a significant economic milestone that reflected investor confidence in U.S. financial markets.

Nancy Pelosi Makes History as Party Leader – 2002 AD

Nancy Pelosi became the first woman to lead a major political party in either house of Congress, breaking barriers in U.S. politics and setting a precedent for future female leaders.

Remembering Jane Byrne: Chicago’s Trailblazing Mayor – 2014 AD

Jane Byrne, the first woman mayor of Chicago, passed away at age 81. Her tenure was marked by efforts to address racial tensions and reform the city’s public housing and infrastructure.

Eritrea’s Status Change Within Ethiopia – 1962 AD

The Ethiopian parliament, with Eritrea’s Assembly, voted to dissolve Eritrea’s federal status, integrating it fully into Ethiopia—a decision that would fuel Eritrean independence aspirations until achieved in 1993.

Birth of Jawaharlal Nehru: India’s First Prime Minister – 1889 AD

Jawaharlal Nehru was born, later becoming a central figure in India’s independence movement and its first Prime Minister, shaping the nation’s democratic and economic frameworks after independence.

Also Read: Major Historical Events on November 13- Today in History