Major Historical Events on November 28- Today in History

Every date in history has its stories to tell, and November 28 is no exception. Whether it’s moments of triumph, innovation, or change, this day has been a stage for pivotal events that continue to influence the world. Curious to know what makes November 28 unique? Let’s dive into the major historical events that have left an indelible mark on this day in history.

Magellan Reaches the Pacific Ocean – 1520 AD

Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, leading a Spanish expedition, became the first European to navigate from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean by traversing the strait that now bears his name. This passage marked the first recorded entry into the Pacific from the Atlantic.

William Shakespeare’s Marriage to Anne Hathaway – 1582 AD

At 18, William Shakespeare married 26-year-old Anne Hathaway in November 1582; she was already three months pregnant with their first child, Susanna.

Trial and Fate of Female Pirates Mary Read and Anne Bonny – 1720 AD

In 1720, pirates Mary Read and Anne Bonny were captured, tried, and sentenced to death; both claimed pregnancy, delaying execution. Read died in prison, while Bonny’s fate remains uncertain.

Birth of William Blake – 1757 AD

On November 28, 1757, William Blake—renowned English engraver, artist, and poet—was born; his notable works include Songs of Innocence (1789) and Songs of Experience (1794).

Birth of Friedrich Engels – 1820 AD

Friedrich Engels, German philosopher and coauthor of The Communist Manifesto (1848) with Karl Marx, was born on November 28, 1820.

Wilhelm Reiss’s Ascent of Cotopaxi – 1872 AD

In 1872, German geologist Wilhelm Reiss became the first to summit Cotopaxi, Ecuador’s active volcano standing at 5,897 meters.

First American Automobile Race – 1895 AD

The Chicago Times-Herald sponsored the first American automobile race, covering a 54-mile round trip between Chicago and Evanston, Illinois. Frank Duryea won the race, averaging about 7.3 miles per hour.

Birth of Claude Lévi-Strauss – 1908 AD

Claude Lévi-Strauss, French social anthropologist and leading structuralist, was born on November 28, 1908, in Brussels, Belgium.

Albania’s Declaration of Independence – 1912 AD

On November 28, 1912, Albanian delegates led by Ismail Qemali proclaimed independence from the Ottoman Empire in Vlorë.

Lady Astor’s Historic Parliamentary Seat – 1919 AD

In 1919, Lady Nancy Astor became the first woman to take a seat in the British House of Commons, representing Plymouth Sutton.

Opening of the Tehran Conference – 1943 AD

On November 28, 1943, the Tehran Conference began, with U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin discussing strategies for World War II, including plans for the invasion of France.

Mauritania’s Independence – 1960 AD

Mauritania declared independence from France on November 28, 1960, becoming a sovereign nation.

Ernie Davis Wins Heisman Trophy – 1961 AD

In 1961, Ernie Davis of Syracuse University became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy, recognizing him as the nation’s top college football player.

Birth of Jon Stewart – 1962 AD

Jon Stewart, American comedian and actor known for hosting The Daily Show (1999–2015), was born on November 28, 1962.

Queen Latifah’s Debut Album Release – 1989 AD

On November 28, 1989, Queen Latifah released her debut album, All Hail the Queen, which played a pivotal role in redefining the male-dominated rap genre.

Premiere of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” – 2012 AD

Peter Jackson’s film The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the first in a series based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel, premiered in Wellington, New Zealand, on November 28, 2012.

Also Read: Major Historical Events on November 27- Today in History