Europa
- 1248 – Conquest of Seville
King Ferdinand III of Castile captured Seville, a pivotal moment in the Christian Reconquista of the Iberian Peninsula. This victory marked a major shift in power, leading to further Christian advances and significant demographic and cultural changes in the region. - 1499 – Execution of Perkin Warbeck
Perkin Warbeck, a pretender to the English throne who claimed to be Richard of Shrewsbury, was executed. His attempts to claim the crown, supported by several European monarchs, ended with his capture and death, reinforcing the Tudor dynasty’s hold on England. - 1650 – Naval Battle: Spain vs. France
The action of 23 November 1650 saw a small Spanish squadron under Don Francisco Fernández de la Cueva, Duke of Alburquerque, defeat and capture a French squadron near Cambrils during the Franco-Spanish War. This was a rare instance where six Spanish galleys overcame four larger French galleons, capturing significant supplies and artillery. - 1654 – Blaise Pascal’s Religious Conversion
French mathematician and scientist Blaise Pascal underwent a profound religious experience and converted to Christianity. He later dedicated his life to theology, influencing both science and religion in Europe. - 1890 – Death of King William III of the Netherlands
King William III died without a male heir, leading to the succession of his daughter, Princess Wilhelmina, after a special law was passed. This event shaped Dutch monarchy and succession laws. - 1910 – Last Execution in Sweden
Johan Alfred Ander became the last person to be executed in Sweden, marking a turning point in Swedish criminal justice history. - 1940 – Romania Joins the Axis Powers
During World War II, Romania officially joined the Axis by signing the Tripartite Pact, aligning itself with Germany and Italy. - 1943 – Destruction of the Deutsche Opernhaus, Berlin
The Deutsche Opernhaus in Berlin was destroyed during World War II bombings. It was later rebuilt and reopened as the Deutsche Oper Berlin in 1961. - 1944 – Disbandment of Lotta Svärd Movement, Finland
The Lotta Svärd, a Finnish voluntary auxiliary paramilitary organization for women, was disbanded as part of the armistice agreement after the Continuation War. - 1959 – Charles de Gaulle’s Vision for Europe
French President Charles de Gaulle, in a speech in Strasbourg, articulated his vision for a unified Europe stretching “from the Atlantic to the Urals,” influencing later European integration debates.
America
- 1783 – Annapolis Becomes U.S. Capital
For a brief period, Annapolis, Maryland, served as the capital of the United States, beginning on November 23, 1783. This status lasted until June 1784. - 1804 – Birth of Franklin Pierce
Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, was born on this day in Hillsboro, New Hampshire. - 1855 – Mexico’s Ley Juárez Passed
In Mexico, the Ley Juárez was enacted, abolishing special courts for clergy and military, a key reform by Benito Juárez aimed at reducing colonial privileges and promoting equality. - 1859 – Birth of Billy the Kid
The American outlaw Billy the Kid (William H. Bonney) was born on November 23, 1859, becoming a legendary figure in the folklore of the American West. - 1889 – First Jukebox Debuts
The first coin-operated jukebox was installed at the Palais Royale Saloon in San Francisco, marking a milestone in American entertainment history. - 1914 – U.S. Troops Withdraw from Veracruz
During the Mexican Revolution, the last U.S. forces withdrew from Veracruz after a seven-month occupation, ending a significant episode in U.S.-Mexico relations. - 1936 – First Issue of Life Magazine
Life magazine, an influential photojournalism publication, released its first issue, quickly becoming a staple of American media. - 1943 – Battle of Tarawa and Makin Atolls
U.S. forces captured the Tarawa and Makin atolls in the Pacific after fierce fighting against Japanese troops during World War II, marking a pivotal moment in the island-hopping campaign. - 1963 – National Mourning for JFK
Two days after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed November 25 a national day of mourning, as Kennedy lay in state at the White House. - 1984 – Doug Flutie’s “Hail Mary” Pass
Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie threw a legendary game-winning pass to defeat the University of Miami, a defining moment in American college football.
Asia
- 1971 – China Takes Its Seat at the United Nations
On November 23, 1971, representatives of the People’s Republic of China attended the United Nations, including the Security Council, for the first time. This marked a major shift in international diplomacy, replacing the Republic of China (Taiwan) and recognizing the PRC as the sole representative of China at the UN. - 2009 – Maguindanao Massacre, Philippines
The Maguindanao massacre occurred in the southern Philippines, where 58 people, including 34 journalists, were killed while traveling to file candidacy papers for a local election. It is considered the deadliest attack on journalists in history and a major tragedy in Philippine and Asian history. - 2010 – Bombardment of Yeonpyeong, Korea
North Korean artillery shelled Yeonpyeong Island in South Korea, killing two civilians and two marines. This incident significantly escalated tensions on the Korean Peninsula and drew international condemnation. - 2011 – Yemen’s President Signs Power Transfer
After 11 months of protests during the Arab Spring, Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh signed a deal to transfer power to his vice president in exchange for legal immunity, marking a turning point in Yemen’s political crisis. - 1996 – Ethiopian Airlines Crash
A hijacked Ethiopian Airlines flight crashed into the Indian Ocean near the Comoros Islands after running out of fuel, resulting in the deaths of at least 100 people. The incident had a profound impact across Africa and Asia. - 1937 – Death of Jagdish Chandra Bose (India)
Renowned Indian scientist Jagdish Chandra Bose, a pioneer in plant physiology and radio science, died on November 23, 1937. His contributions are celebrated in India and recognized globally.
Africa
- 2005 – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Elected President of Liberia
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was elected as President of Liberia, making her the first woman to be elected head of state in any African country. Her victory marked a significant milestone for women’s leadership on the continent and was internationally recognized as a breakthrough for gender equality in African politics. - 1887 – The Thibodaux Massacre (Louisiana, USA, but with African diaspora significance)
While not on the African continent, the Thibodaux Massacre on November 23, 1887, is notable in the history of the African diaspora. Black sugar cane workers striking for better wages in Louisiana were violently attacked by white vigilantes and state militia, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 60 people. The event is a stark reminder of the struggles faced by people of African descent in the Americas. - 1897 – Andrew J. Beard Patents the “Jenny Coupler”
Andrew J. Beard, a self-taught Black engineer, was awarded a patent for the Jenny Coupler, a device that revolutionized railroad safety by automatically coupling train cars. While Beard was American, his achievement is often highlighted in the context of Black inventors and their global impact, including Africa.
This day in history: 23 november