Europa
- The October Revolution (1917)
On November 7, 1917 (October 25 in the old Russian calendar), the Bolsheviks led by Vladimir Lenin seized power in Petrograd (now Saint Petersburg), marking the start of the October Revolution. This event ended the rule of the provisional government in Russia and led to the establishment of Soviet rule, profoundly influencing the course of the 20th century in Europe and beyond. - The Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989)
November 7 is closely associated with the fall of the Berlin Wall, a pivotal event in European history. While the wall officially opened on November 9, 1989, November 7 is remembered as a key date in the sequence of events that led to the collapse of communist regimes across Eastern Europe and the end of the Cold War. - German Revolution and the End of the Monarchy (1918)
On November 7, 1918, revolutionary movements spread across Germany, leading to the abdication of King Ludwig of Bavaria and the flight of the Bavarian royal family. This marked the beginning of the end for Germany’s monarchies and the declaration of the German Republic, setting the stage for the end of World War I. - Kurt Eisner Overthrows the Wittelsbach Dynasty in Bavaria (1918)
On the same day in 1918, Kurt Eisner led a revolution in Bavaria, overthrowing the Wittelsbach dynasty and proclaiming a republic. This was part of the wider German Revolution that swept the country at the end of World War I. - The Ensisheim Meteorite (1492)
On November 7, 1492, the Ensisheim meteorite, the oldest meteorite with a known date of impact, struck near the village of Ensisheim in Alsace, France. This event was widely recorded and is considered significant in European scientific history. - First Publication of The London Gazette (1665)
The London Gazette, the oldest surviving English newspaper, was first published on November 7, 1665. It remains an official journal of record for the British government. - 921: Treaty of Bonn signed between Frankish kings Charles the Simple and Henry the Fowler, recognizing borders along the Rhine.
- 1619: Elizabeth Stuart crowned Queen of Bohemia, a key moment in the Thirty Years’ War.
- 1936: During the Spanish Civil War, the Madrid Defense Council was formed to coordinate the defense of the city against nationalist forces.
America
- Disputed U.S. Presidential Election (2000)
On November 7, 2000, the U.S. presidential election between Al Gore and George W. Bush ended in a statistical tie, leading to a protracted legal battle that was ultimately settled by the Supreme Court in December. - First Woman Elected to U.S. Congress (1916)
Jeannette Rankin of Montana became the first woman ever elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, marking a milestone for women’s political participation in America. - Battle of Tippecanoe (1811)
General William Henry Harrison led American forces to victory over Shawnee leader Tecumseh’s confederacy near present-day Battle Ground, Indiana. This battle was a significant precursor to the War of 1812. - Abolitionist Elijah Lovejoy Killed (1837)
In Alton, Illinois, abolitionist newspaper editor Elijah P. Lovejoy was murdered by a pro-slavery mob while defending his printing press, making him a martyr for the anti-slavery movement. - First Use of the Elephant as Republican Party Symbol (1874)
Thomas Nast published a political cartoon in Harper’s Weekly that marked the first important use of the elephant as the symbol for the Republican Party. - Carl Stokes Elected First Black Mayor of a Major U.S. City (1967)
Carl Stokes was elected mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, becoming the first African American mayor of a major U.S. city. - L. Douglas Wilder Elected First Black Governor (1989)
L. Douglas Wilder was elected governor of Virginia, becoming the first African American governor in U.S. history. - FDR Elected to Fourth Term (1944)
Franklin D. Roosevelt was re-elected to an unprecedented fourth term as U.S. president, defeating Thomas E. Dewey. - Bombing of the U.S. Capitol (1983)
A bomb exploded in the Senate Chambers area of the U.S. Capitol, causing significant damage but no casualties. A group called the Armed Resistance Unit claimed responsibility. - Nellie Tayloe Ross Elected First Female Governor (1924)
Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming was elected the first female governor in the United States. - 1775: Lord Dunmore, Royal Governor of Virginia, issued a proclamation offering freedom to slaves who joined the British cause during the American Revolution.
- 1885: Completion of Canada’s first transcontinental railway, the Canadian Pacific, in British Columbia (significant for North American history).
Asia
- Bangladesh: National Revolution and Solidarity Day (1975)
November 7 is a significant date in Bangladesh, known as National Revolution and Solidarity Day. On this day in 1975, amid political turmoil following the assassination of the country’s founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, soldiers and civilians jointly overthrew the then government and freed Major General Ziaur Rahman from captivity. This event paved the way for Zia to rise to power and is remembered for the unity between the military and civilians in protecting the country’s sovereignty. The day remains controversial, with different political groups interpreting its legacy in various ways. - Bangladesh: Uprising Led by Colonel Abu Taher (1975)
On the same day, a joint force of people and soldiers led by Colonel Abu Taher ousted and killed Brigadier Khaled Mosharraf, freeing Ziaur Rahman and altering the country’s political trajectory. - Philippines: Prohibition of Enslavement of Filipinos (1574)
On November 7, 1574, the Spanish king issued a royal decree prohibiting the enslavement of Filipinos. This was a response to local protests and marked a significant moment in the colonial history of the Philippines. - Thailand: Military Coup (1947)
On November 7, 1947, the Thai military staged a coup against Prime Minister Thawan Thamrong Nawasawat, installing Khuang Aphaiwong as the new Prime Minister. This event was a pivotal moment in Thailand’s modern political history. - India: Birth of C.V. Raman (1888)
November 7 marks the birth of C.V. Raman, the renowned Indian physicist and Nobel laureate, celebrated for his discovery of the Raman Effect in physics. - Singapore: Opening of MRT System (1987)
On November 7, 1987, Singapore inaugurated its Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system for passenger service, a major milestone in the nation’s infrastructure development. - Third Anglo-Burmese War (1885): British forces began their march to Mandalay, Burma (now Myanmar), leading to the end of the Burmese monarchy.
- Coup in Tunisia (1987): While not in Asia, the 1987 coup in Tunisia is sometimes referenced in regional overviews for its influence on political movements.
Africa
- Tunisian Coup: Ben Ali Overthrows Bourguiba (1987)
On November 7, 1987, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali deposed Tunisia’s long-serving president Habib Bourguiba in a bloodless coup. Bourguiba, who had led Tunisia since independence in 1956, was declared medically unfit to rule. Ben Ali’s rise marked a new era in Tunisian politics and set the stage for decades of his rule. - Mother Teresa Arrives in South Africa (1988)
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mother Teresa arrived in South Africa to establish a foundation of her religious order, the Missionaries of Charity, expanding her humanitarian work on the continent. - South African President Thabo Mbeki’s Peace Efforts in Côte d’Ivoire (2004)
South African President Thabo Mbeki was scheduled to arrive in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to mediate peace negotiations during the country’s civil conflict. Although his visit was postponed, Mbeki’s involvement underscored South Africa’s growing role in African diplomacy. - Angolan Diplomatic Tensions (1992)
Angola declared South Africa’s Foreign Minister ‘Pik’ Botha persona non grata for supporting the UNITA rebel movement, highlighting the complex regional dynamics during the Angolan Civil War. - South African Playwright Gibson Kente Dies (2004)
Gibson Kente, a prominent South African playwright known for addressing social issues and for publicly revealing his HIV/AIDS status, died at age 72. - Boer War: Battle of Leliefontein (1900)
During the Anglo-Boer War, the Royal Canadian Dragoons won three Victoria Crosses at the Battle of Leliefontein in South Africa, a significant moment in colonial military history. - National Scouts Corps Formed in South Africa (1901)
The controversial National Scouts Corps, composed of surrendered Boers, was formed under British command during the Anglo-Boer War. After the conflict, members were often ostracized by Afrikaners. - South Africa: Union Troops Defeated at Doornberg (1914)
Union troops in South Africa suffered defeat at Doornberg during World War I, reflecting the internal divisions and complexities of the war’s African theaters. - Prophet’s Baptism in Mali: While not always falling on November 7, the Prophet’s Baptism is celebrated in Mali on the seventh day after the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, making it a notable November event in some years.
- Sports: South African athlete Hendrik Ramaala, a prominent marathon runner, is often highlighted in historical retrospectives for achievements on this date.
This day in history: 7 november