On This Day in History – November 11

---

November 11 is a day marked by remembrance and renewal. The armistice that ended World War I at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month reshaped global politics, while other moments on this date have symbolized peace, progress, and perseverance. From revolutions to scientific discoveries, November 11 reflects humanity’s triumphs and trials across centuries.

Major Events

1. 1620 – The Mayflower Compact is signed aboard the Mayflower near Cape Cod, establishing one of the first frameworks of self-governance in the American colonies.
2. 1839 – The Virginia Military Institute is founded in Lexington, Virginia, becoming one of the most respected military academies in the United States.
3. 1889 – Washington becomes the 42nd U.S. state, contributing to the industrial and political expansion of the Pacific Northwest.
4. 1918 – World War I ends with the signing of the Armistice between the Allies and Germany at Compiègne, France, bringing an end to four years of global conflict.
5. 1921 – The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is dedicated at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., honoring unidentified soldiers who died in battle.
6. 1940 – The Royal Navy launches a surprise air raid on the Italian fleet at Taranto, marking the first successful all-aircraft naval attack in history and inspiring Japan’s later assault on Pearl Harbor.
7. 1945 – Indonesia gains full independence following the surrender of Japanese forces, sparking its declaration as a republic.
8. 1965 – Rhodesia (modern-day Zimbabwe) unilaterally declares independence from Britain, leading to international isolation and years of political unrest.
9. 1975 – Angola gains independence from Portugal after years of armed resistance, marking the end of one of the longest anti-colonial struggles in Africa.
10. 1992 – The Church of England votes to allow women to become priests, a landmark in modern religious equality.
11. 2004 – Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat dies in Paris, marking the end of an era in Middle Eastern politics.
12. 2018 – Global commemorations mark the centennial of the end of World War I, with ceremonies held in Paris attended by over 80 world leaders.

Famous Birthdays

1. Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821–1881) — Russian novelist and philosopher, author of Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov.
2. Victor Emmanuel II (1820–1878) — The first King of a unified Italy, instrumental in the Risorgimento movement.
3. George S. Patton (1885–1945) — American World War II general renowned for his leadership in the European theater.
4. Carlos Fuentes (1928–2012) — Mexican novelist and diplomat, one of Latin America’s most influential literary voices.
5. Kurt Vonnegut (1922–2007) — American novelist and satirist best known for Slaughterhouse-Five.
6. Jonathan Winters (1925–2013) — American comedian and actor known for his improvisational humor.
7. Stanley Tucci (1960– ) — American actor and filmmaker acclaimed for his versatility in film and television.
8. Demi Moore (1962– ) — American actress and producer who rose to fame in the 1980s with roles in Ghost and A Few Good Men.
9. Leonardo DiCaprio (1974– ) — American actor and environmental activist, winner of the Academy Award for The Revenant.
10. Calista Flockhart (1964– ) — American actress best known for Ally McBeal and Supergirl.

Notable Deaths

1. Nat Turner (1800–1831) — African American preacher who led a slave rebellion in Virginia, executed on this day.
2. Mary Edwards Walker (1832–1919) — American surgeon and women’s rights advocate, the only female Medal of Honor recipient.
3. Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) — Former First Lady of the United States, diplomat, and human rights advocate.
4. Yasser Arafat (1929–2004) — Palestinian leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who led the PLO for decades.
5. Jerome Robbins (1918–1998) — American choreographer and director of West Side Story and Fiddler on the Roof.
6. Stonewall Jackson (1824–1863) — Confederate general remembered for his tactical brilliance during the American Civil War.
7. Carlos P. Garcia (1896–1971) — President of the Philippines known for his “Filipino First” policy.
8. Andy Rooney (1919–2011) — American journalist and commentator, long-time contributor to 60 Minutes.
9. Mary Whitehouse (1910–2001) — British activist who campaigned against social permissiveness and media indecency.

Holidays

• Veterans Day (U.S.) — Honors all military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces.
• Armistice Day (U.K. and Commonwealth) — Commemorates the end of World War I and honors fallen soldiers.
• Remembrance Day (Canada, Australia, New Zealand) — Observed with poppy symbols and moments of silence for war victims.
• Independence Day (Angola) — Celebrates Angola’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
• Poland’s National Independence Day — Marks the country’s restoration of sovereignty in 1918 after 123 years of partition.

Fun Facts

• The armistice ending World War I was signed at 5:00 a.m. but took effect at 11:00 a.m., leading to countless last-minute casualties before the ceasefire.
• The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was inspired by similar memorials in France and Britain, symbolizing universal grief.
• Washington State, admitted to the U.S. on this day in 1889, was named after George Washington and became a center of industry and innovation.
• The Royal Navy’s Taranto raid in 1940 demonstrated the power of air warfare and heavily influenced Japanese tactics for Pearl Harbor in 1941.
• November 11 is sometimes written as 11/11, which inspired various cultural and online “Singles’ Day” celebrations in modern times.