1. 1492 – Christopher Columbus visits the island of Cuba
On November 15, 1492, Christopher Columbus made his first landing on the island of Cuba during his initial voyage to the New World. Columbus believed he had reached the Asian continent, specifically the outskirts of China or Japan. His exploration marked a significant moment in European exploration and the eventual colonization of the Americas. The indigenous Taíno people inhabited Cuba, and Columbus’s arrival would eventually lead to dramatic changes for native populations. This event helped pave the way for future Spanish conquests and settlements in the Caribbean.
2. 1777 – The Articles of Confederation are adopted by the Continental Congress
The Articles of Confederation were adopted on November 15, 1777, by the Continental Congress as the first constitution of the United States. This document established a national government with limited powers, emphasizing the sovereignty of individual states. The Articles created a loose confederation rather than a strong centralized government, which led to issues in governance and coordination among the states. It would remain in effect until 1789, when the current U.S. Constitution replaced it. The adoption of the Articles marked an important step in the political development of the new nation during the American Revolution.
3. 1831 – Nat Turner’s rebellion begins
On November 15, 1831, Nat Turner, an enslaved African American preacher, began a violent slave rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia. Turner and his followers killed approximately 60 white people before the uprising was suppressed. The rebellion caused widespread fear among slaveholders and led to harsher laws restricting the movement and education of slaves. Nat Turner was captured and executed, but his revolt remains one of the most significant acts of resistance against slavery in American history. The event deepened the sectional divide that eventually led to the Civil War.
4. 1920 – The League of Nations holds its first assembly
The League of Nations held its inaugural assembly on November 15, 1920, in Geneva, Switzerland. Established after World War I, the League aimed to maintain world peace and prevent future conflicts through diplomacy and collective security. Despite its noble goals, the League struggled with enforcement powers and the absence of some major powers like the United States. Nevertheless, it represented the first international organization devoted to promoting peace and cooperation. The League’s efforts laid the groundwork for the creation of the United Nations after World War II.
5. 1945 – UNESCO is founded
On November 15, 1945, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was established to promote international collaboration in education, science, culture, and communication. The founding aimed to contribute to peace and security by fostering mutual understanding among nations. UNESCO works to protect cultural heritage, promote education for all, and support scientific research worldwide. It has been instrumental in safeguarding historic sites and advocating for cultural diversity. The organization continues to play a crucial role in global efforts related to education and culture.
6. 1966 – The Gemini 12 mission is launched
NASA launched Gemini 12, the final mission of the Gemini program, on November 15, 1966. Astronauts James Lovell and Buzz Aldrin were aboard the spacecraft, which aimed to test spacewalking techniques and rendezvous capabilities vital for future Apollo missions. Aldrin performed three successful extravehicular activities (EVAs), demonstrating improved methods for working outside a spacecraft. The mission was considered a success and helped pave the way for the Apollo moon landings. Gemini 12 contributed significantly to the development of human space exploration.
7. 1971 – Intel releases the world’s first microprocessor
On November 15, 1971, Intel introduced the 4004 microprocessor, the world’s first commercially available microprocessor. This 4-bit CPU revolutionized computing by integrating the functions of a computer’s central processing unit onto a single chip. The invention marked the beginning of the microcomputer revolution, enabling the development of personal computers, calculators, and embedded systems. The microprocessor’s creation was a milestone in electronics, impacting numerous industries and everyday life. Intel’s 4004 laid the foundation for modern digital technology.
8. 1988 – The Soviet Union signs an agreement to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan
On November 15, 1988, the Soviet Union and Afghanistan signed an accord for the withdrawal of Soviet troops, ending a nearly decade-long conflict. The Soviet-Afghan War had begun in 1979 when Soviet forces intervened to support the communist government against insurgent groups. The war caused significant casualties and economic strain on the USSR and left Afghanistan devastated. The withdrawal agreement, known as the Geneva Accords, was facilitated by international mediation. Soviet troops completed their exit by February 1989, marking a pivotal moment in Cold War history.
9. 1991 – The Dead Sea Scrolls are made available to the public
On November 15, 1991, the Huntington Library in California made the Dead Sea Scrolls publicly available on the internet for the first time. The scrolls, discovered in the mid-20th century near the Dead Sea, include ancient Jewish texts dating back over 2,000 years. They have provided invaluable insights into early Judaism and the origins of Christianity. Making the scrolls accessible digitally allowed scholars worldwide to study these important manuscripts without needing physical access. This event marked a significant advance in the use of technology in historical and religious scholarship.
10. 2003 – The Concorde makes its last commercial flight
On November 15, 2003, the Concorde, the world’s only supersonic passenger aircraft, made its final commercial flight. The aircraft had been in service since 1976, flying at speeds over twice the speed of sound and cutting transatlantic flight times dramatically. Despite its technological marvel, the Concorde faced high operating costs, noise concerns, and a decline in demand after the 2000 crash of Air France Flight 4590. Its retirement marked the end of an era in aviation history. The Concorde remains an icon of innovation and luxury in commercial air travel.