1. 1777 – The Articles of Confederation Are Adopted by the Continental Congress
On November 29, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States. This document created a confederation of sovereign states and established a weak central government. The Articles gave most powers to the individual states, limiting the authority of the national government. It was ratified by all thirteen states by 1781, making it the official framework for the U.S. government during the Revolutionary War. However, its weaknesses, such as the lack of taxing power, led to its eventual replacement by the U.S. Constitution in 1789.
2. 1847 – The First Women’s College in the U.S. Opens
Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, now Mount Holyoke College, opened on November 29, 1847, in South Hadley, Massachusetts. It was the first institution of higher education for women in the United States. The college was founded by Mary Lyon, a pioneer in women’s education, who emphasized rigorous academics and moral development. This opening marked a significant step toward gender equality in education. Mount Holyoke became part of the Seven Sisters, a group of prestigious women’s colleges.
3. 1877 – Thomas Edison Demonstrates the Phonograph
On this day, Thomas Edison made the first public demonstration of his phonograph in New York City. The phonograph was a groundbreaking invention that could record and play back sound. Edison’s demonstration amazed audiences, as it was the first time human voices and music could be preserved and reproduced. This invention revolutionized the music industry and communication technology. The phonograph paved the way for modern audio recording and playback devices.
4. 1947 – The United Nations Votes to Partition Palestine
The United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 181 on November 29, 1947, recommending the partition of Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. This decision was intended to address the conflicting claims and violence between Jewish and Arab communities in the region. The Jewish community accepted the plan, but the Arab community rejected it, leading to further conflict. The resolution set the stage for the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. This day remains significant in Middle Eastern history and is commemorated differently by various groups.
5. 1963 – The Buddhist Crisis in South Vietnam Begins
Following the repression of Buddhist protests by the South Vietnamese government, November 29, 1963, marked the start of a period known as the Buddhist Crisis. Buddhists demanded religious equality and an end to discrimination by the Catholic-led government of Ngo Dinh Diem. The crisis intensified political instability and contributed to growing opposition against the regime. It also attracted international attention during the Vietnam War era. The events highlighted religious tensions in South Vietnam that influenced U.S. foreign policy.
6. 1975 – Suriname Gains Independence from the Netherlands
Suriname became an independent nation on November 29, 1975, ending centuries of Dutch colonial rule. The transition was peaceful, with the Dutch government granting sovereignty to the South American country. Independence allowed Suriname to manage its own political and economic affairs. The country faced challenges in nation-building, including ethnic diversity and economic development. Suriname’s independence day is celebrated annually as a symbol of national pride and freedom.
7. 1986 – Iran-Contra Affair Revealed in the U.S.
On November 29, 1986, the Iran-Contra affair came to public attention in the United States. It was revealed that senior officials secretly facilitated arms sales to Iran, despite an embargo, and used proceeds to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua. This covert operation violated U.S. law and congressional bans on funding the Contras. The scandal led to multiple investigations and damaged the Reagan administration’s credibility. It remains one of the most controversial episodes in modern American political history.
8. 1990 – David Dinkins Elected Mayor of New York City
David Dinkins was elected as New York City’s first African American mayor on November 29, 1990. His victory represented a significant milestone in the city’s political and social landscape. Dinkins focused on reducing crime, improving race relations, and enhancing public services during his term. Despite facing challenges such as economic recession and racial tensions, his election signaled progress toward greater diversity in urban leadership. Dinkins served one term before losing the 1993 election.
9. 2001 – The U.S. Congress Passes the Patriot Act
In response to the September 11 attacks, the U.S. Congress passed the Patriot Act on November 29, 2001. The legislation aimed to strengthen national security by expanding law enforcement’s surveillance and investigative powers. It included provisions for wiretapping, monitoring communications, and detaining suspected terrorists. The act sparked debate over the balance between security and civil liberties. It has had a lasting impact on U.S. counterterrorism policies and privacy rights.
10. 2012 – The European Union and the United States Announce the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) Negotiations
On November 29, 2012, the European Union and the United States formally agreed to begin negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. TTIP was intended to create one of the world’s largest free-trade zones, reducing tariffs and regulatory barriers. Supporters argued it would boost economic growth and job creation on both sides of the Atlantic. Critics raised concerns about environmental standards, labor rights, and corporate influence. Although negotiations continued for several years, TTIP was never finalized.