The twelfth of November has witnessed a myriad of events spanning political revolutions, scientific breakthroughs, and cultural phenomena. While no single day can encapsulate the entirety of human history, certain moments have left an indelible mark on the fabric of time. This comprehensive look at November 12 offers a mosaic of human triumphs, tragedies, and transformations.
Today in History: 12 November
1. The Great Blue Norther of 1911:
One of the most abrupt weather changes recorded in the U.S. took place on this day. Many areas saw record high temperatures in the afternoon, only to be hit by a blizzard and record low temperatures by night. This drastic change led to significant losses in crops and livestock and remains one of the most talked-about meteorological events in U.S. history.
2. 1996 – Charkhi Dadri Mid-Air Collision:
One of the deadliest mid-air collisions in aviation history occurred near the village of Charkhi Dadri, India. A Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 747 and a Kazakh Ilyushin Il-76 cargo plane collided in mid-air, leading to the death of all 349 people on both planes. This tragic event led to significant changes and improvements in air traffic control over India.
3. Discovery of the Piltdown Man (1912):
On this day, Charles Dawson announced the discovery of the purported “missing link” between apes and humans – the Piltdown Man. However, in a twist of scientific intrigue, the Piltdown Man was later revealed to be one of the most infamous hoaxes in the annals of anthropology. The forgery underscored the importance of skepticism and rigorous peer review in scientific research.
4. 1990 – Sir Tim Berners-Lee Publishes a Formal Proposal for the World Wide Web:
Though the internet had existed in various forms for years, it was on this day that Sir Tim Berners-Lee penned a proposal outlining the principal concepts and it included the first version of the hypertext language HTML. This would serve as the foundation for the World Wide Web as we know it today.
5. 1942 – World War II: Battle of Guadalcanal:
In a fierce engagement, the U.S. Navy stopped an attempt by the Japanese Imperial Navy to reinforce their troops on the Guadalcanal. The naval battle played a pivotal role in the Pacific front, turning the tide in favor of the Allies.
6. 1927 – Leon Trotsky is Expelled from the Soviet Communist Party:
Setting the stage for Joseph Stalin’s complete control of the Soviet Union, Leon Trotsky, once a close ally of Lenin, was expelled from the party. Trotsky’s fall from grace marked a significant turn in Soviet politics, with Stalin moving to consolidate his power and eliminate potential threats.
7. 1892 – William “Pudge” Heffelfinger Becomes the First Professional American Football Player:
On this day, Heffelfinger was paid $500 to play a game, marking the emergence of professional American football. This was a seminal moment in the evolution of what would become one of America’s most beloved sports.
8. The Birth of Auguste Rodin (1840):
One of the most renowned sculptors of all time, French artist Auguste Rodin was born on this day. Best known for iconic works like “The Thinker” and “The Kiss,” Rodin’s revolutionary approach to sculptural form and emotion changed the face of modern sculpture.
9. 1970 – Cyclone Bhola Makes Landfall:
The deadliest tropical cyclone in history, Cyclone Bhola, struck East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and West Bengal in India. With wind speeds of up to 115 mph, it resulted in the deaths of an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 people and led to significant geopolitical changes, including the push for Bangladesh’s independence.
10. 1980 – The NASA Space Probe Voyager I Makes Its Closest Approach to Saturn:
On this day, Voyager I, a testament to human innovation and curiosity, flew by Saturn, capturing stunning images and invaluable data about the ringed planet and its moons. The probe’s observations revolutionized our understanding of the sixth planet from the sun.
11. 1981 – Mission STS-2, Utilizing the Space Shuttle Columbia:
NASA launched its second Space Shuttle mission with Columbia. It was the first time a manned spacecraft was launched into space twice. This mission validated the shuttle’s reusability, a cornerstone of the program’s objectives.
12. The Birth of Grace Kelly (1929):
Hollywood star turned princess, Grace Kelly, was born on November 12. Known for her elegance and roles in films like “Rear Window” and “To Catch a Thief,” she later became Princess of Monaco, adding to her storied and iconic legacy.
Conclusion:
November 12 showcases humanity’s diverse tapestry of achievements and challenges. From our quest to understand the cosmos to the complexities of our own interpersonal politics, this day, like all others, offers a reflection of our shared past, a snapshot of moments that have collectively shaped the course of human history.
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