1493: Columbus Discovers Dominica
On November 3, 1493, during his second voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus discovered the island of Dominica in the Caribbean. Columbus named the island after the Latin word for Sunday, “Dominica.”
“By prevailing over all obstacles and distractions, one may unfailingly arrive at his chosen goal or destination. The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it. The discovery of new lands is only the beginning of humanity’s journey into the unknown.”
~ Christopher Columbus
1783: American Continental Army Disbanded
On November 3, 1783, following the end of the American Revolutionary War, the Continental Army was officially disbanded by the Confederation Congress. General George Washington later resigned his commission in December of the same year.
“The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army. It has been an arduous struggle, and while we lay down our arms today, we must remain ever vigilant and steadfast in defending liberty and the rights we have so dearly won.”
~ George Washington
1838: The Times of India First Published
On November 3, 1838, the Times of India, one of the oldest English-language newspapers in the world, was first published. Initially known as the Bombay Times, the paper has grown into one of India’s most influential publications.
“Newspapers are the world’s mirrors, reflecting daily the morals, the manners, and the transactions of the people. They act as both recorders of history and the creators of public opinion, wielding a power that influences nations and shapes generations.”
~ Joseph Addison
1868: Ulysses S. Grant Elected U.S. President
On November 3, 1868, Ulysses S. Grant, the commanding general of the Union Army during the Civil War, was elected the 18th President of the United States. Grant’s presidency focused on Reconstruction and civil rights for freed slaves.
“Let us have peace, not just within our borders, but in our hearts. Peace is not the mere absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, equality, and liberty for every citizen, irrespective of their color, creed, or origin.”
~ Ulysses S. Grant
1903: Panama Declares Independence from Colombia
On November 3, 1903, Panama declared its independence from Colombia, with assistance from the United States, which sought to build the Panama Canal. The canal became a vital strategic and economic route.
“The independence of Panama is not merely an act of liberation from foreign rule; it is the beginning of a great transformation that will turn our nation into the heart of global trade and the crossroads of civilizations.”
~ Panamanian independence leader
1911: Chevrolet Founded
On November 3, 1911, the Chevrolet Motor Company was founded by Louis Chevrolet and William C. Durant. Chevrolet quickly became one of America’s most popular automobile brands and an enduring symbol of American automotive innovation.
“Racing is the ultimate test for the automobile; it is where we truly prove the machines we build. It’s not just about speed, but about precision, endurance, and pushing the boundaries of engineering to create vehicles that defy limitations.”
~ Louis Chevrolet
1957: Sputnik 2 Launched with Laika the Dog
On November 3, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2, carrying Laika, the first animal to orbit Earth. While Laika did not survive the mission, this marked a significant step in space exploration.
“Laika’s sacrifice will forever be a part of humanity’s journey into the stars. We learned so much from her mission, but it is a tragic chapter in our history. The knowledge gained did not justify the loss of her life, yet it paved the way for humans to venture into the great unknown.”
~ Oleg Gazenko, Soviet scientist
1964: Washington, D.C. Residents Vote in Presidential Election
On November 3, 1964, for the first time, residents of Washington, D.C. were allowed to vote in a U.S. presidential election, following the ratification of the 23rd Amendment in 1961. This election saw Lyndon B. Johnson win in a landslide.
“A vote is a powerful instrument in the hands of a free people. It is not simply a right, but a responsibility to choose the direction of our nation. Let us never forget that democracy is only as strong as the citizens who participate in it.”
~ Lyndon B. Johnson
1970: Salvador Allende Becomes President of Chile
On November 3, 1970, Salvador Allende was inaugurated as the President of Chile, becoming the first Marxist to be elected president in a Latin American country. His presidency was marked by social reforms and political tension, ultimately leading to his overthrow in 1973.
“We are not just fighting for bread and labor, but for dignity, equality, and justice. This is the revolution of the people, by the people, and for the people, and we will build a society where the power truly belongs to the working class.”
~ Salvador Allende
1986: Iran-Contra Scandal Exposed
On November 3, 1986, the Iran-Contra Scandal was exposed, revealing that the Reagan administration had secretly facilitated the sale of arms to Iran and used the proceeds to fund Contra rebels in Nicaragua, violating U.S. law.
“Mistakes were made. And while we take full responsibility for the consequences, we must not let this shadow undo the progress we’ve made in strengthening our nation’s security and upholding its values, both at home and abroad.”
~ Ronald Reagan
1992: Bill Clinton Elected President of the United States
On November 3, 1992, Bill Clinton was elected as the 42nd President of the United States, defeating incumbent George H.W. Bush and independent candidate Ross Perot. Clinton’s victory signaled a shift in American politics toward the center-left.
“I still believe in a place called Hope. I believe in the American Dream, in the power of people coming together to solve the problems that seem impossible. Together, we will build a future where opportunity is not just a promise, but a reality for every citizen.”
~ Bill Clinton
2004: Dutch Filmmaker Theo van Gogh Assassinated
On November 3, 2004, Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh was assassinated in Amsterdam by an Islamist extremist, in response to his controversial film Submission, which criticized the treatment of women in Islam. The murder shocked the Netherlands and sparked debates about free speech and radicalism.
“To speak one’s mind is a freedom no one should take for granted. It is only when we are silent in the face of injustice that we truly lose our humanity. In life or death, I will not be silent.”
~ Theo van Gogh
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.