1789: New Jersey Ratifies the Bill of Rights
On November 20, 1789, New Jersey became the first U.S. state to ratify the Bill of Rights. These first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution outlined essential rights and freedoms, laying the foundation for American civil liberties.
The rights of men are not to be conceded to the power of kings or rulers, but to be guarded by the people themselves.
~ James Madison
1820: American Whaler Essex Sunk by a Whale
On November 20, 1820, the American whaling ship Essex was attacked and sunk by a giant sperm whale in the Pacific Ocean. This incident inspired Herman Melville‘s famous novel Moby-Dick.
Call me Ishmael; the ocean is both wild and wise, sparing no one from its reach.
~ Herman Melville
1917: Battle of Cambrai Begins in World War I
On November 20, 1917, the Battle of Cambrai began, marking the first large-scale use of tanks in warfare. This British-led offensive demonstrated the potential of armored vehicles on the battlefield.
In war, innovation is survival; the tank has forged a new path in our struggle.
~ British officer at Cambrai
1923: Birth of Nadine Gordimer, South African Writer and Activist (Featured Person)
On November 20, 1923, Nadine Gordimer, the South African writer and Nobel Prize laureate, was born. Her works explored complex social and political issues, particularly apartheid, and she was a fierce advocate for human rights.
I have learned to mistrust words, for sometimes they can conceal more than they reveal.
~ Nadine Gordimer
Gordimer believed that words held great power but could also be used to obscure the truth.
The truth isn’t always beauty, but the hunger for it is.
~ Nadine Gordimer
She acknowledged that truth can be difficult, but the search for it is a noble pursuit.
Time is change; we measure our lives in its relentless forward motion.
~ Nadine Gordimer
Gordimer often reflected on the passage of time and the way it shapes individual and collective lives.
Writing is making sense of life. You work your whole life and perhaps you’ve made sense of one small area.
~ Nadine Gordimer
Gordimer saw writing as an ongoing quest to understand life, knowing full clarity may never be achieved.
Power is something of which I am convinced there is no innocence this side of the womb.
~ Nadine Gordimer
She believed that power inherently alters those who hold it, removing their innocence.
To discover the humanity in each other, we must first listen without prejudice.
~ Nadine Gordimer
Gordimer emphasized the importance of empathy and understanding in human interactions.
We cannot escape our history, for it is woven into the fabric of who we are.
~ Nadine Gordimer
She felt that individuals and nations alike are shaped by their histories.
A writer can never stay away from the truth for long; the urge to confront it is in the marrow.
~ Nadine Gordimer
She believed writers have a duty to pursue truth, even when it is challenging.
Oppression breeds not silence, but a louder cry for justice.
~ Nadine Gordimer
Gordimer recognized that injustice fuels the fight for equality and freedom.
It is in the exchange of ideas, not the clash of arms, that true change occurs.
~ Nadine Gordimer
She viewed dialogue as the most powerful tool for fostering change and understanding.
Unusual Facts:
- Nadine Gordimer’s books were banned in South Africa due to her outspoken criticism of apartheid.
- She was an active member of the African National Congress and worked closely with Nelson Mandela.
- Gordimer received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1991, making her one of only a few South Africans to win the award.
- She was a founding member of South Africa’s anti-censorship movement.
- Gordimer continued writing and publishing until she was in her eighties, producing over a dozen novels and many short stories.
1945: Nuremberg Trials Begin
On November 20, 1945, the Nuremberg Trials began in Germany, prosecuting major Nazi war criminals for crimes against humanity, genocide, and war crimes. The trials set a precedent for international law.
Justice delayed is justice denied, but justice served is a testament to humanity’s resolve.
~ Nuremberg prosecutor
1947: Wedding of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
On November 20, 1947, Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) married Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey in London. This marriage marked a significant event in British royal history and became one of the most celebrated royal unions.
Grief is the price we pay for love.
~ Queen Elizabeth II
1959: United Nations Declares Universal Children’s Day
On November 20, 1959, the United Nations proclaimed November 20 as Universal Children’s Day. This day promotes global understanding, protection, and welfare of children.
There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.
~ Nelson Mandela
1969: Pelé Scores His 1,000th Goal
On November 20, 1969, Brazilian soccer legend Pelé scored his 1,000th career goal during a match at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. This milestone cemented his legacy as one of the greatest soccer players of all time.
A goal is not just a moment in a match; it is the realization of countless hours of work, determination, and passion.
~ Pelé
1985: Microsoft Releases Windows 1.0
On November 20, 1985, Microsoft released Windows 1.0, marking the company’s first attempt at a graphical operating system for personal computers. This launch was the beginning of what would become a dominant platform in computing.
Computers are incredible tools for the future, but only if we make them accessible to everyone.
~ Bill Gates
1998: The International Space Station Assembly Begins
On November 20, 1998, Zarya, the first module of the International Space Station (ISS), was launched by Russia. This marked the beginning of the ISS, a collaborative project involving multiple countries and space agencies.
The future of humanity lies not on one planet, but among the stars, where we learn to cooperate beyond borders.
~ NASA scientist
2003: Michael Jackson’s Number Ones Album Released
On November 20, 2003, Michael Jackson released Number Ones, a greatest hits compilation album. The album included some of his most iconic songs and became a major commercial success, reminding the world of his musical legacy.
I’m a perfectionist. I’m never satisfied, even with what I’ve done. I always think I can do it better.
~ Michael Jackson
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