1721: Peter the Great Becomes Emperor of Russia
On November 2, 1721, Peter the Great was declared Emperor of All Russia, marking the beginning of the Russian Empire. Peter’s reign transformed Russia into a major European power.
“Russia must be led into the ranks of the great European states.”
~ Peter the Great
1868: Sir Sandford Fleming Proposes Worldwide Time Zones
On November 2, 1868, Sir Sandford Fleming proposed the concept of worldwide time zones, revolutionizing global communication and travel. His system laid the groundwork for the standardized time zones we use today.
“Let all mankind unite in the pursuit of order and precision in the measurement of time.”
~ Sir Sandford Fleming
1889: North Dakota and South Dakota Admitted to U.S.
On November 2, 1889, North Dakota and South Dakota were admitted as the 39th and 40th states of the United States. President Benjamin Harrison signed the admission proclamations.
“We welcome these great new states into our Union, where liberty and opportunity abound.”
~ Benjamin Harrison
1917: Balfour Declaration
On November 2, 1917, the Balfour Declaration was issued by the British government, expressing support for the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine. This declaration was a significant step in the eventual establishment of Israel.
“His Majesty’s Government views with favor the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people.”
~ Arthur Balfour
1930: Haile Selassie Crowned Emperor of Ethiopia
On November 2, 1930, Haile Selassie was crowned Emperor of Ethiopia, a position he held for nearly 45 years. Selassie became an iconic figure in African independence movements and the Rastafari movement.
“Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted that has made it possible for evil to triumph.”
~ Haile Selassie
1947: First and Only Flight of the Spruce Goose
On November 2, 1947, the Spruce Goose, the largest flying boat ever built, piloted by Howard Hughes, made its first and only flight in Long Beach, California. The massive aircraft symbolized Hughes’ ambition and vision.
“I put the sweat of my life into this thing. I have my reputation all rolled up in it.”
~ Howard Hughes
1959: Charles Van Doren Admits to Cheating on Quiz Show
On November 2, 1959, Charles Van Doren, a contestant on the television quiz show Twenty-One, admitted to cheating by being given the answers in advance. The scandal led to major changes in television standards.
“I was involved, deeply involved, in a deception. I have deceived my friends, and I had millions of them.”
~ Charles Van Doren
1963: Assassination of Ngo Dinh Diem, South Vietnamese President
On November 2, 1963, South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem was assassinated during a military coup. His death marked a turning point in the Vietnam War, leading to increased U.S. involvement in the conflict.
“I have lived my life for my country and will die for it if need be.”
~ Ngo Dinh Diem
1983: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Signed into Law
On November 2, 1983, U.S. President Ronald Reagan signed a bill creating a federal holiday to honor Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights leader and advocate for nonviolent activism.
“It took a nation to finally acknowledge the life and legacy of this remarkable man.”
~ Ronald Reagan
2000: First Crew Arrives at the International Space Station
On November 2, 2000, the first permanent crew, Expedition 1, arrived at the International Space Station (ISS), marking the beginning of continuous human presence in space.
“This station will be our stepping stone to the stars.”
~ Bill Shepherd, Expedition 1 Commander
2004: George W. Bush Re-Elected President of the United States
On November 2, 2004, George W. Bush was re-elected as the 43rd President of the United States, defeating John Kerry in a closely contested election.
“I will work to earn your respect, and I will lead our country with resolve.”
~ George W. Bush
2016: Chicago Cubs Win the World Series
On November 2, 2016, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series, ending a 108-year championship drought. Their victory over the Cleveland Indians became one of the most celebrated moments in sports history.
“We never quit, we never gave up. This win is for the fans.”
~ Joe Maddon, Cubs Manager
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.