On this day in history: 5 November

In times of crisis, it is unity and resolve that lead us to triumph. The challenges we face are vast, but our spirit is unbreakable, and our future, filled with hope ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

1605: Gunpowder Plot Foiled in England

On November 5, 1605, the Gunpowder Plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James I was foiled. Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators aimed to restore Catholic rule in Protestant England but were captured and executed.

“Remember, remember, the fifth of November, the gunpowder treason and plot. I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot.”

~ Traditional rhyme

1872: Susan B. Anthony Votes in U.S. Election

On November 5, 1872, Susan B. Anthony cast a vote in the U.S. presidential election, an illegal act at the time since women did not have the right to vote. Her subsequent arrest and trial drew national attention to the women’s suffrage movement.

“I stand before you under indictment for the alleged crime of having voted. The power of a woman to choose her representatives shall be her right, not her crime.”

~ Susan B. Anthony

1912: Woodrow Wilson Elected U.S. President

On November 5, 1912, Woodrow Wilson was elected the 28th president of the United States, defeating former presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft in a rare three-way election. His presidency would oversee World War I and the League of Nations.

“Our goal is not simply to keep America safe, but to make the world safe for democracy, to ensure that justice and peace rule the hearts of free nations.”

~ Woodrow Wilson

1935: Parker Brothers Launches Monopoly

On November 5, 1935, Parker Brothers launched the board game Monopoly, which would become one of the best-selling games of all time. The game was originally created to teach the dangers of monopolies and the imbalance of wealth.

“Monopoly is a game where luck, strategy, and the occasional backstabbing make fortunes and bankruptcies happen in the blink of an eye, a reflection of the capitalist dream.”

~ Parker Brothers

1940: Franklin D. Roosevelt Re-Elected for a Third Term

On November 5, 1940, Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to a third term as U.S. president, the only president in American history to serve more than two terms. His leadership helped steer the U.S. through the Great Depression and most of World War II.

“In times of crisis, it is unity and resolve that lead us to triumph. The challenges we face are vast, but our spirit is unbreakable, and our future, filled with hope.”

~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

1956: Nat King Cole Debuts The Nat King Cole Show

On November 5, 1956, Nat King Cole became the first African American to host a national TV show with The Nat King Cole Show. The show was groundbreaking in American television but struggled to find sponsorship due to racial prejudice.

“The television screen must reflect all of America’s beauty and talent, regardless of color, to truly represent the spirit of our country.”

~ Nat King Cole

1968: Richard Nixon Elected U.S. President

On November 5, 1968, Richard Nixon was elected the 37th president of the United States, defeating Hubert Humphrey and George Wallace. Nixon’s presidency saw significant changes in foreign policy but ultimately ended in scandal with the Watergate affair.

“The American dream doesn’t come to those who fall asleep. It takes courage, discipline, and vision to lead, but our nation has always been equal to the task.”

~ Richard Nixon

1994: George Foreman Becomes Oldest Heavyweight Champion

On November 5, 1994, at age 45, George Foreman became the oldest heavyweight boxing champion in history by defeating Michael Moorer. His comeback and victory inspired fans around the world and redefined what was possible in sports.

“Age is only a limit if you choose to let it be one. If you’ve got the heart, the will, and the strength, no number can stop you from achieving greatness.”

~ George Foreman

2006: Saddam Hussein Sentenced to Death

On November 5, 2006, Saddam Hussein, former president of Iraq, was sentenced to death by hanging for crimes against humanity. His conviction marked a significant moment in post-war Iraq.

“A leader who turns on his own people, ruling by fear and oppression, faces the ultimate reckoning in the court of humanity.”

~ Iraqi judge

2007: Android Operating System Announced

On November 5, 2007, Google announced the Android operating system. Developed as an open-source platform for smartphones, Android grew to become the most widely used mobile operating system in the world.

“With Android, we wanted to create a world where technology serves everyone, where freedom and accessibility empower users across the globe.”

~ Sergey Brin

2009: Fort Hood Shooting

On November 5, 2009, a shooting occurred at Fort Hood, Texas, when an army psychiatrist opened fire, killing 13 people and wounding over 30 others. The tragedy led to national conversations on mental health and security within the military.

“Our thoughts are with those who lost loved ones, and we remain committed to building a community where every individual feels safe, valued, and heard.”

~ President Barack Obama

2021: Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Approved for Children

On November 5, 2021, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine was approved for children aged 5 to 11 in the United States. This marked a significant step in the fight against the pandemic, offering protection to millions of young children.

“Our mission is to protect the most vulnerable and ensure that every child has the opportunity to live a healthy, joyful life, free from fear of disease.”

~ Dr. Rochelle Walensky