2024-11-17 23:20:00
On Monday, November 18th, the book of history records, among other things:
1909: The Pik volcano, which had been thought to be extinct for 300 years, is erupting in Tenerife. The island population must be evacuated.
1914: At Przemyśl the attacking Russian troops suffered heavy losses at the hands of the Austro-Hungarian troops.
1919: Before an investigative committee of the German National Assembly, Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg, who later became President of the Reich, explains that the German army was “stabbed from behind” in the First World War. (“Stab in the Back Legend”).
1939: A Dutch passenger steamer hits a mine in the English Channel, killing 84 passengers and crew.
1974: The Japanese government must deploy 25,000 security forces to protect US President Gerald Ford during his state visit to Tokyo.
1984: Poland withdraws from the International Labor Organization (ILO).
1989: Calls for free elections and democracy are louder in Sofia: The largest rally of opposition forces to date in communist-ruled Bulgaria is taking place there with up to 100,000 participants.
1999: At the OSCE summit in Istanbul, Russia resists all criticism of its war in Chechnya.
2004: The EU Parliament approves the changed portfolio list of the designated EU Commission President José Manuel Barroso with a large majority. Italy replaces Rocco Buttiglione with Franco Frattini, Latvia replaces Ingrīda Ūdre with Andris Piebalgs, the Hungarian László Kovács gets the tax and customs department instead of the energy department.
2004: The National Council approves the pension harmonization, which applies to all people under 50 from January 1st. State and municipal employees as well as professional groups with self-sufficient systems such as notaries are excluded. Early retirement will be reintroduced along a corridor (62 to 68).
2004: Big impact in the mobile communications industry: The commercial court is forcing the major providers to reduce the so-called “escape tax” for porting phone numbers when changing operators from 35 to 12 euros.
2009: The Vienna Commercial Court allows a class action lawsuit against AWD. The plaintiff consumer advocates accuse AWD of systematically giving customers incorrect advice when selling Immofinanz shares. 2,500 cheated investors joined.
2019: The US government is making another U-turn in its Middle East policy: it no longer views Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank as a violation of international law. The move has met with strong criticism not only in the Arab world, but also at the UN and the EU.
Birthdays: Karl Zemanek, Eastern International Lawyer (1929); Vasilis Vasilikos, Greek author (“Z”) (1934-2023); Margaret Atwood, Canadian writer (1939); Amanda Lear, French pop singer and presenter (1941, according to other sources 1939); Wolfgang Joop, German fashion designer (1944); Chloë Sevigny, US actress (1974); Petter Solberg, Norway. Rally racer (1974).
Todestage: Joseph Kennedy, US banker and diplomat (father of President John F. Kennedy) (1888-1969); Cab Calloway, US jazz and blues musician (1907-1994); Paul Bowles, US writer and composer (1910-1999); Wilfried Gredler, Eastern Politician (FPÖ) (1916-1994); Cy Coleman, US composer (1929-2004); Jeanne-Claude, French (disguising) artist (1935-2009).
Name days: Peter, Paul, Odo, Gerung, Roman, Cielasius, Leonhard, Maximus, Thomas, Philippina.
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#November #Poland #withdraws #International #Labor #Organization #ILO
How did the “stab in the back” legend influence political movements in Germany after World War I?
**Interview with Historian Dr. Emily Hartman on Significant Historical Events of November 18th**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hartman. November 18th has seen some pivotal moments throughout history. Let’s start with the 1909 eruption of the Pik volcano in Tenerife. What impact did this event have on the local population?
**Dr. Hartman:** Thank you for having me. The eruption of the Pik volcano was quite significant for the people of Tenerife, who had believed the volcano was extinct. The immediate need for evacuation signified a profound disruption of their lives, and it forced the population to confront the reality of living on a volcanically active island. The psychological and social impacts of such natural disasters can linger for generations.
**Interviewer:** Moving ahead to 1919, we see Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg making a controversial statement regarding the German army’s defeat in World War I. Could you explain the implications of the “stab in the back” legend that arose from this?
**Dr. Hartman:** Certainly. Hindenburg’s assertion contributed to a narrative that blamed civilians and political leaders for Germany’s loss rather than military failures. This “stab in the back” legend later played a crucial role in shaping nationalistic sentiment and was exploited by extremist political movements, including the Nazis. It fostered a climate of resentment and conspiracy, which had long-lasting effects on German society and politics.
**Interviewer:** In 1989, we witnessed a significant rally in Sofia, Bulgaria, calling for free elections. How did this demonstration reflect the broader trends within Eastern Europe at the time?
**Dr. Hartman:** This rally was part of a wave of democratization sweeping through Eastern Europe during the late 1980s. Citizens in Bulgaria, like those in other communist countries, were increasingly demanding political freedom and reform. The scale of participation—with up to 100,000 present—demonstrates a powerful collective desire for change, showcasing the weakening hold of communist regimes across the region.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, in 2004, we saw the EU Parliaments approve a significant change in the commission. Can you discuss why these changes were made and their implications for European governance?
**Dr. Hartman:** The approval of the EU Commission’s new portfolio list was crucial at a time when the European Union was expanding and seeking to streamline its governance. The reshuffling aimed to address criticisms and enhance the efficiency of the Commission. It reflects the complexity of balancing national interests within a larger supranational framework, a challenge that continues to this day.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Hartman, for sharing your insights on these historical events. It’s fascinating to see how they shape our present and future.
**Dr. Hartman:** Thank you for having me! History certainly has a way of echoing through time, and understanding it helps us navigate today’s world.
