A Day in History: November 28th
Political Milestones and Tragic Events
November 28th has etched itself into history for events both momentous and tragic. In 1919, England celebrated a significant milestone for women’s suffrage as Nancy Viscountess Astor, a Unionist (Conservative) candidate, was elected to the House of Commons, marking the first time a woman had won a seat in the British Parliament.
Meanwhile, tensions were rising on the international stage. On this day in 1939, the Soviet Union severed diplomatic ties with Finland, signaling the impending clash between the two nations. The dark shadow of World War II loomed as Hitler signed a decree declaring Gotenhafen (Gdansk) a Reich War Port, further solidifying Nazi Germany’s expansionist ambitions.
The horrors of World War II also unfolded on November 28th, 1944, at the Auschwitz concentration camp. The SS began the horrific task of destroying crematoria, desperately attempting to conceal the unimaginable atrocities committed within its walls.
But amidst the darkness, glimmers of hope emerged. On the same day, the first Allied convoy arrived at the port of Antwerp, a vital strategic victory that paved the way for the Liberation of Western Europe.
Cold War Developments and Global Change
Fast forward to the Cold War era. In 1964, the German political landscape witnessed a significant shift as the DRP, DP Bremen, and DNVP North Hesse merged to form the National Democratic Party of Germany (NDP), a right-wing party that would play a role in the complex political landscape of West Germany.
The quest for knowledge also took center stage in 1964.
The American probe “Mariner 4” embarked on a journey to Mars, sending back 22 television images after a 228-day voyage.
This pioneering mission marked a significant milestone in humanity’s exploration of the Red Planet.
Religious events also unfolded on this day. The 38th World Eucharistic Congress commenced in Bombay (now Mumbai), with Pope Paul VI in attendance, underscoring the global reach of the Catholic Church.
Germany took a historic step towards disarmament in 1969, signing the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, signaling a commitment to peace and security in a world still grappling with the threat of nuclear annihilation.
Tragedy struck on November 28th, 1979, when a New Zealand airliner crashed in Antarctica, claiming the lives of 257 people. The disaster shocked the world and underscored the harsh realities of air travel in remote and treacherous regions.
In 1989, as the Berlin Wall crumbled and the Soviet Union teetered on the brink of collapse, German Chancellor Helmut Kohl presented a bold ten-point program for reunification. He proposed offering a freely elected East German government the opportunity to develop “confederative structures” with the aim of creating a federal German state. This plan became a crucial blueprint for the peaceful reunification of Germany.
Cultural Achievements and Economic Events
November 28th has also been a day of cultural achievements. In 1994, the painting “Peasant Garden” by Gustav Klimt, a masterpiece of Austrian art, fetched a staggering 63 million schillings (approximately 4.58 million euros) at a Christie’s auction in London, demonstrating the enduring appeal and value of Klimt’s work.
Scientific advancements continued to unfold. In 1999, the decoding of the 22nd human chromosome marked a major victory in the ongoing research into the human genome.
This discovery paved the way for a deeper understanding of human health and disease.
On November 28th, nations also made their voices heard at the ballot box. In 1994, Norway held a referendum on its membership in the European Union.
By a margin of 52.2%, Norwegian voters rejected the proposal, opting to remain outside the EU.
Remembering Those We Have Lost
November 28th is also a day to remember those who have left an indelible mark on the world, including prominent figures across various fields. Notable figures who passed away on this day include:
* Frederick William V. Steuben, a US general who played a pivotal role in the American Revolution.
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Washington Irving, American author best known for classic works such as “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
* Enrico Fermi, the Italian physicist and Nobel laureate who made groundbreaking contributions to nuclear physics.
Guido List, an Austrian writer and literary critic who played a significant role in Austria’s cultural landscape.
What were some of the key events related to the approaching World War II that transpired on November 28th, 1939?
## A Day in History: November 28th
**Host:** Welcome back to A Day in History. Today we’re looking at November 28th, a date filled with momentous political shifts, tragic events, and scientific breakthroughs.
Joining us today is historian Dr. Sarah Jones, who’s here to shed light on some of the key events that unfolded on this day throughout history.
Dr. Jones, welcome to the show!
**Dr. Jones:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s start with 1919. England saw a major milestone for women’s suffrage on this day. Can you tell us more about it?
**Dr. Jones:** Absolutely. On November 28th, 1919, Nancy Viscountess Astor was elected to the House of Commons, becoming the first woman ever to take a seat in the British Parliament. This was a watershed moment for women’s rights in the UK, marking a significant step towards gender equality in politics.
**Host:** A brilliant achievement! But sadly, just two decades later, the world was on the brink of another war. Can you tell us about the events leading up to World War II that took place on this day in 1939?
**Dr. Jones:** 1939 was a year of escalating tensions. On November 28th, the Soviet Union severed diplomatic ties with Finland, signaling the imminent clash between the two nations. This, coupled with Hitler’s decree declaring Gotenhafen a Reich War Port, further solidified the Nazi regime’s expansionist ambitions and cast a long shadow over Europe.
**Host:** The shadow of World War II looms large over this date. We also saw the horrors of the Holocaust unfold on November 28th, 1944.
**Dr. Jones:** Sadly, yes. The SS began the grim task of destroying crematoria at Auschwitz, desperately attempting to conceal the atrocities committed within its walls as the tide of war began to turn.
**Host:** Such a tragic event, but thankfully, amidst the darkness, glimmers of hope emerged.
**Dr. Jones:** That’s right. On the same day, the first Allied convoy arrived at the port of Antwerp, a crucial victory that paved the way for the Liberation of Western Europe.
**Host:** It was a turning point in the war!
Fast forward to the Cold War era, and November 28th, 1964, saw the birth of a new political party in Germany. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Jones:** The DRP, DP Bremen, and DNVP North Hesse merged to form the National Democratic Party of Germany (NDP), a right-wing party that would become a significant player in West German politics.
**Host:** It was also a day of scientific advancement.
**Dr. Jones:** Indeed! In 1964, the American probe “Mariner 4” embarked on its historic journey to Mars. After a 228-day voyage, it sent back 22 images, marking a giant leap forward in our understanding of the Red Planet.
**Host:** A truly inspiring moment for humanity! Dr. Jones, thank you for sharing these fascinating insights into the historical events of November 28th.
**Dr. Jones:** It’s been my pleasure!
**Host:** And that’s all the time we have for today. Stay tuned for more fascinating stories from history, right here on A Day in History.
