Major Events of November 2005: Key Historical Moments from the Month
Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from November 2005 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of November 2005: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 01 Nov 2005 Paris riots escalate with widespread violence and arson: On November 1, 2005, riots in Paris suburbs intensified, with youths setting fire to 180 vehicles and clashing with police. The unrest, which began on October 27, spread to multiple suburbs, leading to increased tensions and prompting government officials to consider measures to restore order. source: aljazeera.com
- 02 Nov 2005 CIA black sites exposed in Europe: On November 2, 2005, reports emerged revealing the existence of secret CIA prisons, known as 'black sites,' in Eastern Europe. These facilities were used for the detention and interrogation of terrorism suspects outside the U.S. legal system, raising concerns about human rights violations. source: theguardian.com
- 03 Nov 2005 Measles vaccination success in Africa reported: On November 3, 2005, the World Health Organization reported significant progress in measles vaccination campaigns across Africa, leading to a substantial decline in measles cases and deaths. This success was attributed to increased vaccination coverage and improved healthcare infrastructure. source: who.int
- 04 Nov 2005 Paris suburb riots escalate: In early November 2005, riots erupted in Paris suburbs, primarily in Clichy-sous-Bois, following the deaths of two teenagers. The unrest spread to other areas, leading to widespread violence and property damage. source: nytimes.com
- 05 Nov 2005 Angela Merkel becomes first female Chancellor of Germany: On November 22, 2005, Angela Merkel was elected as Germany's first female Chancellor, leading a grand coalition government. source: irishtimes.com
- 06 Nov 2005 Manchester United defeats Chelsea, ending their 40-match unbeaten run: Manchester United secured a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford, with Darren Fletcher scoring the decisive goal in the 31st minute. This match marked the end of Chelsea's 40-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League. source: manutd.com
- 07 Nov 2005 French urban riots escalate: The riots in French urban areas continued to escalate, with increased violence and property damage reported in several cities. source: nytimes.com
- 08 Nov 2005 Liberia holds presidential runoff election: On November 8, 2005, Liberia conducted a presidential runoff election between Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George Weah. Sirleaf, a former World Bank economist and finance minister, won the runoff with 59.4% of the vote, becoming the first woman elected as president in Africa. Weah, a former football star, received 40.6% of the vote. The election marked a significant step toward democracy following Liberia's civil wars. source: aljazeera.com
- 09 Nov 2005 Amman bombings in Jordan: On November 9, 2005, a series of bombings occurred in Amman, Jordan, targeting three hotels frequented by Westerners. The attacks resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries, marking one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in Jordan's history. The bombings were attributed to al-Qaeda in Iraq. source: aljazeera.com
- 10 Nov 2005 Ellen Johnson Sirleaf declared president-elect of Liberia: On November 10, 2005, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was declared the winner of Liberia's presidential election, becoming the first woman elected as president in Africa. She secured 59.4% of the vote in the runoff election, defeating George Weah, who received 40.6%. Sirleaf's victory was a significant milestone for Liberia, marking the end of a transitional government following years of civil war. source: aljazeera.com
- 11 Nov 2005 Saudi Arabia joins World Trade Organization: On November 11, 2005, Saudi Arabia officially became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), marking a significant step in the country's economic integration into the global market. The accession was expected to lead to economic reforms and increased foreign investment. source: aljazeera.com
- 12 Nov 2005 Kofi Annan's first Iraq visit since war: On November 12, 2005, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan visited Iraq for the first time since the 2003 invasion, aiming to support the country's recovery and political process. source: un.org
- 13 Nov 2005 NFL Record-Breaking Play: Chicago Bears cornerback Nathan Vasher made NFL history by returning a missed field goal 108 yards against the San Francisco 49ers, setting a record for the longest play in league history.
- 14 Nov 2005 Major earthquake strikes off Honshu, Japan: On November 14, 2005, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake occurred off the east coast of Honshu, Japan's northernmost major island. The tremor was felt in Tokyo, over 300 miles away, but caused minimal damage. Authorities issued a tsunami warning, predicting waves up to 20 inches, but later lifted it as no significant tsunami was observed. source: upi.com
- 15 Nov 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access between Israel and Palestinian Authority: On November 15, 2005, Israel and the Palestinian Authority signed the Agreement on Movement and Access, aiming to improve Palestinian freedom of movement and economic activity within the Palestinian territories. The agreement included provisions for the operation of the Rafah Crossing under Palestinian control with international supervision, the passage of goods through the Karni Crossing, and the opening of the 'Safe Passage' from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank. source: ecf.org.il
- 16 Nov 2005 US maintains control over internet governance: On November 16, 2005, the United States announced its decision to maintain control over internet governance, including the management of domain names and IP addresses. This decision was met with criticism from various countries advocating for a more international approach to internet oversight. source: cnet.com
- 17 Nov 2005 David Irving arrested for Holocaust denial: On November 17, 2005, British historian David Irving was arrested in Austria for denying the Holocaust, a crime under Austrian law. Irving's arrest sparked international debate over freedom of speech and the boundaries of historical revisionism. source: theguardian.com
- 18 Nov 2005 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Film Release: The fourth installment in the Harry Potter film series, 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,' was released worldwide on November 18, 2005. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 Nov 2005 Prince Albert of Monaco Officially Enthroned: On November 19, 2005, Prince Albert II was officially enthroned as the ruler of Monaco, succeeding his father, Prince Rainier III. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 20 Nov 2005 Bush Advocates Religious Freedom in China: On November 20, 2005, U.S. President George W. Bush advocated for religious freedom during his visit to China, emphasizing the importance of human rights. source: nytimes.com
- 21 Nov 2005 Alfred Anderson, last British World War I veteran, passes away: Alfred Anderson, born on June 25, 1896, was the last known holder of the 1914 Star (the Old Contemptibles) and the last known combatant to participate in the 1914 World War I Christmas truce. He died on November 21, 2005, at the age of 109. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 22 Nov 2005 Angela Merkel becomes first female Chancellor of Germany: On November 22, 2005, Angela Merkel was elected as the first female Chancellor of Germany, marking a significant milestone in German politics.
- 23 Nov 2005 Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf confirmed as Liberian president: On November 23, 2005, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was confirmed as Liberia's president, marking a historic moment for the country.
- 24 Nov 2005 Canadian Parliamentary confidence motion: On November 24, 2005, the Canadian Parliament held a confidence motion that led to the government of Prime Minister Paul Martin being defeated. This event triggered a federal election, marking a significant moment in Canadian politics. source: cbc.ca
- 25 Nov 2005 Ukraine seeks recognition of Holodomor as genocide: On November 25, 2005, Ukraine's parliament adopted a resolution calling for international recognition of the Holodomor as a genocide against the Ukrainian people. This marked a significant step in Ukraine's efforts to address historical injustices. source: un.org
- 26 Nov 2005 Palestinian control of Rafah crossing: On November 26, 2005, Palestinian authorities took control of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, marking a significant development in the region's governance and border management. This event was part of broader efforts to establish Palestinian autonomy. source: aljazeera.com
- 27 Nov 2005 First partial human facial transplant: On November 27, 2005, a team of French surgeons performed the first partial human facial transplant. This groundbreaking surgery marked a significant advancement in medical science and reconstructive surgery, offering hope to patients with severe facial injuries. source: bbc.com
- 28 Nov 2005 Bush Outlines Iraq Strategy: On November 28, 2005, U.S. President George W. Bush delivered a speech outlining his strategy for Iraq, emphasizing the importance of establishing a democratic government and the role of U.S. forces in supporting Iraqi security forces. The speech aimed to address public concerns about the war and outline the path forward. source: nytimes.com
- 29 Nov 2005 Carl Icahn's Time Warner Proxy Fight: Activist investor Carl Icahn announces hiring Lazard to advise him in a proxy fight to gain control of the Time Warner Media Empire.