Historical Events on November 29: Significant Moments in History
Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on November 29, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on November 29 - Key Moments Throughout History
- 1900 Lord Kitchener assumes command in South Africa: Following the defeat of conventional Boer forces, Lord Kitchener succeeded Field Marshal Lord Roberts as Commander-in-Chief of British forces in South Africa during the Second Boer War on November 29, 1900. source: sahistory.org.za
- 1902 Premiere of 'Der arme Heinrich' by Gerhart Hauptmann: On November 29, 1902, Gerhart Hauptmann's drama 'Der arme Heinrich' premiered at the Burgtheater in Vienna. This adaptation of Hartmann von Aue's medieval poem is considered part of the German Romantic movement. source: de.wikipedia.org
- 1906 Birth of Luis Van Rooten, Actor: Luis d'Antin van Rooten, an American actor, author, artist, designer, and architect, was born in Mexico City on November 29, 1906. He was known for his work in radio, television, and film, and was recognized for his ability to perform in multiple languages. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1909 First Austrian Aircraft Takes Flight: On November 29, 1909, the first Austrian aircraft, the Lohner Type L, made its maiden flight. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1913 Crete's annexation by Greece: On November 29, 1913, Crete was officially annexed by Greece following the Balkan Wars. This event marked a significant change in the political landscape of the region. source: britannica.com
- 1915 Santa Catalina Island Fire of 1915: On November 29, 1915, a significant fire broke out on Santa Catalina Island, California. The fire caused extensive damage to the island's infrastructure and natural resources, leading to a large-scale evacuation and prompting discussions on fire safety and disaster response. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1916 Erwin Rommel's marriage to Lucia Maria Mollin: Erwin Rommel married Lucia Maria Mollin in Danzig on November 29, 1916. They had one son, Manfred Rommel, who later became the mayor of Stuttgart. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1922 Discovery of King Tutankhamun's Tomb: On November 29, 1922, archaeologist Howard Carter and his team entered the inner chambers of King Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings. This marked the first time in modern history that the tomb was entered, revealing a wealth of artifacts and treasures that had been sealed for over 3,000 years. source: history.com
- 1928 Italian labor system restructuring: On November 29, 1928, the Italian government announced changes to the country's labor system, practically dissolving the syndicalist hierarchy and granting more self-autonomy to each of the six federations organized by the categories of workers. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1929 First flight over the South Pole: On November 29, 1929, Richard Byrd became the first person to fly over the South Pole, completing a 19-hour round trip from the Ross Ice Shelf. source: guinnessworldrecords.com
- 1932 France-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact: On November 29, 1932, the Soviet Union and France signed a non-aggression pact, marking a significant diplomatic agreement between the two nations. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1933 Pennsylvania authorizes state liquor stores: On November 29, 1933, Pennsylvania established the Liquor Control Board, authorizing state-operated stores for the sale of alcoholic beverages, marking the end of Prohibition in the state. source: pa.gov
- 1935 First Transpacific Airmail Flight Completed: On November 29, 1935, the China Clipper completed its inaugural transpacific airmail flight, landing in Guam. This event marked a significant milestone in transpacific aviation. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1936 Nazi antisemitic political statement: On November 29, 1936, Nazi Germany issued an antisemitic political statement, reflecting the regime's ongoing persecution of Jews. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1938 Rotterdam mayor cancels soccer match with Germany: On November 29, 1938, the mayor of Rotterdam canceled a scheduled soccer match between the Netherlands and Germany, reflecting the tense political climate in Europe at the time. source: encyclopedia.com
- 1941 Soviet forces launch major Moscow counterattacks: On November 29, 1941, Soviet forces initiated significant counterattacks around Moscow, aiming to repel the advancing German troops. This operation was crucial in halting the German offensive and marked the beginning of a series of Soviet victories. source: britannica.com
- 1942 Cocoanut Grove Night Club fire: The Cocoanut Grove Night Club fire occurred on November 29, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts, resulting in 492 deaths. It was one of the deadliest nightclub fires in U.S. history, leading to significant changes in fire safety regulations. source: boston.gov
- 1943 AVNOJ second session in Jajce: The second session of the Anti-Fascist Council of National Liberation of Yugoslavia (AVNOJ) took place in Jajce on November 29, 1943. This meeting was crucial for establishing the foundations of post-war Yugoslavia and solidifying the authority of the Partisan movement against Axis forces. source: britannica.com
- 1944 USS Archer-Fish sinks Japanese aircraft carrier Shinano: On November 29, 1944, the U.S. Navy submarine USS Archerfish (SS-311), commanded by Joseph F. Enright, sank the Japanese aircraft carrier Shinano. Shinano, the largest warship ever built at the time, was struck by four torpedoes from Archerfish, leading to its sinking. This event marked a significant achievement in submarine warfare during World War II. source: history.navy.mil
- 1945 Yugoslavia abolishes monarchy and establishes republic: On November 29, 1945, the Constituent Assembly of Yugoslavia proclaimed the Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia, abolishing the monarchy and establishing a federal republic under communist rule. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1946 Founding of SOBSI labor organization: On November 29, 1946, the SOBSI (Syndicat Ouvrier de la Bâtiment et des Services Internationaux) labor organization was founded. This organization aimed to represent workers in the construction and international services sectors, advocating for their rights and interests. source: britannica.com
- 1947 UN partition plan for Palestine: On November 29, 1947, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 181, recommending the partition of Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. This plan was a pivotal moment in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. source: un.org
- 1948 Israel applies for UN membership: On November 29, 1948, Israel submitted its application for membership in the United Nations, seeking international recognition and legitimacy as a sovereign state. This application was a significant step in Israel's efforts to integrate into the international community following its declaration of independence earlier that year.
- 1949 Nationalist China retreats to Taiwan: On November 29, 1949, the Nationalist government of China officially retreated to Taiwan following the Chinese Civil War. This marked a significant shift in power, as the Communist Party established control over mainland China. The retreat led to the establishment of Taiwan as a separate political entity. source: bbc.com
- 1950 Korean War: UN forces retreat from North Korea: On November 29, 1950, United Nations forces began a strategic retreat from North Korea due to overwhelming Chinese military intervention. This marked a significant turning point in the Korean War, as UN forces had initially advanced deep into North Korean territory. The retreat was a response to the changing dynamics of the conflict and the need to regroup. source: britannica.com
- 1951 Winston Churchill re-elected as British Prime Minister: Winston Churchill was re-elected as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on November 29, 1951, after leading the Conservative Party to victory in the general elections. His return marked a significant moment in British politics during the post-war era. source: britannica.com
- 1953 WSIX TV Channel 8 begins broadcasting in Nashville: WSIX TV Channel 8 began broadcasting in Nashville on November 29, 1953, becoming one of the city's first television stations. This development marked a significant milestone in Nashville's media landscape, providing residents with access to television programming and news. source: wkrn.com
- 1954 Birth of Joel Coen, renowned filmmaker: Joel Coen, an acclaimed American filmmaker known for his unique storytelling and cinematic style, was born. He has directed numerous award-winning films, often in collaboration with his brother Ethan Coen. source: britannica.com
- 1955 Experimental Breeder Reactor I Partial Meltdown: On November 29, 1955, the Experimental Breeder Reactor I (EBR-I) in Idaho experienced a partial meltdown during a coolant flow test. This incident was significant in the history of nuclear energy, highlighting challenges in reactor design and safety. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1956 Suez Crisis: Israeli invasion of Sinai Peninsula: On November 29, 1956, Israel launched an invasion of the Sinai Peninsula during the Suez Crisis, aiming to regain Western control of the Suez Canal and remove Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser. This military action was part of a tripartite aggression involving the UK and France, leading to significant geopolitical tensions in the region. source: britannica.com
- 1958 Argentine government suppresses railway workers' strike: On November 29, 1958, the Argentine government took measures to suppress a strike by railway workers, reflecting ongoing labor tensions in the country. This event highlighted the challenges faced by the government in managing labor relations during this period. source: bbc.com
- 1959 Martin Luther King Jr.'s Farewell Sermon at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church: On November 29, 1959, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his farewell sermon at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, before moving to Atlanta. This sermon reflected on his experiences and the civil rights movement's future direction. source: britannica.com
- 1960 Minnesota Gophers claim Big Ten football championship: On November 29, 1960, the University of Minnesota Gophers were declared the Big Ten football champions. This victory was a highlight in the college football season, showcasing the team's strong performance throughout the year. source: britannica.com
- 1961 Mercury-Atlas 5 mission with chimpanzee Enos: On November 29, 1961, NASA launched the Mercury-Atlas 5 mission, carrying Enos, a chimpanzee, into orbit. Enos completed two orbits around Earth before the mission was concluded due to technical issues. This flight marked the first time a primate orbited Earth. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1962 Anglo-French Concorde Development Agreement: On November 29, 1962, the United Kingdom and France signed an agreement to jointly develop and produce a supersonic airliner, known as Concorde. The project aimed to create a slender-wing airliner with a cruising speed of about Mach 2.2, capable of reducing transatlantic flight times from 7.5 hours to approximately 3 hours. The development was a collaboration between British Aircraft Corporation and Sud Aviation, with the first flight expected in 1966 and service entry by 1970. source: api.parliament.uk
- 1963 Warren Commission established: The Warren Commission was established on November 29, 1963, to investigate the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This commission played a crucial role in shaping the narrative surrounding the events of that day. source: archives.gov
- 1964 Roman Catholic Church in US replaces Latin with English: On November 29, 1964, the Roman Catholic Church in the United States began to replace Latin with English in its liturgy. This change was part of the broader reforms initiated by the Second Vatican Council, aimed at modernizing the Church's practices. source: britannica.com
- 1965 Canadian Space Agency launches Alouette 2 satellite: On November 29, 1965, Canada launched Alouette 2, its second ionospheric research satellite, from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The satellite was designed to study the ionosphere and operated until August 1, 1975. source: asc-csa.gc.ca
- 1967 Actor Theo Marcuse Dies in Car Accident: Theo Marcuse, a 47-year-old American character actor, tragically lost his life in a Hollywood automobile accident, cutting short a promising acting career.
- 1968 Civil rights tension in Northern Ireland: On November 29, 1968, tensions escalated in Northern Ireland as civil rights protests highlighted discrimination against the Catholic minority. This period marked the beginning of significant unrest that would lead to the Troubles. source: bbc.com
- 1970 Mark Pembridge: Welsh football player born: Mark Pembridge, a Welsh footballer known for his midfield play, was born on November 29, 1970, in Cardiff, Wales. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1971 Soviet nuclear test in Kazakhstan: On November 29, 1971, the Soviet Union conducted a nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan. This test was part of the USSR's ongoing nuclear weapons program during the Cold War and raised international concerns about nuclear proliferation. source: bbc.com
- 1972 Atari releases Pong: a video game revolution: On November 29, 1972, Atari released Pong, one of the first commercially successful video games. This event marked a significant milestone in the gaming industry, leading to the popularization of arcade games. source: britannica.com
- 1975 Birth of the name 'Microsoft': On November 29, 1975, Bill Gates used the name "Micro-soft" in a letter to Paul Allen to refer to their partnership. This is the earliest known written reference to the name. source: firstonline.info
- 1976 Reggie Jackson signs with New York Yankees: On November 29, 1976, Reggie Jackson signed a five-year contract with the New York Yankees, making him one of the highest-paid players in baseball at the time. This move was pivotal for the Yankees, as Jackson would go on to play a crucial role in their success during the late 1970s. source: baseball-reference.com
- 1979 British Embassy in Tehran reduces staff amid crisis: On November 29, 1979, the British Embassy in Tehran announced a reduction in staff due to escalating tensions following the Iranian Revolution. This decision was part of broader measures taken by foreign embassies in response to the volatile political climate and the hostage crisis involving American diplomats. The situation in Iran was increasingly precarious, prompting many nations to reassess their diplomatic presence. source: bbc.com
- 1981 1981 Azbakiyah bombing in Damascus: On November 29, 1981, a car bomb exploded in the al-Azbakiyah neighborhood of Damascus, Syria, near a military police office, killing at least 64 people and wounding 135. The Syrian government blamed the Muslim Brotherhood, while a group called the Organisation for the Liberation of Lebanon from Foreigners claimed responsibility. The attack destroyed three five-story apartment buildings and was the fourth bomb attack in the capital since August. source: csmonitor.com
- 1982 UN General Assembly Resolution 37/37 calls for Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan: On November 29, 1982, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 37/37, urging the Soviet Union to withdraw its forces from Afghanistan. This marked the fourth consecutive year the Assembly called for such withdrawal, reflecting ongoing international concern over the Soviet military presence in Afghanistan. source: un.org
- 1983 Soviet Union conducts underground nuclear test in Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan: On November 29, 1983, the Soviet Union conducted an underground nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan. The U.S. Department of Energy detected the explosion at 9:19 p.m. EST, marking it as the eighth Soviet test of that year. This test was part of a series of 27 nuclear tests conducted by the Soviet Union in 1983. source: upi.com
- 1985 Assassination of Gérard Hoarau in London: Gérard Hoarau, a Seychellois political activist and leader of the Mouvement Pour La Résistance (MPR), was assassinated on November 29, 1985, in Edgware, North London. He was shot multiple times on his doorstep by an unidentified gunman. The British police have never solved his murder, but the René government was highly implicated. As well as the hired hit-man, British police also believed that there was another individual—believed to be a Seychellois—who knew Hoarau and was able to identify him to the foreign assassin. Neither Hoarau's assassin nor his accomplice has been caught. British police did arrest a number for tapping Hoarau's telephone line, who were recommended to the Seychelles government by Ian Withers, who worked as a security adviser and was himself arrested in 2018. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1986 Suriname Moiwana Village Massacre: On November 29, 1986, during the Surinamese Interior War, the Suriname National Army attacked the Maroon village of Moiwana, resulting in the deaths of at least 39 villagers, primarily women and children. The soldiers systematically massacred the residents and burned down the village. Survivors fled to neighboring French Guiana, where they lived in refugee camps until the early 1990s. In 2005, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights held the Surinamese government responsible for the massacre, mandating compensation for survivors and prosecution of those responsible. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1987 Korean Air Flight 858 bombing occurred on November 29, 1987: Korean Air Flight 858 was a scheduled flight from Baghdad to Seoul that was bombed on November 29, 1987, by North Korean agents. The bombing resulted in the deaths of all 115 passengers and crew on board. This act of terrorism was part of North Korea's efforts to destabilize the South Korean government and has had lasting implications for inter-Korean relations. source: britannica.com
- 1988 Birth of Russell Wilson: Russell Wilson, an American football quarterback known for his success in the NFL, was born on November 29, 1988. He has since become a prominent figure in sports, recognized for his leadership and performance on the field. source: britannica.com
- 1990 UN Security Council authorizes military intervention in Iraq: On November 29, 1990, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 678, authorizing member states to use force against Iraq if it did not withdraw from Kuwait by January 15, 1991. This resolution paved the way for the Gulf War. source: un.org
- 1994 Russian military bombing of Grozny: On November 29, 1994, Russian military forces began bombing the Chechen capital of Grozny, marking the start of the First Chechen War. The bombing campaign aimed to suppress the separatist movement in Chechnya and led to significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction in the city. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1995 CNNfn Financial Network launches: CNNfn, a cable television news network dedicated to financial markets and business news, launched on November 29, 1995. Operated by CNN, it aimed to provide comprehensive financial coverage. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 1996 Severe winter weather in South Dakota and Minnesota: On November 29, 1996, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, experienced a temperature of -1.4°C (29.5°F), while Minneapolis, Minnesota, recorded -1.1°C (30°F). These temperatures indicate a severe winter weather event affecting the region. source: weather.com
- 1997 OPEC adjusts oil production ceiling: On November 29, 1997, OPEC announced a reduction in its oil production ceiling in response to falling oil prices. This decision aimed to stabilize the market and support oil prices amid increasing global supply. The adjustment reflected OPEC's ongoing efforts to manage oil production levels effectively. source: reuters.com
- 1999 Malaysian general election held: Malaysia conducted its tenth general election, with the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, led by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, securing 149 out of 193 parliamentary seats, maintaining a two-thirds majority. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 2001 Death of George Harrison: George Harrison, the lead guitarist of The Beatles, died on November 29, 2001, at the age of 58. He passed away at a friend's home in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer. source: beatlesbible.com
- 2002 Concert for George Harrison memorial concert: The Concert for George was held on November 29, 2002, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, commemorating the life and music of George Harrison. The event featured numerous artists and raised funds for charity. source: bbc.com
- 2003 Violent day in Iraq occupation: On November 29, 2003, multiple violent incidents occurred in Iraq, including attacks on coalition forces and civilian targets. These events contributed to the escalating security challenges faced by the occupying forces and the Iraqi population during this period.
- 2004 Ukrainian Supreme Court begins hearing election fraud claims: On November 29, 2004, Ukraine's Supreme Court commenced hearings on claims of widespread electoral fraud in the presidential runoff election. The court's decision to block the inauguration of Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych and review the election results marked a significant development in the ongoing political crisis. source: washingtonpost.com
- 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.
- 2006 Yegor Gaidar's mysterious illness raises suspicions: Yegor Gaidar, a prominent Russian economist and politician, fell ill under unclear circumstances, leading to speculation about the cause. His sudden health issues sparked discussions regarding potential foul play. source: theguardian.com
- 2007 Magnitude 7.4 earthquake strikes Martinique: On November 29, 2007, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake occurred 18 km west-northwest of Basse-Pointe, Martinique, at a depth of 150 km. The tremor was felt across the Caribbean, including Dominica, St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, and as far as Venezuela and Puerto Rico. Power outages were reported in Martinique, Dominica, and Guadeloupe. One person was killed, and over 100 were injured. source: uky.edu
- 2008 Mumbai terror attacks: Between November 26 and 29, 2008, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks occurred in Mumbai, India. Ten gunmen associated with the Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out attacks at multiple locations, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, CST Railway Station, and Nariman House. The attacks resulted in 174 deaths and over 300 injuries. The Indian government responded with increased security measures and international cooperation to combat terrorism. source: bbc.com
- 2009 Lakewood Police Officer Murders: On November 29, 2009, four police officers from Lakewood, Washington, were fatally shot at a coffee shop in Parkland, Washington. The gunman, Maurice Clemmons, ambushed the officers while they were working on their laptops before their shifts. After a two-day manhunt, Clemmons was located and killed by Seattle police. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 2010 UN Climate Change Conference begins in Cancun: The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) began on November 29, 2010, in Cancun, Mexico. The conference aimed to advance international negotiations on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 2011 Breivik declared criminally insane by Norwegian court: Anders Behring Breivik was declared criminally insane by a Norwegian court, which ruled that he was suffering from a severe personality disorder at the time of his attacks in July 2011. This decision meant he would be committed to a psychiatric hospital rather than a prison. The ruling sparked significant debate about mental health and criminal responsibility in Norway. source: bbc.com
- 2012 UN grants Palestine observer state status: The United Nations General Assembly granted Palestine non-member observer state status, a significant step towards international recognition of Palestinian statehood. source: un.org
- 2013 Deadly violence erupts in Iraq: On November 29, 2013, Iraq experienced a surge in violence, including bombings and shootings, resulting in numerous casualties and raising concerns about the country's security situation. source: bbc.com
- 2014 Hong Kong pro-democracy protests: On November 29, 2014, pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong clashed with police in the Mong Kok district as they attempted to reclaim a former protest site, leading to renewed tensions and confrontations. source: bbc.com
- 2015 Pope Francis visits Central African Republic: Pope Francis visited the Central African Republic, meeting with religious leaders and promoting peace in the war-torn nation. source: cbc.ca
- 2016 Great Barrier Reef coral destruction reported: On November 29, 2016, reports indicated significant coral destruction in the Great Barrier Reef due to mass bleaching events, attributed to rising sea temperatures and climate change. source: theguardian.com
- 2017 North Korea conducts powerful ballistic missile test: On November 29, 2017, North Korea launched a ballistic missile that reached an altitude of 4,475 kilometers and traveled 950 kilometers before landing in the Sea of Japan. This test was seen as a significant advancement in North Korea's missile capabilities and raised tensions in the region. source: bbc.com
- 2018 Georgia elects first female president: Salome Zurabishvili, a former French diplomat, was elected as Georgia's first female president, securing 59.52% of the vote in the runoff election. She was backed by the ruling Georgian Dream party. source: dw.com
- 2019 Hong Kong protesters thank U.S. for human rights legislation: On November 29, 2019, Hong Kong protesters expressed gratitude towards the United States for passing the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, viewing it as international support for their pro-democracy movement. source: scmp.com
- 2020 Global COVID-19 Pandemic Update: Worldwide COVID-19 response varied, with some regions tightening restrictions while others showed signs of improvement. Notable developments included school closures in Hong Kong, potential vaccine approval in the UK, and declining infection rates in parts of Europe.
- 2021 Major Earthquake Strikes Northern Peru: A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the northern region of Peru, causing significant geological disruption and potential infrastructure damage. The seismic event occurred in a tectonically active zone, highlighting the region's vulnerability to substantial seismic activity.
- 2022 NATO Reaffirms Support for Ukraine During Russian Winter Offensive: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemned Russia's strategic targeting of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, effectively using winter as a weapon of war. The organization pledged continued military and humanitarian support for Ukraine, while also addressing underlying geopolitical tensions. Some European officials have privately suggested the United States might be economically benefiting from the ongoing conflict.
- 2023 Israel-Hamas War: Hostage Exchange and Release: During the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, a significant hostage exchange took place. Hamas released four Thai migrant workers and 12 Israeli hostages, while Israel reciprocated by freeing 30 Palestinian prisoners. In an additional diplomatic gesture, two dual citizens of Israel and Russia were also freed, potentially signaling a nuanced diplomatic channel involving Russian President Vladimir Putin.
What Is special about November 29?
November 29 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about November 29.