On November 11, 1918, World War I hostilities officially ceased when the Allies and Germany signed an armistice in a historic railway car in the Forest of Compiègne, northern France. This marked the end of a conflict that had cost over 16 million lives, reshaping Europe’s political landscape and leading to the formation of the League of Nations. The armistice’s influence extended worldwide, and November 11 later became known as Armistice Day, commemorating peace and the sacrifices made by millions.
On this same date in 1620, aboard the Mayflower anchored off the coast of Massachusetts, 41 Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact, establishing one of the earliest frameworks for self-governance in the New World. With the words “civil body politick,” the Compact aimed to unify the settlers and ensure cooperation in their new settlement. This agreement laid the groundwork for democratic principles that would eventually underpin the governance of the United States.
In 1921, the remains of an unidentified American soldier were enshrined in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. President Warren G. Harding presided over the ceremony, honoring the countless sacrifices made during World War I. This symbolic grave represents all unidentified fallen soldiers, establishing a revered site where Americans can honor those who served and sacrificed without recognition.
Then, in 1966, NASA launched Gemini 12, the final crewed mission of the Gemini program, with astronauts James A. Lovell and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin Jr. on board. This mission’s success set a new standard for space travel, proving that astronauts could perform complex tasks in space and paving the way for future Apollo missions to the Moon. The Gemini program’s advancements became fundamental to America’s space exploration and set the stage for NASA’s greatest achievements.
Today in History: December 5
Today in History: December 5:
On December 5, 1848, President James K. Polk sparked the Gold Rush of ’49 by confirming that gold had been discovered in California.
In 1933, national Prohibition came to an end as the 21st Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, thus repealing the 18th Amendment.
In 1952, the Great Smog of London descended on the British capital; the unusually thick fog, which contained toxic pollutants
Today in History: December 4
Today in History: December 4:
On Dec. 4, 1991, after being abducted and held for nearly seven years as a hostage by Hezbollah militants in Lebanon,Terry Anderson was released from captivity.
In 1783, Gen. George Washington bade farewell to his Continental Army officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York.
In 1969, Fred Hampton and Mark Clark of the Black Panther Party were shot and killed during a raid by Chicago police.
Today in History: December 3
Excerpts:Today in History: December 3:
In 1947, the Tennessee Williams play “A Streetcar Named Desire” opened on Broadway.
In 2015, Defense Secretary Ash Carter ordered the armed services to open all military jobs to women.
Today in History: December 2
Today in History: December 2:
In 1804, Napoleon crowned himself emperor of France in a coronation ceremony at Notre Dame de Paris cathedral.
In 2018, Israeli police recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on bribery charges, adding to a growing collection of legal troubles for the longtime leader.
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