1869 – The Opening of the Suez Canal
On this day in 1869, the Suez Canal was inaugurated in Egypt, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and revolutionizing global trade. This monumental engineering feat cut shipping routes between Europe and Asia by thousands of miles, eliminating the need to navigate around the southern tip of Africa. The canal, which remains one of the world’s most strategic waterways, symbolizes human ingenuity and is a cornerstone of Egypt’s economy and geopolitics to this day. Its construction marked a turning point in international commerce, highlighting the era’s shift toward globalization.
1989 – The Velvet Revolution Begins in Czechoslovakia
In Prague, on November 17, 1989, an estimated 10,000-15,000 students gathered to protest Communist rule, sparking what became known as the Velvet Revolution. Over the following days, the protests swelled to include hundreds of thousands of people, culminating in the resignation of the Communist Party’s leadership on November 28. This peaceful revolution dismantled decades of authoritarian rule and restored democracy to the nation, a profound victory for human rights and freedom. The Velvet Revolution remains a testament to the power of collective action and nonviolent resistance in achieving political transformation.
2003 – Arnold Schwarzenegger Sworn in as California Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger, an Austrian-born immigrant who rose to global fame as a Hollywood action star, took the oath of office as California’s 38th governor on November 17, 2003. His election underscored the appeal of outsider candidates in American politics and reflected widespread dissatisfaction with the state’s leadership during a period of economic turmoil. Schwarzenegger’s tenure is remembered for efforts to address budgetary crises and environmental reforms, including landmark legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. His unique journey from bodybuilding champion to political leader symbolizes the American Dream.
2020 – Firing of Election Security Official Christopher Krebs
On November 17, 2020, President Donald Trump dismissed Christopher Krebs, the nation’s top election security official. Krebs had publicly refuted Trump’s unsubstantiated claims of widespread electoral fraud and affirmed the integrity of the 2020 presidential election. This event underscored the challenges of maintaining public trust in democratic institutions amid political polarization. Krebs’ dismissal became a flashpoint in debates about election security, misinformation, and the resilience of democratic systems.
Today in History: December 20
A Look Back At Today, December 20
The Louisiana Purchase was completed.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” premiered at the Globe Theater.
The United States launched Operation Just Cause.
The United States Space Force was established.
Today in History: December 19
Today in History: December 19
In 1777, General George Washington led an army of more than 12,000 soldiers to Valley Forge.
In 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, concluding the Apollo program.
In 2011, North Korean announced the death of Kim Jong Il and proclaimed Kim Jong Un as the leader.
In 2022, the House Jan. 6 Committee urged the Justice Department to bring criminal charges against the previous president
Today in History: December 18
Today in History: December 18
In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, was proclaimed in effect.
In 1892, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” publicly premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia; although now considered a classic, it received a generally negative reception from critics.
In 1957, the Shippingport Atomic Power Station in Pennsylvania, the first nuclear facility to generate electricity in the United States, went on line. (It was taken out of service in 1982.)
In 2011, the last convoy of heavily armored U.S. troops left Iraq, crossing into Kuwait in darkness in the final moments of a nearly nine-year war.
Today in History: December 17
Today in History: December 17
In 1903 The Wright brothers’ flight redefined the possibilities of travel and opened the skies to human exploration.
In 1933 The first NFL championship laid the foundation for professional football’s evolution into a national pastime.
In 1989 “The Simpsons” redefined animated television, blending humor with social commentary to leave an indelible mark on entertainment.
In 1992 NAFTA reshaped North American trade, fostering economic ties while sparking debates on globalization.
In 2014 The U.S.-Cuba rapprochement signaled a pivotal moment in the post-Cold War world, rekindling hopes for reconciliation.
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