1864: The Sand Creek Massacre
On November 29, 1864, a Colorado militia launched a brutal attack on an encampment of Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal members at Sand Creek, killing approximately 230 people, many of whom were women and children. This event, later termed the Sand Creek Massacre, became a dark chapter in U.S. history and is considered part of the broader Colorado Wars, a series of violent confrontations fueled by westward expansion and territorial disputes. The massacre highlighted the devastating impact of settler expansion on Indigenous communities and remains a stark reminder of the injustices faced by Native Americans during the 19th century.
1929: First Airplane Flight Over the South Pole
On this day in 1929, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Richard E. Byrd, alongside pilot Bernt Balchen, radio operator Harold June, and photographer Ashley McKinney, achieved a groundbreaking feat by completing the first airplane flight over the South Pole. This daring expedition not only advanced aviation technology but also marked a significant step in polar exploration, paving the way for future scientific missions in Antarctica. The flight underscored the growing capabilities of aviation in the early 20th century and the human drive to conquer extreme environments.
1961: Enos the Chimp Orbits Earth
On November 29, 1961, Enos the chimp became the first primate to orbit Earth, aboard the Mercury-Atlas 5 spacecraft launched from Cape Canaveral. Enos completed two orbits before safely returning, a critical milestone in the space race that demonstrated the viability of human spaceflight. This mission was a precursor to John Glenn’s historic orbital flight in 1962, signaling a pivotal moment in NASA’s Mercury program and humanity’s quest to explore beyond our planet.
1987: Korean Air Flight 858 Bombing
A devastating act of terrorism occurred on this day in 1987 when Korean Air Flight 858, en route from Abu Dhabi to Bangkok, was destroyed mid-flight by a bomb planted by North Korean agents, killing all 115 people on board. The bomb, disguised as a radio, was placed in the overhead bin by agents posing as passengers, who deplaned during a stopover in Abu Dhabi. This attack highlighted the growing threat of state-sponsored terrorism during the Cold War and further isolated North Korea on the global stage.
2012: U.N. Grants Palestine State Status
On November 29, 2012, the United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to grant Palestine non-member observer state status, marking a symbolic yet significant moment in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The vote, which took place 65 years after the U.N. adopted a plan to partition Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, reflected widespread international support for Palestinian statehood aspirations. Of the 193 member states, 138 voted in favor, while nine, including the United States and Israel, opposed the resolution, and 41 abstained. This decision underscored the ongoing struggle for peace and sovereignty in the Middle East.
2022: Oath Keepers Leader Convicted of Seditious Conspiracy
On this date in 2022, Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the far-right group Oath Keepers, was convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in plotting to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. His actions were part of the violent January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. This landmark verdict represented a major win for the Justice Department, marking the first such conviction in decades. Rhodes’ sentencing to 18 years in prison in May 2023 highlighted the gravity of the charges and the broader implications for accountability in safeguarding democracy.
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.
Today in History: December 1
Today in History: December 1:
In 1955, Rosa Parks, a Black seamstress, was arrested after refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus.
In 1824, the presidential election was turned over to the House of Representatives after none of the candidates (John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, William Crawford, and Henry Clay) won over 50% of the electoral vote.
  | Better Yourself, Lead Others 
| Personal Development Life Coach Certification 
|  
|
