November 6 stands as a significant date in history, marked by transformative events and notable figures. From the fall of empires to groundbreaking elections and cultural milestones, this day has witnessed moments that shaped the world. Key events include political upheavals and pioneering achievements, while birthdays and passings add personal depth. Uncover the layers of this date to explore its profound impact across centuries.
History
Major Historical Events
1814 – Treaty of Fontainebleau Ratified: On this day, the Treaty of Fontainebleau, which ended Napoleon Bonaparte’s rule as Emperor of the French, was ratified.
Signed earlier in April, it forced Napoleon to abdicate and sent him into exile on the island of Elba, marking a significant turning point in European history.
1860 – Abraham Lincoln Elected President: Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States on November 6, becoming the first Republican to win the presidency.
His victory, amidst deep national divisions over slavery, set the stage for the American Civil War.
1917 – Bolshevik Revolution Begins: The Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, seized power in Petrograd, Russia, on this date during the October Revolution (named for the Julian calendar).
This event marked the beginning of the Soviet era and reshaped global politics for the 20th century.
1986 – Iran-Contra Affair Revealed: The Lebanese magazine Ash-Shiraa broke the story of the Iran-Contra Affair on November 6, exposing secret U.S. arms sales to Iran in exchange for the release of hostages and funding for Nicaraguan rebels.
This scandal rocked the Reagan administration.
Famous Birthdays
1814 – Adolphe Sax: The Belgian inventor and musician Adolphe Sax, best known for creating the saxophone, was born on this day in Dinant, Belgium.
His invention revolutionized music, becoming a staple in jazz and classical genres.
1854 – John Philip Sousa: American composer and conductor John Philip Sousa, often called the “March King,” was born in Washington, D.C. on November 6.
He composed iconic military marches like “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
1946 – Sally Field: Academy Award-winning American actress Sally Field was born on this day in Pasadena, California.
Known for roles in films like “Norma Rae” and “Forrest Gump,” she remains a beloved figure in Hollywood.
1970 – Ethan Hawke: American actor, writer, and director Ethan Hawke was born on November 6 in Austin, Texas.
With a career spanning films like “Dead Poets Society” and “Boyhood,” he has earned critical acclaim for his versatile performances.
1988 – Emma Stone: American actress Emma Stone, known for her roles in “La La Land” and “The Favourite,” was born on this day in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Her talent and charm have made her one of Hollywood’s brightest stars.
Notable Deaths
1893 – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: The renowned Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky passed away on November 6 in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Famous for works like “Swan Lake” and “The Nutcracker,” his music continues to inspire generations.
1916 – Peter Lumsden: British General Sir Peter Lumsden, who played a significant role in military campaigns in India and Afghanistan during the 19th century, died on this day.
His contributions shaped British colonial military strategy.
1991 – Gene Tierney: American actress Gene Tierney, known for her striking beauty and roles in classic films like “Laura” and “Leave Her to Heaven,” passed away on November 6 in Houston, Texas.
Her legacy endures in cinematic history.
Today in Music History
1973 – Phil Collins Joins Genesis: On November 6, Phil Collins officially became the drummer for the progressive rock band Genesis, later shifting to lead singer.
His tenure with the band and solo career made him a music icon.
1990 – Madonna Releases “Justify My Love”: Madonna’s provocative single “Justify My Love” was released on this day as the lead single from her greatest hits album, “The Immaculate Collection.”
The song and its controversial video sparked widespread debate.
2001 – Michael Jackson’s “Invincible” Released: Michael Jackson’s final studio album, “Invincible,” hit shelves on November 6.
Though it received mixed reviews, it showcased his enduring influence in pop music.
2012 – Rolling Stones Announce 50th Anniversary Tour: On this day, The Rolling Stones announced their 50th anniversary tour, celebrating half a century of rock ‘n’ roll.
The tour reaffirmed their status as one of the greatest bands in history.
Today in Sports History
1869 – First Intercollegiate Football Game: On November 6, the first intercollegiate American football game was played between Rutgers and Princeton in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Rutgers won 6-4, marking the birth of college football.
1995 – Art Modell Announces Browns Move: Art Modell, owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced on this day that the NFL team would relocate to Baltimore, a decision that devastated fans and reshaped the franchise’s history.
2012 – Barack Obama Watches NBA Game: On November 6, during his re-election campaign, President Barack Obama attended an NBA game between the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers in Chicago, blending politics with sports on Election Day.
Today in Military and Naval History
1918 – World War I Armistice Negotiations Begin: On November 6, German representatives met with Allied forces to begin negotiations for an armistice, signaling the imminent end of World War I just days later on November 11.
1942 – Battle of Madagascar Ends: The Allied forces secured victory over Vichy French troops in Madagascar on this day during World War II, ensuring control of the strategic island in the Indian Ocean.
1975 – Green March in Western Sahara: Morocco launched the Green March on November 6, a peaceful protest involving 350,000 Moroccans marching into Western Sahara to assert territorial claims, escalating regional tensions.
1991 – Kuwait Oil Fires Extinguished: On this day, the last of the oil well fires set by retreating Iraqi forces during the Gulf War was extinguished in Kuwait, marking a major environmental recovery milestone.
Today in Tech and Science History
1935 – First Flight of the Hawker Hurricane: The Hawker Hurricane, a British fighter aircraft, made its maiden flight on November 6.
It became a critical asset during the Battle of Britain in World War II.
1962 – UN Condemns Apartheid with Technology Sanctions: On this day, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution condemning South Africa’s apartheid policies and urged member states to halt the sale of military technology, marking a significant diplomatic stance.
2012 – Curiosity Rover’s First Soil Analysis on Mars: NASA’s Curiosity Rover conducted its first soil analysis on Mars on November 6, providing vital data about the planet’s composition and advancing our understanding of extraterrestrial environments.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1857 – First Issue of “The Atlantic” Published: On November 6, the first issue of “The Atlantic Monthly” (now “The Atlantic”) was published in Boston.
It became a leading platform for literature and cultural commentary in the United States.
1928 – Premiere of “Steamboat Willie”: Although often cited with a later release, some sources note early test screenings of Disney’s “Steamboat Willie,” featuring Mickey Mouse, began around November 6, paving the way for animated film history.
1977 – “Annie” Wins Tony Awards: On this day, the Broadway musical “Annie” continued its celebrated run after winning multiple Tony Awards earlier in the year, cementing its place as a cultural phenomenon about hope and resilience.
2007 – Writers Guild of America Strike Begins: The Writers Guild of America went on strike on November 6, halting production of numerous TV shows and films, highlighting labor issues in the entertainment industry.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1861 – Jefferson Davis Elected Confederate President: On November 6, Jefferson Davis was elected president of the Confederate States of America, a role he reportedly did not want, finding the political drama more exhausting than battlefield command.
1900 – First Auto Show in New York: The first automobile show in the United States opened on this day at Madison Square Garden, where attendees marveled at “horseless carriages” and some skeptics predicted they’d never replace horses.
1930 – First Broadcast of “Buck Rogers”: The radio show “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” aired its first episode on November 6, delighting listeners with futuristic adventures that seemed absurdly far-fetched at the time.
Today in History for Kids
1860 – Abraham Lincoln Becomes President: On this day, Abraham Lincoln was chosen to lead America as its 16th president.
He worked hard to keep the country together during a tough time when people disagreed about important things like freedom.
1869 – First Football Game: A super exciting game happened on November 6 when two college teams, Rutgers and Princeton, played the first-ever American football match.
It was the start of a sport millions love today!
1935 – A Cool Plane Takes Flight: A fast and strong airplane called the Hawker Hurricane flew for the first time on this day.
It later helped protect people during a big war by flying bravely in the sky.
2001 – Michael Jackson’s Last Album: Pop star Michael Jackson shared his last big album, “Invincible,” with the world on November 6.
Kids everywhere danced to his awesome songs!
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
1814 – Napoleon’s Exile Begins After Treaty: Did you know that on November 6, the Treaty of Fontainebleau was finalized, sending Napoleon to a tiny island called Elba?
He didn’t stay quiet for long, though—he came back for one last try at power!
1869 – Football’s Funny Start: The first college football game on this day had rules so different from today’s game that it looked more like soccer or rugby.
Players couldn’t even pick up the ball with their hands!
1930 – Sci-Fi on the Radio: When “Buck Rogers” aired on November 6, listeners imagined flying cars and space travel, ideas that seemed crazy but inspired future inventors to dream big.
1975 – A March of 350,000 People: Imagine 350,000 people walking together peacefully for a cause!
That’s what happened during Morocco’s Green March on this day, one of the largest organized marches in history.
2012 – Mars Soil Secrets: On November 6, NASA’s Curiosity Rover scooped up Martian dirt for the first time, helping scientists learn if Mars could have ever had life.
How cool is that?