On This Day - November 14th
It's hard to believe that we're approaching the middle of November already! However, before you let the month – and the rest of fall – fly by, now's a great chance to look back at some of the most exciting moments from history that unfolded on this very date. At the end of this guide, we'll also share with you a few famous birthdays unfolding today, and a few details about your star sign if you're celebrating your own birthday.
On this day
Nellie Bly took on Phileas Fogg’s challenge.
Jules Verne’s classic novel, Around The World In 80 Days, follows the adventures of one Phileas Fogg, who takes on a bet that he can circumnavigate the globe in just under three months. On this day in 1889, American journalist Nellie Bly set off from Hoboken to try the challenge for herself! She returned some 72 days later!
Einstein presented an important theory.
In 1908, Albert Einstein presented one of his most important theories – the quantum theory of light. This particular theory suggests that light travels in energy bundles, and that each bundle is referred to as a photon. This theory also showed us that light isn’t impacted by gravity, and that the waves are transverse.
Sebastopol was occupied.
In 1920, the Russian Bolshevik army occupied Sebastopol. In so doing, they ended the anti-communist attempts to regain the Russian government. The Bolsheviks would eventually install Vladimir Lenin as their leader, thus ending Tsarist rule.
The Channel Tunnel opened!
In 1994, the first public trains ran through the Channel Tunnel. The tunnel that links England and France under the English Channel is still a popular route for tourists and commercial vehicles to this day – it’s certainly one of the quickest ways to get to and from the continent if you’re a Brit!
Special Days Falling on November 14th
November 14th is also a date to think of others, thank those who help us, and support those who need it. Here are some of the events taking place around the world to consider today.
Children’s Day
In India, November 14th is Children’s Day. The day exists to raise awareness about the rights, education, and care of children across the nation. The day is also a tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister. He famously advocated for children and was even known as Chacha Nehru among them.
World Diabetes Day
For people all over the world, November 14th is World Diabetes Day. The day has been celebrated every year since 1991 when it was created by the International Diabetes Foundation and the World Health Organisation. This disease affects people all over the world and can lead to other serious health issues. Diabetes can kill if not properly managed – meaning it’s important to note the signs and to speak to your doctor if you’re worried.
Operating Room Nurse Day
November 14th is also Operating Room Nurse Day. It is a day we take to thank the nurses who work tirelessly to ensure our health and well-being. Nurses are crucial in societies all over the world, and while we do appreciate them, there is no denying that they are in a thankless job. So, today is the perfect day to thank all nurses and operating room nurses above all else!
This page was last modified on August 4, 2024. Suggest an edit
This month in history
In 1703, the Great Storm hit southern England. The storm, which lasted for two days, flooded the Thames and Severn Rivers and killed at least 8,000 people.
Famous Birthdays on November 14th
William III, William of Orange, King of England, Scotland, and Ireland and Stadtholder, born 1650
Claude Monet, French painter, born 1840
Frederick Banting, Canadian scientist, born 1891
Veronica Lake, American actor, born 1922
Olga Kurylenko, Ukrainian-French actor and model, born 1979
If you were born on November 14th…
…you’re a Scorpio! You’re brave, passionate, and loyal. However, you can also sometimes be very distrustful and jealous.
Learn more about Scorpios from our Scorpio facts page!
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