On this day
The first election day took place in the US.
In 1845, the first nationally observed election day took place in the US. It was the first Tuesday after the first Monday in the month of November – and since then, we’ve held elections every four years, with or without political upset along the way, of course!
A tomb was rediscovered.
In 1922, Howard Carter rediscovered the completely intact tomb of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun. The tomb was, of course, discovered in Egypt and has been preserved. Tutankhamun’s sarcophagus has since become an iconic image among relic hunters – it’s likely you’d recognize it, in fact, even if you only have a passing interest in ancient Egypt!
The Human Rights Committee was formed.
In 1970, the Human Rights Committee was officially brought into effect. The committee was founded by Russian nuclear physicist Andrei Sakharov. To this day, the independent body strives to protect civil rights and liberties to ensure people are fairly treated no matter their backgrounds.
The first Car Free Sunday took place.
In 1973, the Netherlands had its first Car Free Sunday! The event was brought about by the 1973 oil crisis – and on this first day in particular, highways were completely deserted by cars and only used by cyclists and roller skaters! Seems like something we could all do with bringing back…
Barack Obama became US President.
Barack Obama's momentous election as US President meant he was the first African-American to hold the office, beating Republican rival John McCain in the final voting counts. Obama would serve two terms in office, with his Vice President Joe Biden eventually claiming the top job in 2021.
Special Days Falling on November 4th
November 4th isn’t all about history. In fact, it is just as much about the celebrations that take place around the world every year on this very day. Here are some of the biggest events taking place today.
Panama Flag Day
For the people of Panama, every November 4th is Flag Day! The day honors the country’s second official liberation from external threats. The country has two separate Independence Days, and Flag Day celebrates the country’s official separation from the Republic of Columbia in 1903 specifically. Flag Day also tends to be the second of five straight party days in Panama!
Russia’s Day of Unity
For the people of Russia, November 4th is the Day of Unity. The day commemorates the uprising that took place in Moscow against Polish forces in 1612.
National Day of Community Service
And, for the people of Dominica, November 4th is National Day of Community Service. The day launches an annual clean-up campaign around the nation, inviting citizens to clean up any litter they may see, usually found all over after the nation’s Independence Day. Something, again, we could all take note of!
This page was last modified on August 4, 2024. Suggest an edit
This month in history
In 1947, Palestine was partitioned into Arab and Jewish lands. This decision was taken by the UN. General Assembly and led to the establishment of the Jewish state of Israel the following year. Tragically, as news in recent times shows us, both Palestine and Israel continue to suffer as a result of political dispute and terrorism.
Famous Birthdays on November 4th
Alphonso II, King of Naples, born 1448
Robert Mapplethorpe, American photographer, born 1946
Laura Bush, former First Lady of the US, born 1946
Matthew McConaughey, American actor, born 1969
Sean “Diddy” Combs, American hip-hop legend, born 1969
If you were born on November 4th…
…you’re a Scorpio! And, if there’s anything everyone knows about Scorpios it’s that they’re not to be trifled with! You can definitely hold a grudge, and once someone’s on your bad side, that’s it! However, you’re a fantastic friend and a superb partner to have on your side.
Learn more about what makes you you from our Scorpio facts page!
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