Yitzhak Rabin Assassinated at Peace Rally; Lincoln Marries Mary Todd; King Tut’s Tomb Discovered: This Day in History
On November 4, 1995, a tragic event unfolded in Israel as Yitzhak Rabin, the prime minister, was assassinated by a right-wing Israeli just minutes after attending a peace rally. This shocking act of violence shook the nation and cast a somber cloud over the prospects for peace in the region.
In a historic event on this day in 1842, Abraham Lincoln, the future president of the United States, married Mary Todd in Springfield, Illinois. Their union would play a significant role in shaping the course of American history.
November 4 also marks the birth of American humorist Will Rogers in 1879. Known for his wit and wisdom, Rogers became a beloved figure and remains an influential voice in American entertainment.
The discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb in Egypt took place on this day in 1922. This remarkable archaeological find unveiled a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and shed light on the mysteries of ancient Egypt.
In a pivotal moment of World War II, on November 4, 1942, Axis forces retreated from El Alamein in North Africa, handing a significant victory to the British forces led by Lt. Gen. Bernard Montgomery. This triumph marked a turning point in the war and boosted the morale of the Allied forces.
However, not all events on this day were positive. On November 4, 1956, Soviet troops crushed the Hungarian Revolution, quashing the hopes of the Hungarian people for greater freedom and independence.
In 1979, the Iran hostage crisis began as militants stormed the United States Embassy in Tehran, capturing its occupants. This act of aggression initiated a long and tense standoff between the United States and Iran, lasting 444 days.
On a brighter note, November 4, 1980, saw the victory of Republican Ronald Reagan in the U.S. presidential election, defeating incumbent President Jimmy Carter. Reagan’s presidency would go on to have a significant impact on American politics and policy.
In a surprising turn of events in 1985, Soviet defector Vitaly Yurchenko announced his return to the Soviet Union, claiming that he had been kidnapped by the CIA. This incident strained relations between the United States and the Soviet Union.
On November 4, 1991, former U.S. President Ronald Reagan opened his presidential library in Simi Valley, California, marking a historic gathering of five past and present U.S. chief executives. This special occasion brought together Presidents George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Gerald R. Ford, and Richard Nixon.
In 2007, the face of King Tutankhamen was unveiled to the public for the first time, more than 3,000 years after the pharaoh was laid to rest in his Egyptian tomb. This revelation allowed people to glimpse the visage of one of Egypt’s most famous rulers.
November 4, 2008, goes down in history as the day when Democrat Barack Obama was elected the first Black president of the United States, defeating Republican John McCain. Obama’s election was a milestone in American history and symbolized progress and change.
In more recent times, on November 4, 2020, the U.S. presidential election took place, with Joe Biden winning key battleground states like Michigan and Wisconsin. President Donald Trump falsely claimed victory in several states and raised allegations of fraud, sparking controversy and uncertainty.
Fast forward to November 4, 2021, when the Biden administration issued a rule mandating that tens of millions of Americans working at companies with 100 or more employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing. Although this rule was eventually rejected by the Supreme Court in January 2022, it highlights ongoing efforts to combat the pandemic.
As we reflect on the events that have unfolded on November 4 throughout history, we are reminded of the triumphs, tragedies, and pivotal moments that have shaped our world.
