1501day.year
Catherine of Aragon (later Henry VIII's first wife) meets Arthur Tudor, Henry VIII's older brother – they would later marry.
In 1501, Catherine of Aragon met her future husband Arthur Tudor, the eldest son of England’s King Henry VII, marking a key moment in Anglo-Spanish relations.
Catherine of Aragon, daughter of Spain’s Catholic Monarchs, arrived in England to be betrothed to Arthur Tudor. The formal meeting on November 4, 1501, in Richmond Palace established a high-profile alliance between Spain and England. Although Arthur’s untimely death months later prevented the marriage from being consummated, the diplomatic ties endured. Following his death, Catherine married his brother Henry VIII, ascending to the English throne as queen. Her presence influenced the politics and religious landscape of Tudor England for decades. The union and its complex legacy shaped the course of European dynastic and religious history.
1501
Catherine of Aragon
Henry VIII
Arthur Tudor
1677day.year
The future Mary II of England marries William, Prince of Orange; they later jointly reign as William and Mary.
On November 4, 1677, the future Queen Mary II of England married William of Orange, forging an alliance that would later see them rule jointly.
Mary, the eldest daughter of James, Duke of York, wed her cousin William, Prince of Orange, in a grand ceremony at St James's Palace. This marriage united the English royal family with the Protestant House of Orange, strengthening alliances against Catholic powers. Their union laid the political groundwork for the Glorious Revolution of 1688. When they ascended the throne in 1689, William and Mary ruled as constitutional monarchs under the newly enacted Bill of Rights. Their joint reign marked a shift toward parliamentary power and religious tolerance in England. The legacy of William and Mary’s partnership shaped the future of the British monarchy and parliamentary democracy.
1677
Mary II of England
William, Prince of Orange
1852day.year
Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, becomes the prime minister of Piedmont-Sardinia, which soon expands to become Italy.
Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, becomes Prime Minister of Piedmont-Sardinia in 1852, setting the stage for Italian unification.
On November 4, 1852, Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, assumed the role of Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia. A skilled statesman and diplomat, Cavour embarked on policies to modernize the economy and strengthen the military. He pursued an alliance with France to counter Austrian dominance in Italy. Cavour's vision of a unified Italy under a constitutional monarchy began taking shape. His reforms included infrastructure projects like railways and banking institutions to spur growth. Cavour’s diplomatic maneuvering at the international level elevated Piedmont-Sardinia’s status. Over the next decade, his efforts culminated in the Risorgimento and the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy. Cavour is remembered as a founding father of modern Italy.
1852
Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour
prime minister
Piedmont
Sardinia
1921day.year
The Saalschutz Abteilung (hall defense detachment) of the Nazi Party is renamed the Sturmabteilung (storm detachment) after a large riot in Munich.
After a major riot in Munich in 1921, the Nazi Party’s Saalschutz Abteilung is renamed Sturmabteilung, laying the foundation for the infamous SA stormtroopers.
In November 1921, following violent clashes during a political rally in Munich, the Nazi Party rebranded its hall protection unit, the Saalschutz Abteilung, as the Sturmabteilung or SA. This paramilitary wing became known as the Nazi stormtroopers, instrumental in Adolf Hitler’s rise to power. The SA provided security at party meetings, intimidated political opponents, and enforced Nazi policies on the streets. Under leaders like Ernst Röhm, it grew into a large, militant force that shaped early Nazi tactics. The renaming marked a shift toward a more aggressive posture and laid groundwork for the party’s future mass campaigns. The SA’s influence peaked in the early 1930s before being curtailed during the Night of the Long Knives in 1934. Its formation is a key moment in the consolidation of Nazi political power.
1921
Nazi Party
Sturmabteilung
Munich
1921day.year
Japanese Prime Minister Hara Takashi is assassinated in Tokyo.
Japanese Prime Minister Hara Takashi is assassinated in Tokyo on November 4, 1921, shocking the nation.
On November 4, 1921, Prime Minister Hara Takashi of Japan was fatally shot by a right-wing extremist at Tokyo Station. Hara, the first commoner to hold the office, led a coalition government and pursued moderate policies during the Taisho democracy era. His assassination highlighted the growing political unrest and militarism in post–World War I Japan. The killer, a young nationalist, opposed Hara’s attempts to curtail military influence in politics. Hara’s death led to a brief period of national mourning and political uncertainty. It also prompted stricter security measures for public officials. His moderate tenure is credited with strengthening parliamentary government in Japan. The event foreshadowed the turbulent militaristic path Japan would follow in the 1930s.
Japanese Prime Minister
Hara Takashi
1924day.year
Nellie Tayloe Ross of Wyoming becomes the first female elected as governor in the United States.
Nellie Tayloe Ross makes history as the first woman elected governor in the United States, leading the state of Wyoming.
In 1924, Nellie Tayloe Ross won a special election to serve as governor of Wyoming following the death of her husband, Governor William B. Ross.
Her victory marked the first time a woman held a gubernatorial office in the United States.
Ross campaigned on continuing her husband's progressive policies, focusing on education and social welfare.
She took office on January 5, 1925, at a time when women's political participation was still emerging nationwide.
During her term, she advocated for improved child labor laws, state budgeting reforms, and highway development.
Although she served only one term, her groundbreaking achievement inspired future generations of women in American politics.
1924
Nellie Tayloe Ross
Wyoming
1939day.year
World War II: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt orders the United States Customs Service to implement the Neutrality Act of 1939, allowing cash-and-carry purchases of weapons by belligerents.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt authorizes the Neutrality Act of 1939, permitting cash-and-carry arms sales to warring nations.
On November 4, 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt instructed the United States Customs Service to enforce provisions of the newly passed Neutrality Act.
This act permitted warring nations to buy arms from the U.S. if they paid cash and transported the weapons themselves.
The cash-and-carry policy aimed to aid Allies while keeping the United States officially neutral.
It marked a shift from strict non-intervention toward limited support for nations resisting aggression during World War II.
Critics argued it risked dragging the U.S. closer to conflict, while supporters saw it as a pragmatic compromise.
The policy laid the groundwork for further aid measures, culminating in the Lend-Lease program.
1939
World War II
Franklin D. Roosevelt
United States Customs Service
Neutrality Act of 1939
1952day.year
The United States government establishes the National Security Agency, or NSA.
The United States establishes the National Security Agency (NSA), marking the creation of its premier signals intelligence organization.
On November 4, 1952, President Harry S. Truman authorized the formation of the National Security Agency (NSA).
The NSA was tasked with collecting and analyzing foreign communications and signals intelligence.
It consolidated various cryptologic functions previously scattered across military and civilian agencies.
Operating in secrecy, the NSA played a vital role in Cold War intelligence and national security.
Its establishment laid the foundation for modern electronic surveillance and cybersecurity efforts.
Over the decades, the agency's activities have sparked debates over privacy, civil liberties, and government transparency.
1952
United States government
National Security Agency
1962day.year
The United States concludes Operation Fishbowl, its final above-ground nuclear weapons testing series, in anticipation of the 1963 Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
The US concluded its last above-ground nuclear tests under Operation Fishbowl in 1962, setting the stage for the 1963 Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
On November 4, 1962, the United States wrapped up Operation Fishbowl, its final series of high-altitude nuclear detonations over the Pacific Ocean. These tests, launched via rockets and missiles, aimed to study the effects of nuclear explosions in the near-space environment. Mounting concerns over radioactive fallout and global public health spurred calls for a ban on atmospheric testing. The conclusion of Operation Fishbowl underscored the urgency of arms control negotiations. This event directly paved the way for the signing of the 1963 Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, prohibiting further above-ground nuclear tests.
1962
Operation Fishbowl
nuclear weapons testing
Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
1970day.year
Salvador Allende takes office as President of Chile, the first Marxist to become president of a Latin American country through open elections.
Salvador Allende became President of Chile in 1970, the first Marxist leader in Latin America to win power through free elections.
On November 4, 1970, Salvador Allende was inaugurated as the President of Chile after winning a democratic election. He became the first Marxist head of state in Latin America to assume power through free elections. Allende's socialist platform included nationalizing key industries, land reforms, and expanding education and healthcare. His historic victory polarized Chilean society and drew international attention from both supporters and critics. This landmark event set the stage for profound political and economic changes in Chile over the following years.
Salvador Allende
President of Chile
Marxist
Latin American
1979day.year
Iran hostage crisis: A group of Iranian college students overruns the U.S. embassy in Tehran and takes 90 hostages.
Iranian students took 90 hostages at the U.S. embassy in Tehran in 1979, sparking a 444-day hostage crisis.
On November 4, 1979, Iranian college students stormed the United States embassy in Tehran and took 90 American diplomats and citizens. The seizure was fueled by anger over US support for the exiled Shah and demands for his extradition. The hostages endured cramped quarters, psychological pressure, and interrogations as diplomatic efforts stalled. President Jimmy Carter responded with economic sanctions and frozen Iranian assets. The crisis lasted 444 days and ended with a negotiated release, profoundly impacting US-Iran relations and domestic politics.
1979
Iran hostage crisis
Iranian
Tehran
1980day.year
Ronald Reagan is elected as the 40th President of the United States, defeating incumbent Jimmy Carter.
Ronald Reagan was elected the 40th US President in 1980, defeating incumbent Jimmy Carter.
On November 4, 1980, Ronald Reagan won the US presidential election, defeating incumbent Jimmy Carter in a landslide. Reagan's campaign championed tax cuts, deregulation, and a stronger defense posture. He carried 44 states and secured an overwhelming Electoral College majority. The result reflected widespread dissatisfaction with the economy and the Iran hostage crisis. Reagan's victory marked a conservative shift that would shape American politics for the decade.
1980
Ronald Reagan
elected
President of the United States
Jimmy Carter