1278day.year
Trần Thánh Tông, the second emperor of the Trần dynasty, decides to pass the throne to his crown prince Trần Khâm and take up the post of Retired Emperor.
Vietnam's Emperor Trần Thánh Tông abdicated in favor of his son Trần Khâm in 1278, becoming Retired Emperor.
On 8 November 1278, Trần Thánh Tông, the second ruler of Vietnam’s Trần dynasty, voluntarily stepped down. He passed the throne to his crown prince Trần Khâm while assuming the title of Retired Emperor. This transfer of power reflected the Trần dynasty's unique practice of planned abdication and regency. Trần Thánh Tông continued to influence state affairs from behind the scenes. His tenure as Retired Emperor spanned decades of stability and cultural flourishing. The dynastic transition helped consolidate royal authority and prepare the young ruler for his duties. Vietnamese historians view this event as a model of orderly succession.
1278
Trần Thánh Tông
Trần dynasty
Trần Khâm
1605day.year
Robert Catesby, ringleader of the Gunpowder Plotters, is killed.
Robert Catesby, leader of the Gunpowder Plot, was killed on 8 November 1605 while resisting arrest.
Following the failed Gunpowder Plot, Robert Catesby fled to the Staffordshire countryside. On 8 November 1605, he was tracked down and killed during a skirmish with authorities. Catesby’s death marked the definitive end of the conspiracy to blow up the English Parliament. His demise and the subsequent executions of co-conspirators led to stricter enforcement of anti-Catholic laws. The Gunpowder Plot remains a notorious episode in British history. Catesby’s legacy is remembered each year on Guy Fawkes Night. The event underscores religious and political tensions in early 17th-century England.
1605
Robert Catesby
Gunpowder Plotters
1614day.year
Japanese daimyō Dom Justo Takayama is exiled to the Philippines by shōgun Tokugawa Ieyasu for being Christian.
In 1614, Japanese daimyō Dom Justo Takayama was exiled to the Philippines for his Christian faith under Tokugawa Ieyasu’s edicts.
Shōgun Tokugawa Ieyasu issued anti-Christian edicts leading to Dom Justo Takayama’s exile on 8 November 1614. Takayama, a Christian convert and feudal lord, chose self-exile over renouncing his faith. He traveled to Manila with his family and followers, seeking refuge under Spanish Jesuits. In the Philippines, he continued to serve the Church and defend Christian communities. Takayama’s exile epitomizes the conflict between European religions and Japanese isolationist policies. He was later beatified by the Catholic Church for his devout life. His story illustrates cultural exchanges and religious trials in early modern Asia.
1614
daimyō
Dom Justo Takayama
Tokugawa Ieyasu
1644day.year
The Shunzhi Emperor, the third emperor of the Qing dynasty, is enthroned in Beijing after the collapse of the Ming dynasty as the first Qing emperor to rule over China.
In 1644, the Shunzhi Emperor, the third Qing ruler, ascends the throne in Beijing after the fall of the Ming dynasty, becoming the first Qing emperor to rule all of China.
The Ming dynasty had just fallen, leaving a power vacuum that the Manchus of the Qing dynasty swiftly filled.
Prince-regent Dorgon orchestrated the young Fulin's enthronement at the Forbidden City on November 8, 1644.
At only six years old, Shunzhi became the first Qing monarch to formally rule all of China proper.
His accession signaled the beginning of Manchu dominance over centuries-old Han institutions.
The ceremony blended Manchu and Chinese court rituals as a symbol of new dynastic unity.
Shunzhi's reign would see efforts to stabilize society, rebuild war-torn regions, and negotiate with Ming loyalists.
This enthronement set the stage for the Manchu-led Qing dynasty that would rule China until 1912.
1644
Shunzhi Emperor
Qing dynasty
Ming dynasty
1861day.year
American Civil War: The "Trent Affair": The USS San Jacinto stops the British mail ship Trent and arrests two Confederate envoys, sparking a diplomatic crisis between the UK and US.
During the American Civil War on November 8, 1861, the USS San Jacinto intercepted the British mail ship Trent and seized two Confederate envoys, provoking a major diplomatic crisis with Britain.
In late 1861, tensions soared when Captain Charles Wilkes of the Union warship San Jacinto stopped the British packet Trent off Cuba.
Wilkes arrested Confederate diplomats James Mason and John Slidell, accusing them of seeking European support for the Confederacy.
Britain viewed the seizure as a violation of neutral rights and demanded an apology and the envoys' release.
The incident threatened to draw Britain into the American conflict on behalf of the South.
After intense diplomatic negotiations, President Lincoln's administration released the envoys to avert war with Britain.
The resolution underscored the fragile balance of international alliances during the Civil War.
1861
American Civil War
Trent Affair
USS San Jacinto
Confederate
1889day.year
Montana is admitted as the 41st U.S. state.
On November 8, 1889, Montana joins the United States as the 41st state, marking a significant moment in the nation's westward expansion.
After years of territorial governance and campaigning for statehood, Montana's bid was approved by Congress in 1889.
Settlers and mining interests had driven rapid population growth in the region during the late 19th century.
The new state encompassed vast plains, mountain ranges, and rich mineral deposits.
Statehood allowed Montana to elect its own governor and representatives to the U.S. Congress.
The admission reflected the broader pattern of western territories joining the Union.
Today, Montana's statehood day celebrates its rich natural heritage and frontier legacy.
1889
Montana
U.S. state
1917day.year
The first Council of People's Commissars is formed, including Vladimir Lenin, Leon Trotsky and Joseph Stalin.
On November 8, 1917, the Soviet government forms the first Council of People's Commissars, led by Lenin alongside Trotsky and Stalin, establishing the new Bolshevik administration.
Following the October Revolution, Vladimir Lenin and his allies organized a new executive body to govern Soviet Russia.
The Council of People's Commissars (Sovnarkom) replaced the Provisional Government's structures.
Key figures included Leon Trotsky as Foreign Commissar and Joseph Stalin as Commissar for Nationalities.
This council issued decrees on land redistribution, peace negotiations, and workers' rights, reshaping Russian society.
Sovnarkom's formation marked the birth of the world's first communist state and set policies for the emerging Soviet regime.
Its decisions in the coming months would influence the outcome of the Civil War and international socialist movements.
1917
Council of People's Commissars
Vladimir Lenin
Leon Trotsky
Joseph Stalin
1923day.year
Beer Hall Putsch: In Munich, Adolf Hitler leads the Nazis in an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow the German government.
Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party led an unsuccessful coup attempt, known as the Beer Hall Putsch, in Munich on November 8, 1923.
On November 8, 1923, Adolf Hitler and leaders of the Nazi Party stormed a political meeting at the Bürgerbräukeller in Munich.
Their goal was to seize control of the Bavarian government and ultimately march on Berlin.
Hitler declared a national revolution, but local authorities quickly mobilized police and army units against the putschists.
The coup collapsed the next day after a brief armed confrontation left several dead on both sides.
Hitler was arrested and charged with high treason, leading to his imprisonment and the writing of Mein Kampf.
Although a failure, the putsch elevated Hitler's profile and demonstrated the vulnerabilities of the Weimar Republic.
The event marked a pivotal moment in the rise of Nazism and foreshadowed future political upheaval in Germany.
1923
Beer Hall Putsch
Munich
Adolf Hitler
Nazis
1932day.year
Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected as the 32nd President of the United States, defeating incumbent president Herbert Hoover.
Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected as the 32nd President of the United States, defeating incumbent Herbert Hoover on November 8, 1932.
On November 8, 1932, Franklin D. Roosevelt won a landslide victory over Republican incumbent Herbert Hoover.
The election took place amid the depths of the Great Depression, with unemployment soaring and economic hardship widespread.
Roosevelt campaigned on a promise of a “New Deal” to revive the economy and provide relief to suffering Americans.
His charismatic leadership and optimistic vision resonated with voters desperate for change and hope.
Roosevelt carried 42 of the 48 states and secured a dominant majority in the Electoral College.
His victory marked a seismic shift in American politics, ending Republican dominance and ushering in a new era of government activism.
FDR’s first inauguration would set the stage for a series of unprecedented policies aimed at economic recovery.
1932
Franklin D. Roosevelt
elected
President of the United States
Herbert Hoover
1933day.year
Great Depression: New Deal: US President Franklin D. Roosevelt unveils the Civil Works Administration, an organization designed to create jobs for more than four million unemployed.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Civil Works Administration on November 8, 1933, to create jobs for millions during the Great Depression.
On November 8, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt unveiled the Civil Works Administration (CWA) as part of his New Deal initiatives.
The CWA was designed to provide immediate, temporary jobs for over four million unemployed Americans.
Projects ranged from building roads, schools, and parks to repairing public buildings and infrastructure.
By channeling federal funds into local communities, the program boosted morale and stimulated economic activity.
Although criticized for its high cost, the CWA demonstrated the federal government’s commitment to direct relief.
The agency operated for only five months before being replaced by more permanent New Deal programs.
Its legacy lies in showcasing large-scale government intervention to combat mass unemployment.
1933
Great Depression
New Deal
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Civil Works Administration
1960day.year
John F. Kennedy is elected as the 35th President of the United States, defeating incumbent Vice President Richard Nixon, who would later be elected president in 1968 and 1972.
John F. Kennedy was elected as the 35th President of the United States, narrowly defeating Richard Nixon.
On November 8, 1960, Senator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts won the U.S. presidential election against incumbent Vice President Richard Nixon. Kennedy’s campaign focused on a ‘New Frontier’ vision of social reform, economic progress, and space exploration. He became the youngest person elected president and the first Roman Catholic to hold the office. The election featured the first televised debates, dramatically influencing public perception. Kennedy’s victory represented a generational shift and energized the American electorate. His administration would soon face key Cold War challenges, including the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Berlin Wall.
1960
John F. Kennedy
elected
Vice President
Richard Nixon
1968
1972
1965day.year
The British Indian Ocean Territory is created, consisting of Chagos Archipelago, Aldabra, Farquhar and Des Roches islands.
The British Indian Ocean Territory was established, grouping the Chagos Archipelago and other islands under UK administration.
On November 8, 1965, the British government formally created the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). The territory comprised the Chagos Archipelago, Aldabra, Farquhar, and Des Roches islands. This administrative move aimed to consolidate strategic assets in the Indian Ocean for defense purposes. The decision later led to controversy over the displacement of the Chagossian population. BIOT remains a focal point in international debates over sovereignty and human rights. Strategically, it hosts key military installations, including the US base on Diego Garcia. The territory’s formation shaped geopolitical dynamics in the region.
1965
British Indian Ocean Territory
Chagos Archipelago
Aldabra
Farquhar
Des Roches