1889day.year
Pioneering female journalist Nellie Bly (aka Elizabeth Cochrane) begins a successful attempt to travel around the world in less than 80 days. She completes the trip in 72 days.
In 1889, pioneering journalist Nellie Bly sets out to circumnavigate the globe in under 80 days, completing her journey in a record 72 days.
On November 14, 1889, Elizabeth Cochrane, writing under the pen name Nellie Bly, departs New York City for a global voyage. Sponsored by the New York World, she aims to outdo the fictional record in Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days. Bly travels by steamer, train, and rickshaw through Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. Facing storms, revolutions, and changing schedules, she completes her trip in a record-setting 72 days. Her success captures international headlines and transforms journalism, showcasing the potential of stunt reporting and the capabilities of a determined woman in a male-dominated era.
1889
Nellie Bly
1922day.year
The British Broadcasting Company begins radio service in the United Kingdom.
The British Broadcasting Company began its first radio transmissions in the United Kingdom on November 14, 1922. This milestone launched what would become the BBC’s enduring broadcast legacy.
On November 14, 1922, the newly formed British Broadcasting Company (BBC) commenced its inaugural radio service, transmitting from London’s Marconi House. Under the leadership of its first general manager, John Reith, the BBC offered scheduled news bulletins, music programs, and live talks to listeners across the UK. The broadcasts quickly gained popularity, establishing radio as a vital medium for information and entertainment in British households. The company’s commitment to 'inform, educate, and entertain' laid the foundations for its future public service ethos. Within months, additional transmitters were activated in Birmingham and Manchester, expanding the network’s reach. In 1927, the BBC received a Royal Charter, transforming into the British Broadcasting Corporation as a public service broadcaster. This initial venture on November 14, 1922, set the stage for the BBC’s global reputation and its ongoing role in shaping mass media and culture.
1922
British Broadcasting Company
1957day.year
The "Apalachin meeting" in rural Tioga County in upstate New York is raided by law enforcement; many high-level Mafia figures are arrested while trying to flee.
Law enforcement raided the Apalachin Mafia meeting in New York on November 14, 1957, arresting numerous high-ranking mob figures. The bust exposed the national scope of organized crime in America.
On November 14, 1957, New York State Troopers and FBI agents unexpectedly raided a clandestine gathering of Mafia leaders at the home of Joseph Barbara in Apalachin, New York. More than 60 reputed mob bosses and associates from across the United States had assembled to discuss organized crime coordination. The sudden law enforcement presence forced many attendees to flee into surrounding woods, while others were captured as they tried to escape. In total, over 50 high-ranking figures were detained and questioned, including representatives from New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia crime families. Before this raid, federal authorities had often downplayed the existence of a nationwide syndicate. The operation compelled the FBI to acknowledge and launch comprehensive investigations into the Mafia’s reach. Subsequent prosecutions and investigations fractured traditional organized crime structures. The Apalachin raid remains a landmark moment in U.S. law enforcement history and mafia studies.
1957
Apalachin meeting
Tioga County in upstate New York
1960day.year
Ruby Bridges becomes the first black child to attend an all-white elementary school in Louisiana.
On November 14, 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges became the first Black student to integrate an all-white elementary school in Louisiana. Her courageous action became a powerful symbol of the civil rights movement.
Ruby Bridges, escorted by federal marshals, entered William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans on November 14, 1960, amid angry protests and threats from segregationists. At just six years old, she faced jeering crowds daily but remained steadfast in her pursuit of equal education. Teachers often refused to instruct her, so for six weeks she received lessons alone from Barbara Henry, a compassionate teacher who believed in her right to learn. Bridges and her family endured social isolation, losing community support and facing financial hardship. Norman Rockwell’s famous painting 'The Problem We All Live With' was inspired by her story, bringing national attention to school desegregation. Over the years, Ruby Bridges became an advocate for tolerance and inclusion, founding the Ruby Bridges Foundation in 1999. Her legacy endures as a testament to individual courage in the face of systemic racism and the transformative power of education.
1960
Ruby Bridges
Louisiana
1967day.year
The Congress of Colombia, in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the death of Policarpa Salavarrieta, declares this day as "Day of the Colombian Woman".
Colombia's Congress declares November 14 as the Day of the Colombian Woman to honor revolutionary heroine Policarpa Salavarrieta.
In 1967, the Congress of Colombia officially designated November 14 as the Day of the Colombian Woman to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Policarpa Salavarrieta's death. Known affectionately as La Pola, Salavarrieta was a key figure in Colombia's struggle for independence, serving as a spy and symbol of patriotic sacrifice. Her execution by Spanish royalists in 1817 cemented her legacy as a national heroine. The holiday recognizes the contributions and achievements of Colombian women across all sectors of society. It fosters public awareness of gender equality and women's rights, featuring events, educational programs, and ceremonies nationwide. Each year, institutions and community groups organize talks, awards, and cultural exhibitions to honor both historical and contemporary female role models. The designation underscores Colombia's commitment to acknowledging the pivotal role of women in its history and ongoing development.
1967
Congress of Colombia
Policarpa Salavarrieta
1973day.year
In the United Kingdom, Princess Anne marries Captain Mark Phillips, in Westminster Abbey.
Princess Anne marries Captain Mark Phillips in a grand Westminster Abbey ceremony.
On November 14, 1973, Princess Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, wed Captain Mark Phillips in a magnificent ceremony at Westminster Abbey. The royal wedding attracted millions of viewers worldwide, showcasing British tradition and pageantry. Anne wore a gown by Maureen Baker and a state emerald tiara loaned by her mother, capturing global attention. The service featured traditional 'I will with God's help' vows and a choir performance of 'Guide me, O thou great Redeemer.' Following the ceremony, the newlyweds rode through London in a state carriage, cheered by crowds lining the streets. Although the marriage ended in divorce in 1992, the 1973 wedding remains celebrated as a modern royal union blending duty with personal passion. It highlighted the royal family's enduring appeal and the evolving role of the monarchy in contemporary society.
1973
Princess Anne
Captain
Mark Phillips
Westminster Abbey
1973day.year
The Athens Polytechnic uprising, a massive demonstration of popular rejection of the Greek military junta of 1967–74, begins.
Students occupy the Athens Polytechnic, igniting mass protests against Greece's military junta.
On November 14, 1973, students at the National Technical University of Athens occupied the Athens Polytechnic campus, launching a pivotal uprising against Greece's military junta. Using a pirate radio broadcast, protesters called for democracy, free speech, and the end of authoritarian rule, inspiring citizens across Athens. The nonviolent sit-in grew into widespread demonstrations, attracting workers, intellectuals, and clergy to the streets. Security forces eventually stormed the campus on November 17, using tanks and force to quell the rebellion. Despite the brutal crackdown, the uprising eroded the regime's legitimacy and energized a national resistance movement. It highlighted the power of civilian protest and civil disobedience in challenging authoritarian governments. The Athens Polytechnic uprising is remembered as a symbol of democratic struggle and a catalyst for the junta's downfall in 1974.
Athens Polytechnic uprising
Greek military junta of 1967–74
1995day.year
A budget standoff between Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Congress forces the federal government to temporarily close national parks and museums and to run most government offices with skeleton staffs.
U.S. federal government shuts national parks and runs skeleton staffs amid a budget standoff.
On November 14, 1995, a budget impasse between Democrats and Republicans in the United States Congress forced the federal government to temporarily close national parks, museums, and other non-essential services. Only emergency personnel and critical staff remained at most federal offices. The closure, part of the second government shutdown of that fiscal year, disrupted tourism, research, and routine public services nationwide. Lawmakers battled over funding levels for Medicare, education, and environmental protection, highlighting deep partisan divisions. Public frustration grew as the shutdown entered its third week, until a short-term funding agreement finally reopened the parks and museums.
1995
temporarily close