1760day.year
The secondly-built Castellania in Valletta is officially inaugurated with the blessing of the interior Chapel of Sorrows.
The Castellania, Malta’s historic courthouse in Valletta, is officially inaugurated in 1760, highlighting Baroque architecture and judicial heritage.
On November 15, 1760, the newly rebuilt Castellania in Valletta was officially opened, featuring the Chapel of Sorrows in its interior courtyard. Commissioned by the Knights of St. John, this building served as the principal courthouse and administrative center of the Order. Designed in the Baroque style, its ornate facade and grand halls showcased the artistic and judicial ambitions of the period. The Chapel’s blessing underscored the blend of faith and law in Maltese society. Over time, the Castellania became a landmark of Valletta’s urban landscape. It symbolized the centralized authority of the Knights and the island’s governance. Today, the building stands as a testament to Malta’s rich architectural and legal history.
1760
Castellania
Valletta
1777day.year
American Revolutionary War: After 16 months of debate the Continental Congress approves the Articles of Confederation.
After extensive debate, the Continental Congress approves the Articles of Confederation in 1777, forming the first constitution of the United States.
On November 15, 1777, the Continental Congress unanimously approved the Articles of Confederation, establishing America’s first national government framework. Drafted over sixteen months, the Articles aimed to coordinate defense, manage western lands, and regulate foreign affairs. Though granting significant autonomy to individual states, the document created a Congress with limited powers, reflecting colonial fears of centralized tyranny. The approval signaled a key step in consolidating the Thirteen Colonies during the Revolutionary War. Ratification by all states would take until 1781, influencing the future U.S. Constitution. The Articles’ weaknesses, such as lack of taxation authority, exposed challenges in early governance. Nonetheless, they laid the groundwork for American federalism and legal precedent.
1777
American Revolutionary War
Continental Congress
Articles of Confederation
1884day.year
The Berlin Conference of 1884–1885 met on 15 November 1884, and after an adjournment concluded on 26 February 1885, with the signature of a General Act, regulating the European colonisation and trade in Africa during the New Imperialism period.
The Berlin Conference began, setting rules for European colonization and trade in Africa. This landmark diplomatic meeting shaped the 'Scramble for Africa' and redrew the continent's map.
On 15 November 1884, major European powers convened in Berlin to discuss the partition and administration of Africa, inaugurating the Berlin Conference.
The gathering, orchestrated by German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, included representatives from 14 nations, but no African leaders.
Over several months, delegates negotiated territorial claims, navigation rights on the Congo and Niger rivers, and regulations for trade.
The resulting General Act formalized the 'principle of effective occupation', compelling powers to establish colonial administration to legitimize claims.
By February 1885, the agreement accelerated imperial rivalry, leading to the carving up of nearly the entire continent by European empires.
This conference had profound consequences for African societies, disrupting traditional boundaries and laying foundations for future conflicts.
1884
Berlin Conference
1889day.year
Brazil is declared a republic by Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca as Emperor Pedro II is deposed in a military coup.
A military coup in Brazil deposed Emperor Pedro II and established the First Brazilian Republic under Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca, ending the country's monarchy.
On 15 November 1889, discontented military officers led by Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca overthrew Emperor Pedro II in a swift coup d'état.
The imperial regime, weakened by economic strain and republican movements, was unable to resist the revolt led by the army.
Deodoro da Fonseca declared Brazil a republic, marking the birth of the First Brazilian Republic and the end of over six decades of monarchy.
Key figures swiftly drafted a provisional government framework, abolishing titles of nobility and reorganizing state institutions.
The coup reflected broader republican sentiments among the urban middle class, military elites, and abolitionist advocates.
This transition shaped Brazil's future political landscape and set the stage for modern republican governance in South America.
1889
Brazil
Marshal
Deodoro da Fonseca
Emperor
Pedro II
deposed in a military coup
1917day.year
Eduskunta declares itself the supreme state power of Finland, prompting its declaration of independence and secession from Russia.
Finland's parliament, the Eduskunta, asserted full sovereignty from Russia, paving the way for Finland's independence amidst the turmoil of World War I and the Russian Revolution.
On 15 November 1917, the Finnish Parliament (Eduskunta) proclaimed itself the supreme authority in Finland, rejecting Russian legislative power.
This bold move occurred against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and the collapse of imperial authority.
By assuming sovereign powers, the Eduskunta laid the legal groundwork for Finland's impending independence.
Leaders capitalized on a power vacuum and growing nationalist sentiment to steer the country toward self-determination.
Just weeks later, on 6 December 1917, Finland officially declared independence, becoming a sovereign nation.
This decision marked a peaceful but decisive break from Russia, influencing other nations amid the post-war reordering of Europe.
1917
Eduskunta
Finland
declaration of independence
Russia
1920day.year
The first assembly of the League of Nations is held in Geneva, Switzerland.
Delegates from around the world gathered in Geneva for the inaugural assembly of the League of Nations, the first permanent international organization aimed at maintaining peace.
On 15 November 1920, the League of Nations convened its first assembly in Geneva, establishing a forum for diplomatic dialogue after World War I.
The assembly brought together representatives from 42 founding member states, striving to prevent future conflicts.
Key agenda items included disarmament, territorial disputes, and mechanisms for collective security.
The League sought to resolve disputes through negotiation and arbitration rather than force.
Although it faced challenges due to the absence of major powers and limited enforcement capacity, the League pioneered international cooperation.
Its efforts laid the groundwork for modern multilateral institutions and the eventual creation of the United Nations.
1920
League of Nations
Geneva
Switzerland
1920day.year
The Free City of Danzig is established.
The Free City of Danzig was created under the Treaty of Versailles as a semi-autonomous city-state under League of Nations protection, balancing Polish and German interests.
On 15 November 1920, the Free City of Danzig was formally established, separating the city from Germany and granting it semi-autonomous status.
The Treaty of Versailles designated Danzig as a free city under the League of Nations, ensuring access to the Polish corridor.
This unique arrangement aimed to reconcile competing Polish and German claims over the strategic Baltic port.
The city maintained its own constitution, parliament, and customs policies, with external affairs overseen by the League.
While providing economic access for Poland, the status of Danzig fueled tensions between the two nations.
The Free City's existence highlights the complex territorial settlements in Europe after World War I.
Free City of Danzig
1933day.year
Thailand holds its first election.
Thailand conducted its first general election, marking a significant step in the country's shift from absolute monarchy to constitutional governance.
On 15 November 1933, Thailand held its inaugural general election under the new constitutional framework established after the 1932 revolution.
The election aimed to form a People's Assembly, a nascent parliamentary body sharing power with the monarchy.
Voters across the kingdom selected representatives, though suffrage was limited by property and literacy requirements.
This event signified Thailand's transition toward modern political institutions and away from absolute royal rule.
Political parties and independent candidates vied for influence in this pioneering political experiment.
The 1933 election laid the foundation for Thailand's complex constitutional politics in the decades that followed.
1933
Thailand
its first election
1938day.year
Nazi Germany bans Jewish children from public schools in the aftermath of Kristallnacht.
In the wake of Kristallnacht, Nazi Germany expels Jewish children from public schools, intensifying its campaign of persecution.
After the violent November 1938 pogrom known as Kristallnacht, the Nazi regime enacted stricter measures against Jews.
On November 15, 1938, an official decree banned Jewish children from attending public schools across Germany.
Families were forced to seek limited private or Jewish community schools under increasingly oppressive conditions.
This exclusion stripped Jewish youth of basic educational rights and further isolated them from society.
The policy foreshadowed even harsher anti-Jewish laws and marked a grim escalation on the path to the Holocaust.
1938
Nazi Germany
Kristallnacht
1951day.year
Nikos Beloyannis, along with 11 comrades, is sentenced to death for attempting to reestablish the Communist Party of Greece.
Greek resistance leader Nikos Beloyannis and his comrades are condemned to death for their efforts to revive the banned Communist Party.
In the tense political climate of post-war Greece, Nikos Beloyannis and eleven associates faced trial for attempting to reestablish the outlawed Communist Party of Greece.
On November 15, 1951, they were sentenced to death in a move widely seen as political repression by the conservative government.
Beloyannis became a symbol of resistance for leftist movements across Europe.
International protests and campaigns demanded clemency, but the sentences were upheld.
The trials highlighted deep divisions in Greek society during the early Cold War era.
Beloyannis’s execution the following year cemented his legacy as the "Man with the Carnation."
1951
Nikos Beloyannis
Communist Party of Greece
1976day.year
René Lévesque and the Parti Québécois take power to become the first Quebec government of the 20th century clearly in favor of independence.
René Lévesque's Parti Québécois formed the first Quebec government of the 20th century openly advocating independence.
On November 15, 1976, the Parti Québécois, led by René Lévesque, won the provincial election in Quebec.
This victory produced the first government in 20th-century Quebec history to openly champion sovereignty for the province.
Lévesque's administration pursued policies to promote French language and culture while preparing for a potential referendum on independence.
The election reshaped Canadian politics by foregrounding questions of national identity and federal-provincial relations.
The Parti Québécois era had lasting effects on Quebec's socio-political landscape and inspired similar movements worldwide.
1976
René Lévesque
Parti Québécois
take power
Quebec
independence
1983day.year
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus declares independence; it is only recognized by Turkey.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus declared independence, remaining recognized only by Turkey.
On November 15, 1983, Turkish Cypriot leaders declared the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
The new state emerged after years of ethnic conflict on the divided island of Cyprus following Turkey's 1974 intervention.
Only Turkey officially recognized the TRNC, while the international community continued to regard the Republic of Cyprus as the sole legitimate government.
The declaration deepened diplomatic tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and stalled United Nations reunification efforts.
Decades later, the status of Northern Cyprus remains one of the most protracted frozen conflicts in Europe.
1983
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
only recognized by Turkey