November 28

In late 1798, American merchant John Leamy dispatched his frigate John from Philadelphia to Montevideo, marking the beginning of direct commerce with the Río de la Plata region. At the time, Uruguay remained under Spanish colonial rule, making this voyage a bold step beyond European trade monopolies. The expedition carried textiles, hardware, and other US manufactured goods, while returning with local hides, silver, and agricultural produce. Leamy’s success demonstrated the growing commercial ambitions of the young United States on the global stage. This pioneering endeavor laid the groundwork for deeper diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. Though modest in scale, the mission signaled a shift toward more independent American engagement in South American markets.

On November 28, 1914, after a five-month suspension prompted by the outbreak of World War I, the New York Stock Exchange reopened its doors for bond trading. The closure, which began in July, was intended to stabilize financial markets amid global turmoil. The cautious resumption of business aimed to restore investor confidence and support government war financing. Early trading volumes were modest as brokers and clients assessed wartime risks and currency fluctuations. This reopening marked a critical moment for the American financial system, demonstrating resilience in the face of international crisis and laying groundwork for the U.S. role as a leading global economic power.