This Day in History: What Happened Today in History – 9 November

Every day has a history associated with it—and today is no exception. So, what makes November 9 special? On this day, we mark milestones that span both hope and horror: the dramatic opening of borders that unified a divided city and the dark eruption of violence that foreshadowed a terrible era. From moments of liberation to moments of tragedy, November 9 carries echoes of global change. In this article, we'll explore the key events, major turning points and lasting impacts that occurred on this date. And we'll look at why November 9 keeps turning up in history's catalogue, from political shifts to cultural awakenings.

What Happened On This Day – November 9?

Here's what happened in history on November 9:

1862 – Ambrose Burnside Assumes Command of the Army of the Potomac

• On November 9, 1862, General Ambrose Burnside officially took command of the Union Army of the Potomac.
• He replaced George B. McClellan, who had been removed from command.
• McClellan was popular with his troops, making Burnside's new role difficult.
• Burnside's leadership would later be tested in the Battle of Fredericksburg.

1938 – Nazis Launch Kristallnacht

• On November 9, 1938, Nazi forces unleashed Kristallnacht, or the "Night of Broken Glass".
• Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues were vandalised and destroyed across Germany and Austria.
• More than 90 Jews were killed, and about 30,000 were sent to concentration camps.
• It marked a significant escalation in Nazi persecution of Jews and a dark turning point before World War II.

1956 – Jean-Paul Sartre Denounces Communism

• On November 9, 1956, French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre spoke out against the Soviet Union.
• He condemned the USSR's brutal invasion of Hungary.
• Once a supporter of communism, Sartre's stance shifted after seeing Soviet repression.
• His criticism influenced global intellectual thought during the Cold War.

1965 – The Great Northeast Blackout

• At dusk on November 9, 1965, one of the most significant power failures in history hit the U.S. and Canada.
• New York, seven nearby states, and parts of eastern Canada were plunged into darkness.
• Millions were stranded, and around 800,000 people were trapped in the New York City subway system.
• Power was restored after several hours, but the event exposed the vulnerability of regional grids.

1965 – Antiwar Protestor Sets Himself Afire

• On the same day, Roger Allen LaPorte, a 22-year-old activist, set himself on fire outside the U.N. headquarters in New York.
• He was protesting against all wars, calling his act a "religious statement".
• He died the next day, becoming one of the symbolic figures of anti-war protest in the 1960s.

1970 – Supreme Court Refuses to Rule on Vietnam War

• On November 9, 1970, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Massachusetts' challenge to the legality of the Vietnam War.
• The state had passed a law allowing residents to refuse service in undeclared wars.
• The court's 6–3 vote left the question unresolved, strengthening executive war powers.

1971 – A Sunday School Teacher Murders His Family

• On November 9, 1971, John Emil List murdered his entire family in Westfield, New Jersey.
• He disappeared afterwards and lived under a false identity for 18 years.
• List was finally caught in 1989 after his case appeared on America's Most Wanted.
• His story shocked the nation and became one of the most infamous family murders in U.S. history.

1985 – Garry Kasparov Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion

• On November 9, 1985, Soviet-born Garry Kasparov, aged 22, defeated Anatoly Karpov.
• He became the youngest World Chess Champion in history.
• Kasparov went on to dominate the game and later faced IBM's Deep Blue computer in the 1990s.

1989 – East Germany Opens the Berlin Wall

• On November 9, 1989, East German authorities opened the Berlin Wall.
• Citizens were finally allowed to cross freely between East and West Berlin.
• Crowds began dismantling the wall the next day, celebrating newfound freedom.
• The event symbolised the end of the Cold War and the beginning of German reunification.

1990 – Willie Nelson's Assets Seized by the IRS

• On November 9, 1990, the IRS seized all of country singer Willie Nelson's assets.
• He owed $16.7 million in unpaid taxes due to bad investments.
• Nelson later released an album titled The IRS Tapes: Who'll Buy My Memories? to help repay his debt.
• His case remains one of the most notorious celebrity tax scandals.

2004 – Author Stieg Larsson Dies at 50

• On November 9, 2004, Swedish author Stieg Larsson died suddenly of a heart attack.
• He had just completed his Millennium trilogy: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest.
• The books became international bestsellers and were adapted into hit films.

2000 – Formation of Uttarakhand, India

• On November 9, 2000, India officially created a new state called Uttarakhand (then Uttaranchal).
• It was carved out of the northern part of Uttar Pradesh.
• The formation recognised the region's unique cultural and geographical identity.

Which Famous Personalities Were Born and Died on November 9?

November 9 marks notable birthdays and deaths of influential figures throughout history, celebrating legacies in the arts, science, and sports.

Born on November 09

Carl Sagan (1934–1996)

• American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator.
• Known for his book and TV series Cosmos.
• Advocated for space exploration and the search for extraterrestrial life.

Dorothy Dandridge (1922–1965)

• American actress and singer.
• First Black woman nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, for Carmen Jones (1954).
• Broke racial barriers in Hollywood during the 1950s.

Ryan Murphy (1965 – Present)

• American writer, director, and producer.
• Creator of hit TV shows like Glee and American Horror Story.
• Known for his bold storytelling and diverse casts.

Notable Deaths on November 09

• Neville Chamberlain (1869-1940) – British Prime Minister who died on November 9, 1940.
• Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970) – French statesman and military leader, died on November 9, 1970.
• Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) – Welsh poet and author, died on November 9, 1953.
• Ibn Saud (1876-1953) – Founder and first King of Saudi Arabia, died on November 9, 1953.
• Stieg Larsson (1954-2004) – Swedish author of the Millennium trilogy, died on November 9, 2004.