TV Starts, States Join, and Presidents are Chosen!
November 2nd is a day full of firsts and fascinating history! We celebrate when the very first scheduled television broadcast flickered to life and when two brand-new states joined the USA. We'll also see how the first US Presidential election votes were counted in this very month! Get ready to explore a mix of cool tech, US history, and famous faces.
Did you know that on this day, one of the world's first high-definition TV services flipped the switch? That’s way before smartphones! Plus, we look back at the 1792 US election where George Washington was *unanimously* re-elected—talk about a landslide! It’s a reminder that big changes, from TV to politics, often start with small steps.
What Happened on This Day
The Second US Presidential Election Begins
The second-ever United States presidential election kicked off on November 2, 1792, and ran until December 5th! Imagine a presidential election taking over a month to count! Incumbent George Washington was re-elected unanimously by the Electoral College, meaning every single elector voted for him. Meanwhile, John Adams battled for the Vice Presidency. This election marked the first time all original 13 states participated, plus two new ones!
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BBC Airs World's First High-Definition TV
Zap! On November 2, 1936, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) started the world's first regular, high-definition television service! It wasn't like the flat screens we have now; this TV had a screen smaller than a pizza box and only a few lines to make the picture (but it was 'high-definition' for the time!). This was a HUGE step for entertainment and communication, paving the way for every show, movie, and video game you've ever watched!
North and South Dakota Become States!
On this day, the Dakota Territory finally split up! North Dakota became the 39th US state and South Dakota became the 40th. Before this, they were one big land mass, but people on both sides decided they needed their own state governments. It’s like two best friends deciding to become roommates in separate apartments in the same building—still neighbors, but with their own front doors!
Howard Hughes Flies the Giant 'Spruce Goose'
The Spruce Goose! This was a monstrous, wooden flying boat built by the famous inventor and pilot Howard Hughes. It was the largest plane ever built at the time, but it only flew *once*, on November 2, 1947. It stayed airborne for about a mile over the water near California. It was a super ambitious, 'go big or go home' moment in aviation history, even if it never flew again!
Nickelodeon Launches in Canada
Get ready to watch your favorite shows north of the border! On November 2, 2009, the kids' channel Nickelodeon officially launched as a separate feed in Canada. Before this, Canadian kids might have seen some Nick shows on other channels, but this made it an all-day destination for cartoons and fun, just like in the US. It was a big expansion for the famously green and orange network!
Fun Facts About November 2
- The 1792 election was the first where Vermont and Kentucky cast electoral votes.
- The 1936 BBC 'high-definition' TV signal used only 405 lines to create the picture!
- The Spruce Goose only flew for about 70 seconds on its one and only flight.
- November 2nd is also celebrated as Statehood Day in North and South Dakota!
A Look Back in Time
November 2nd often sits right after Halloween, maybe giving us a chance to reflect on older traditions! Historically, this date has seen massive shifts in how we communicate, with the arrival of scheduled TV broadcasts in 1936 marking a huge leap forward. Politically, the day has seen nations expand, like the Dakota states joining the US in 1889, and the start of crucial elections like the one that confirmed George Washington's leadership in 1792. It's a day where 'new' things start happening, whether it's a state, a broadcast, or a massive airplane's first flight.
Born on This Day
Marie Antoinette
She was the Queen of France, married to King Louis XVI. She was known for her fancy fashions and lavish parties at the Palace of Versailles. Sadly, her life ended tragically during the French Revolution. She reminds us that not all royalty lived happily ever after!
Warren G. Harding
Harding was the 29th President of the United States! Before politics, he was a newspaper publisher in Ohio. He was known for wanting to return the country to 'normalcy' after the chaos of World War I. He actually loved his pet dog, Laddie Boy, so much he let him sit in on cabinet meetings!
Burt Lancaster
This guy was a super famous movie star known for his amazing smile and incredible athleticism! He starred in exciting films like 'The Rainmaker' and 'From Here to Eternity.' He even did his own amazing stunts, like hanging off the side of a train in one movie. Talk about being a dedicated actor!
David Schwimmer
You know him as Ross Geller, the paleontologist (dinosaur expert!) from the super popular 90s sitcom *Friends*. He spent his college years helping to start a theater company that is still going strong today. He’s proved he’s great at acting, directing, and making us laugh!