Explosions, Votes, and Time Travel Day!
Welcome, history explorers, to November 5th! This day is famous for a near-disaster involving gunpowder in England and some HUGE moments in US politics. We've also got a day famous in the movies for inventing time travel! Get ready to uncover some seriously cool and surprising stuff that happened long before you were born!
Think history is dull? Think again! On this day, a famous spy was executed, a major video game board game was released, and a U.S. President won a third term, which is something *no one* else has ever done! It’s a day filled with close calls and record-breakers across the globe.
What Happened on This Day
The Gunpowder Plot Fails to Blow Up Parliament
Imagine trying to blow up the entire government in one go! That’s what Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators tried to do in England. They hid barrels of gunpowder right under the House of Lords, hoping to capture King James I. Luckily for the King (and everyone else!), the plot was discovered just hours before the blast. Ever since, people in the UK celebrate the failure with bonfires and fireworks, often called Bonfire Night!
Susan B. Anthony Votes Illegally (for Women's Rights!)
It was illegal for women to vote in the US back then, but Susan B. Anthony thought that was totally unfair! On November 5th, she marched right into a polling station and cast her vote anyway to protest the unfair laws. The authorities quickly caught on and fined her $100. Did she pay it? Nope! She declared, 'I shall never pay a dollar of my unjustly gotten $100 fine.' Talk about standing up for what’s right!
The First U.S. Car Patent is Granted
Before there were sleek electric cars or giant trucks, someone had to get the official permission slip to build a self-propelled road vehicle in the US. That person was George B. Selden, who got the patent for an automobile this day! While he didn't build the first car, his patent meant that other inventors basically had to pay *him* to build cars for a long time. It shows that even great inventions need good paperwork!
The Game Monopoly Hits Toy Shelves
Who doesn't love trying to bankrupt your family with hotels on Boardwalk? On November 5th, 1935, the Parker Brothers company officially released the game Monopoly! While the game had been around in earlier forms, this was the big commercial launch that made it a worldwide favorite. It teaches players about buying, selling, and maybe just a little bit of greed—all while having a blast!
FDR Elected for a Historic Third Term
Imagine having the same leader for more than eight years! That’s what happened when Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) was elected President of the United States for a third time. This was a huge deal because, before him, presidents were only expected to serve two terms. With World War II raging in Europe, Americans decided they wanted his steady leadership to continue guiding the country. He is the *only* US President ever elected to three terms!
Learn moreFun Facts About November 5
- In the UK, November 5th is famously known as 'Bonfire Night' or 'Guy Fawkes Night'.
- The first US car patent in 1895 was for a vehicle design, not a specific running car!
- Susan B. Anthony's $100 fine for voting was never actually collected.
- In the movie *Back to the Future*, Doc Brown claims he invented time travel on November 5, 1955!
A Look Back in Time
November 5th sits squarely in a busy political time in the Northern Hemisphere, right after the US Presidential elections and near the end of the year. In 1605, the Gunpowder Plot occurred during the reign of King James I, highlighting religious tensions in England. Later, in the 20th century, multiple elections occurred on this date, showing how this day marks important decisions for leaders, from FDR's unprecedented third term in 1940 to Richard Nixon's election in 1968. It’s a day where a few votes or a single decision can change a country's path!
Born on This Day
Vivien Leigh
This incredibly talented British actress became a superstar for playing the unforgettable Scarlett O'Hara in the classic movie *Gone With the Wind*. Her acting was so powerful; she won an Academy Award for the role! She also shone on the stage in many famous plays.
Bryan Adams
A rock music legend from Canada, Bryan Adams is famous for his powerful voice and hit songs like '(Everything I Do) I Do It for You' and 'Summer of '69.' He’s also a talented photographer and has written music for movies and even a musical!
Tatum O'Neal
Tatum O'Neal made history by becoming the youngest person ever to win an Academy Award for acting when she was just 10 years old for the movie *Paper Moon*. She has starred in many movies and TV shows throughout her career since then.
Johnny Damon
This speedy American baseball player was a fan favorite as an outfielder, most famously for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. Known for his long hair and great batting skills, he helped bring the Red Sox their first World Series win in decades!