Today in History

U.S. imposes economic sanctions against Sudan in response to human rights abuses and support of Islamic extremist groups.

Arkansas Governor Bill (William Jefferson) Clinton is elected 42nd president of the United States.

The Lebanese magazine Ash-Shiraa reports the U.S. has secretly been selling weapons to Iran in order to secure the release of seven American hostages being held by pro-Iranian groups in Lebanon, in what later became known as the Iran-Contra Affair.

Ku Klux Klansmen and neo-Nazis kill five and wound seven members of the Communist Workers Party during a “Death to the Klan” rally in Greensboro, NC; the incident becomes known as the Greensboro Massacre.

NASA launches Mariner 10, the first probe to reach Mercury.

U.S. President Richard Nixon, speaking on TV and radio, asks the “silent majority” of the American people to support his policies and the continuing war effort in Vietnam.

The Battle of Dak To begins in Vietnam’s Central Highlands; actually a series of engagements, the battle would continue through Nov. 22.

Robert F. Kennedy, brother of the slain president John F. Kennedy, is elected as a senator from New York.

The Soviet Union launches Sputnik II with the dog Laika, the first animal in space, aboard.

Gary Ross, film director, screenwriter (The Hunger Games, Seabiscuit).

Roseanne Barr, comedian, actress, producer; best known for her starring role in the TV series Roseanne, for which she won both an Emmy and a Golden Globe.

Larry Holmes, professional boxer known as “The Easton Assassin”; his 20 successful defenses of his heavyweight title is second only to Joe Louis’ record of 25.

Martin Cruz Smith, novelist (Gorky Park).

Left-wing groups in France form the Socialist and Republican Union.

Michael Dukakis, politician; the longest-serving governor in the history of the state of Massachusetts (1975-79, 1983-91); unsuccessful Democratic candidate for US presidency (1988).

Milk drivers on strike dump thousands of gallons of milk onto New York City’s streets to protest the drink’s varying prices on the market.

Oodgeroo Noonuccal [Kath Walker], Australian Aboriginal poet.

The German fleet at Kiel mutinies. This is the first act leading to Germany’s capitulation in World War I.

The first all-metal plane flies near Issy, France, piloted by Ponche and Prinard.

James “Scotty” Reston, New York Times reporter, editor and columnist.

Walker Evans, photographer best known for his Great Depression photos for the Farmers Security Administration (FSA).

Andre Malraux, French novelist and author of  La Condition Humaine (Man’s Fate).

William McKinley is elected 25th president of the United States.

First automatic telephone exchange goes into operation in La Porte, Indiana.

The U.S. Supreme Court declares American Indians to be “dependent aliens.”

Ulysses S. Grant elected the 18th president of the United States.

Ignatius Donnelly, American social reformer best known for his book Atlantis: The Antediluvian World.

American troops destroy the Indian village of Tallushatchee in the Mississippi Valley.

Karl Baedeker, German publisher, well known for travel guides.

William Cullen Bryant, American poet and journalist.

John Montague, fourth Earl of Sandwich and inventor of the sandwich.

The first Parliament for five years opens in England and the Commons put forward bills against abuses amongst the clergy and in the church courts.

Leonardo da Vinci is commissioned to paint Lisa Gherardini (“Mona Lisa”).

Christopher Columbus arrives at the Caribbee Isles (Dominica) during his second expedition.