November 9 is a day that has seen many important events in history. It’s also the birthday of some very interesting people. In this article, we’ll learn about big things that happened on this day and about people who were born on November 9. From kings and walls to diamonds and movies, this day has many stories to tell.
Historical Events of November 9
1520: Stockholm Bloodbath
On November 9, 1520, something terrible happened in Stockholm, Sweden. King Christian II of Denmark ordered the execution of many Swedish nobles. This event is called the Stockholm Bloodbath.
The king had promised not to hurt anyone when he took control of Sweden. But he broke his promise and killed about 80-90 people. Many of them were important Swedish leaders.
This event made the Swedish people very angry. It led to Sweden breaking away from Denmark’s control and becoming its own country.
1799: Napoleon’s Coup
On November 9, 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte took control of France. He did this through a coup, which means he used force to take power.
Napoleon became the First Consul of France, which made him like a dictator. He was able to do this because many French people were unhappy with their government.
This was a very important day because it started Napoleon’s rule over France. He would go on to become Emperor and change much of Europe through his wars and laws.
1907: Cullinan Diamond Presentation
On November 9, 1907, King Edward VII received a very special birthday present – the Cullinan Diamond. This was the biggest diamond ever found.
The diamond was found in South Africa in 1905. It was so big that at first, people thought it was just a piece of glass. It weighed 3,106 carats before it was cut.
The diamond was later cut into nine large pieces and many smaller ones. The biggest pieces are now part of the British Crown Jewels.
1939: “Ninotchka” Premiere
On November 9, 1939, a movie called “Ninotchka” came out. It starred Greta Garbo, who was one of the most famous actresses of that time.
The movie was special because it was funny, and Garbo usually played serious roles. It was advertised with the line “Garbo Laughs!” because she had never been in a comedy before.
“Ninotchka” became very popular and showed that even serious actors could be funny. It’s still considered one of the best comedies ever made.
1989: Fall of the Berlin Wall
On November 9, 1989, one of the most important events of the 20th century happened. The Berlin Wall, which had divided East and West Berlin for 28 years, began to fall.
Because of a mistake in an announcement, thousands of East Germans went to the wall and started crossing into West Berlin. The guards didn’t know what to do, so they let people pass.
This event marked the beginning of the end of the Cold War. It showed that the divide between East and West Europe was ending. People celebrated by climbing on the wall and breaking pieces of it.
Famous Birthdays on November 9
Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806)
Benjamin Banneker was born on November 9, 1731. He was one of America’s first Black scientists and helped plan the city of Washington, D.C.
Here’s a brief biography of Benjamin Banneker:
Fact | Information |
---|---|
Born | November 9, 1731 |
Birthplace | Ellicott’s Mills, Maryland |
Died | October 9, 1806 |
Known for | Scientist and surveyor |
Major work | First almanac by a Black person |
Achievement | Helped plan Washington, D.C. |
Edward VII (1841-1910)
Edward VII was born on November 9, 1841. He was Queen Victoria’s son and became King of England after she died.
Here’s a brief biography of Edward VII:
Fact | Information |
---|---|
Born | November 9, 1841 |
Birthplace | Buckingham Palace, London |
Died | May 6, 1910 |
Known for | King of Great Britain |
Reign | 1901-1910 |
Nickname | “Bertie” |
Hedy Lamarr (1914-2000)
Hedy Lamarr was born on November 9, 1914. She was both a famous movie star and a brilliant inventor who helped create technology we still use today.
Here’s a brief biography of Hedy Lamarr:
Fact | Information |
---|---|
Born | November 9, 1914 |
Birthplace | Vienna, Austria |
Died | January 19, 2000 |
Known for | Actress and inventor |
Invention | Frequency-hopping system |
Legacy | Helped create Wi-Fi technology |
Carl Sagan (1934-1996)
Carl Sagan was born on November 9, 1934. He was a scientist who helped many people understand and get excited about space and science.
Here’s a brief biography of Carl Sagan:
Fact | Information |
---|---|
Born | November 9, 1934 |
Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York |
Died | December 20, 1996 |
Known for | Astronomer and science educator |
Famous work | TV show “Cosmos” |
Legacy | Made science popular |
Tom Fogerty (1941-1990)
Tom Fogerty was born on November 9, 1941. He was the rhythm guitarist for the famous rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Here’s a brief biography of Tom Fogerty:
Fact | Information |
---|---|
Born | November 9, 1941 |
Birthplace | Berkeley, California |
Died | September 6, 1990 |
Known for | Guitarist in CCR |
Famous songs | “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising” |
Role | Rhythm guitarist |
Takeaway
November 9 has been a day of big events and important births throughout history. We’ve seen how it was a day when walls fell, kings took power, and movies premiered. We’ve also learned about some very different people who were born on this day – from scientists and kings to actresses and musicians.
Each of these events and people has left a mark on our world. From Banneker’s work building Washington, D.C. to Lamarr’s inventions that help our phones work, from Sagan’s lessons about space to Fogerty’s music that people still dance to, November 9 has given us a lot to remember and think about.
Learning about history helps us understand our world better. It shows us how things have changed over time and how the actions of people in the past still affect us today. So next time November 9 comes around, remember all these interesting events and people!
References:
- Roberts, M. (1968). The Early Vasas: A History of Sweden 1523-1611. Cambridge University Press.
- Markham, F. (1963). Napoleon. New American Library.
- Field, L. (2008). The Queen’s Jewels: The Personal Collection of Elizabeth II. Harry N. Abrams.
- Paris, B. (2002). Garbo: A Biography. University of Minnesota Press.
- Taylor, F. (2006). The Berlin Wall: A World Divided, 1961-1989. Harper Perennial.
- Cerami, C. (2002). Benjamin Banneker: Surveyor, Astronomer, Publisher, Patriot. Wiley.
- Ridley, J. (2012). Bertie: A Life of Edward VII. Chatto & Windus.
- Rhodes, R. (2012). Hedy’s Folly: The Life and Breakthrough Inventions of Hedy Lamarr. Doubleday.
- Davidson, K. (1999). Carl Sagan: A Life. Wiley.
- Bordowitz, H. (2007). Bad Moon Rising: The Unauthorized History of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Chicago Review Press.