On This Day – November 8
Image source: The GrayVine
Ready to take a trip down memory lane? Let’s look back at some of the most significant events in American history that happened on this day, starting with…
392: Christianity Became the State Religion of Rome
Roman Emperor Theodosius I declared Christianity the official state religion of the Roman Empire, transforming its culture and shaping the course of Western civilization.
1519: Moctezuma II Met Hernán Cortés
Aztec Emperor Moctezuma II and Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés met in Tenochtitlan (now Mexico City). The encounter marked the beginning of Spain’s conquest of the Aztec Empire.
1602: The Bodleian Library Opened in Oxford
The Bodleian Library, founded by Sir Thomas Bodley, officially opened at Oxford University. It became one of the most important research libraries in the world.
1701: Pennsylvania Adopted Its Charter of Privileges
Colonial founder William Penn presented the Charter of Privileges, guaranteeing religious freedom and self-government to Pennsylvania’s citizens—a major influence on later American democratic ideals.
1789: Bourbon Whiskey Was First Distilled
Reverend Elijah Craig distilled the first batch of bourbon whiskey from corn in Bourbon County, Virginia (now Kentucky), creating what would become America’s signature spirit.
1895: X-Rays Were Discovered
German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen accidentally discovered X-rays while experimenting with cathode rays, revolutionizing medicine and earning him the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.
1926: Oh, Kay! Premiered on Broadway
The musical comedy Oh, Kay! by George and Ira Gershwin and P.G. Wodehouse opened at the Imperial Theatre in New York, featuring hits that became classics of the Jazz Age.
1963: John Lennon’s Famous “Rattle Your Jewelry” Quip
During a Royal Variety Performance in London, John Lennon famously told the audience, “Those in the cheaper seats, clap your hands; the rest of you, rattle your jewelry.” The witty moment became one of the Beatles’ most iconic lines.
1966: Ronald Reagan Was Elected Governor of California
Former actor Ronald Reagan won the California gubernatorial election, launching a political career that would lead to his presidency 14 years later.
2002: The UN Approved Resolution 1441 on Iraq
The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to give Iraq a “final opportunity” to disarm or face serious consequences, setting the stage for the Iraq War the following year.
2005: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Was Elected President of Liberia
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made history as the first woman ever elected president of an African nation, becoming a global symbol of democratic progress and women’s leadership.
2016: Donald Trump Was Elected the 45th President of the United States
Republican candidate Donald Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton in the presidential election, securing 304 electoral votes despite Clinton winning the popular vote by nearly three million.
2017: A World Record Wave Was Surfed in Portugal
Brazilian surfer Rodrigo Koxa set a Guinness World Record by riding a 24.38-meter (80-foot) wave in Nazaré, Portugal—the largest wave ever surfed.
Do you remember any of these events? Or do you have more moments (historical or not!) you'd like to share with the community? Post them below and let’s reminisce together!
