I have posted recently about dining with Harold MacMillan, well we were in the same room, if not on the same table. Events, dear boy, events, was a saying of his, describing the susceptibility of plans to unexpected events.
In the vast scope of history, certain dates hold the weight of monumental events that have shaped nations, inspired revolutions, and set humanity on a new course. November 2nd is one such day. From groundbreaking scientific advancements to political turning points, The 2nd of November offers a snapshot of fascinating events that have marked humanity’s journey. Let’s dive into some of the key historical events that took place on this date across the centuries.
One of the most consequential events in Middle Eastern history, the Balfour Declaration, was issued on November 2nd, 1917. In a letter to Lord Rothschild, British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour declared his government’s support for the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine. This declaration laid the groundwork for the establishment of the state of Israel and has been at the heart of many conflicts and negotiations in the region ever since. At the time, Palestine was part of the Ottoman Empire, which was crumbling due to World War I. The Balfour Declaration became a pivotal document in the Zionist movement but also stirred controversy due to its implications for the Arab population in Palestine. Over a century later, its effects are still profoundly felt, reflecting the complexity and lasting impact of decisions made in wartime diplomacy.
In the United States, the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November was formally designated as Election Day by Congress on November 2nd, 1845. This decision created a standardised day for federal elections, allowing Americans to go to the polls in a season that was neither disrupted by spring planting nor the winter cold, making it more accessible for voters in the primarily agrarian society of the time. This time around it coincides with my birthday. My perfect present will be if she wins.
The Irish playwright, critic, and Nobel laureate George Bernard Shaw passed away on the 2nd of November 2, 1950. Shaw was an influential figure in both literature and political thought, remembered for his wit, keen intellect, and scathing critiques of social norms. His works, including Pygmalion, Man and Superman, and Saint Joan, challenged societal structures and introduced progressive ideas to a global audience. I studied Saint Joan for O level English. At 16 I didn’t imagine that I would ever write a book, let alone five.