On Sunday, November 10th, the book of history records, among other things:
1444: With his victory over a Polish-Hungarian army at Varna on the Black Sea, the Ottoman Sultan Murad II creates the conditions for the Turkish conquest of Constantinople and the subjugation of Serbia. The Polish and Hungarian Jagiellonian King Władysław III. falls in battle.
1674: The Dutch cede Nieuw Amsterdam (New York) to the British.
1859: In the Peace of Zurich, the preliminary peace of Villafranca was confirmed: Austria ceded Lombardy to Napoleon III. who handed it over to the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia.
1909: Opening of the “Engelmann Arena” in Vienna-Hernals. This first open-air artificial ice rink in the world has an area of 3,000 square meters.
1944: It is revealed that Germany is using a new weapon – the V-2 rocket – against England.
1944: Gestapo and SS men hang 21 young resistance fighters from the “Edelweiss Pirates” group on a railway embankment in Cologne-Ehrenfeld.
1984: French and Libyan troops end their simultaneous withdrawal from Chad.
1994: Divers retrieve 18 tons of silver coins worth more than 700 million shillings (50.87 million euros) from a sunken US warship off the coast of Oman.
1994: The UN trusteeship ends in Palau; The small island republic in the western Pacific with 15,000 inhabitants becomes a sovereign state. Palau was a German “protected area” before the First World War.
1994: Iraq formally recognizes neighboring Kuwait.
1999: In the US state of Oregon, a 16-year-old who shot his parents was sentenced to 111 years in prison.
2009: Lebanon gets a unity government of “national understanding” five months after the parliamentary elections. The Shiite Hezbollah, which is classified as a terrorist organization by Israel and the USA, and its allies make up ten of the thirty ministers in Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri’s cabinet.
Birthdays: Friedrich Schiller, German poet (1759-1805); Paul Löwinger, Eastern actor (1904-1988); Mikhail Kalashnikov, Russian engineer (weapons designer) (1919-2013); Sigrid Marquardt, Eastern actress (1924-2016); Randy Mamola, former US motorcycle racer (1959); Jens Lehmann, dr. Ex-football player (1969).
Date of death: Friedrich Torberg, eastern Writer (1908-1979).
Name days: Andreas, Leo, Justus, Irmengard, Avellinus, Probus, Johannes, Jens, Nympha, Stefan, Hermann.
Interview Between Time.News Editor and History Expert Dr. Anna Reinhardt
Time.News Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Reinhardt! Today, we’re diving into some significant historical events that happen on November 10th throughout the centuries. It’s fascinating how one day can hold such variety in historical significance. What stands out to you most from this date?
Dr. Anna Reinhardt (AR): Thank you for having me! Indeed, November 10th has seen its fair share of pivotal events. One that particularly stands out is 1674, when the Dutch ceded Nieuw Amsterdam to the British. This event laid the foundations for what would become one of the most influential cities in the world, New York. The transition from Dutch to British control represents not just a change in governance, but also a shift in cultural and economic dynamics.
TNE: Absolutely. The transfer of Nieuw Amsterdam is often remembered in the larger context of colonial power struggles. Can you elaborate on why this cession was so significant?
AR: Certainly! The cession of Nieuw Amsterdam was much more than a simple administrative change; it symbolized the decline of Dutch dominance in North America and marked the beginning of British hegemony. This shift set the stage for British cultural influences, policies, and eventually the development of New York as a commercial powerhouse. It’s almost poetic how a trading post evolved into a global metropolis over the centuries.
TNE: And, of course, we can’t overlook how this event would influence future American history. What ripple effects did this cession have in terms of cultural and demographic shifts in the region?
AR: The transfer significantly accelerated migration patterns and trade relations with other British colonies. Once under British rule, New York became a melting pot, attracting a diverse population with its promise of opportunity. This cultural blend would ultimately influence American identity, law, and urban development. It’s fascinating to consider how the past still shapes our modern landscapes and societies today.
TNE: Now, moving beyond 1674, another notable event on this date is from 1944, when Germany’s use of the V-2 rocket was revealed. The implications of that revelation during World War II were immense. Could you shed some light on its historical context?
AR: Certainly. The V-2 rocket was a groundbreaking advancement in military technology that represented a shift towards more strategic warfare. It was the world’s first long-range guided ballistic missile. The German military’s use of this weapon against England illustrated not only their desperation but also the lengths to which they would go to assert power. It pushed the boundaries of engineering and ignited a rocket race that would later lead to space exploration.
TNE: It’s interesting how innovations born from conflict can lead to advancements in peace! Let’s touch on the more somber aspects of that time. The hanging of the “Edelweiss Pirates” by the Gestapo is a stark reminder of the regime’s brutality. What can you tell us about this resistance group?
AR: The Edelweiss Pirates were a youth resistance group that opposed the Nazi regime, embodying a spirit of rebellion among young people who rejected the militaristic and conformist ideals of Nazi society. Their execution underscores the harsh realities faced by those who resisted. It serves as a poignant reminder that the fight against tyranny often comes with grave personal costs.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Reinhardt. It seems that each of these November 10th events reflects the complexities of historical narratives—power struggles, cultural shifts, and the bravery of individuals. How do you think understanding these past events can inform our actions today?
AR: Understanding our history allows us to recognize the patterns of conflict and cooperation that shape our world. By learning about the struggles and triumphs of those before us, we can make more informed decisions about our society’s direction and advocacy for justice, equity, and community. It compels us to act in ways that honor the resilience of those who came before us and to strive for a better world.
TNE: A powerful closing thought. Thank you, Dr. Reinhardt, for sharing your insights on the historical significance of November 10th. It’s been a pleasure discussing these events with you!
AR: Thank you for having me. History is indeed a treasure trove of lessons, and I appreciate the opportunity to delve into it with you!