30 fun facts for November, 30

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
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Summary
November 30th marks a variety of important events, including the national days of Barbados and Benin, celebrating their independence from colonial rule. This date has also seen the birth of significant artists, such as Mark Twain, and leaders like Winston Churchill. Furthermore, November 30 is the International Remembrance Day for Lost Species, raising awareness for endangered and extinct species.
30 Fun facts
  1. November 30 is celebrated as the National Day of Barbados, which marks its independence from the United Kingdom in 1966. The island nation has various activities throughout November, including cultural shows, sports competitions, and educational programs, culminating in the grand celebrations on Independence Day itself.
  2. On November 30, 1939, the Soviet Union invaded Finland, leading to the Winter War. The small Finnish army, well-prepared for fighting in the cold, managed to defend their country against the Soviet forces, which significantly outnumbered them. The war ended in March 1940, with Finland retaining its independence, though some territory was ceded to the Soviet Union.
  3. On this day in 1630, the Polish astronomer Jan Heweliusz was born. He is renowned for his observations of the movements of planets across the sky and is considered the founder of lunar topography. Among his many accomplishments are detailed lunar maps, discovering four comets, and the establishment of the world's first observatory in Gdańsk.
  4. November 30, 2004, marked the opening of the world’s tallest free-standing structure made of ice. The 84-foot tall structure in Yekaterinburg, Russia, represented a Gothic tower complete with gargoyles and was made with blocks of ice from the local river by a team of volunteers.
  5. Jonathan Swift, the author of ‘Gulliver’s Travels,’ was born on November 30, 1667. He was an Anglo-Irish essayist, satirist, and poet who became Dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin. Swift’s wit and satire remain an inspiration for modern authors and writers.
  6. Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to the United States Congress, was born on November 30, 1924. She served in the House of Representatives from 1969 to 1983, representing New York's 12th congressional district, and was an outspoken advocate for civil rights, women's rights, and public education.
  7. Mark Twain, the famous American writer, was born on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri. His novels, including 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' and 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,' are considered some of the greatest works of American literature.
  8. November 30, 2012, saw the release of the highly anticipated Nintendo game 'Wii U' in Europe. The console aimed to take the user gaming experience to another dimension by blending console gaming with tablet functionality.
  9. Ryuichi Sakamoto, an acclaimed Japanese musician, composer, and actor, was born on November 30, 1952. He has worked on numerous movie soundtracks, including 'Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence,' 'The Sheltering Sky,' and 'The Last Emperor,' for which he won an Academy Award.
  10. On November 30, 1900, Irish playwright Oscar Wilde passed away in Paris. Known for his wit, iconic works, and flamboyant lifestyle, he is remembered for plays such as 'The Importance of Being Earnest' and 'A Picture of Dorian Gray.'
  11. Scotsman Lachlan McIntosh, an American military and political leader during the American Revolution, was born on November 30, 1725. He played a significant role in Georgia's early history, including serving as a member of the Second Continental Congress.
  12. November 30 is National Day in Benin, celebrated annually to commemorate the anniversary of their independence from French colonial rule. The day is marked with flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural programs, and various events across the country.
  13. Sir Winston Churchill, one of Britain's greatest leaders and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II, was born on November 30, 1874. His leadership and determination were key factors in helping Britain and the Allies win the war.
  14. On November 30, 2016, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2321, condemning North Korea's fifth nuclear test conducted in September 2016. The resolution aimed to strengthen economic sanctions and isolate the regime further in response to its continued provocative actions.
  15. Grammy Award-winning musician, composer, and songwriter David Sanborn was born on November 30, 1945. He is one of the most successful saxophonists in history, with multiple platinum-selling albums and numerous collaborations with major artists, including Miles Davis, Eric Clapton, and David Bowie.
  16. November 30 is Saint Andrew's Day in Scotland, celebrated in honor of Scotland's patron saint, Saint Andrew. The day is a bank holiday in Scotland, and people mark the occasion with traditional Scottish food, music, and various cultural events.
  17. On November 30, 1967, Venezuela officially nationalized its oil production, taking control of its vast petroleum resources after years of foreign control. The move became an important step in the country's economic development and increased its influence in the global energy market.
  18. Ridley Scott, the Oscar-nominated film director famous for his work on classics such as 'Alien,' 'Blade Runner,' 'Gladiator,' and 'Thelma & Louise,' was born on November 30, 1937.
  19. November 30 is International Remembrance Day for Lost Species, a day to remember extinct and endangered species and their habitats. The day promotes the conservation and creative expression of extinct species to drive awareness and positive change.
  20. On November 30, 1782, the United States and Britain signed a preliminary peace agreement in Paris, setting the stage for the formal end of the American Revolutionary War. The Treaty of Paris was later signed in 1783, officially recognizing the United States as an independent nation.
  21. On this day in 2008, space probe Mars Phoenix Lander completed its mission by shutting down after more than five months of exploring Mars. It provided valuable data about Mars' climate, geology, and water history, which continue to inform scientific understanding.
  22. On November 30, 1936, a fire destroyed the famous Crystal Palace building in London. Originally built for the 1851 Great Exhibition, the Crystal Palace was an iconic 19th-century structure made almost entirely of glass and steel, which earned its name.
  23. November 30, 1954, saw the world's first modern meteorite injury in Sylacauga, Alabama. A meteorite crashed through the roof of a house and struck Ann Hodges, who was napping on her couch. Fortunately, Hodges survived the incident with only a bruise.
  24. In 1993, the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act was signed into law in the United States on November 30. This landmark legislation requires federal background checks on firearm buyers and imposed a five-day waiting period on the purchases of handguns.
  25. Lucy Maud Montgomery, the Canadian author of the beloved children's series 'Anne of Green Gables,' was born on November 30, 1874. Her stories of Anne Shirley and her adventures on Prince Edward Island have become beloved classics worldwide.
  26. On November 30, 1998, Exxon and Mobil Corporation announced their plans to merge, resulting in the creation of the world's largest corporation, ExxonMobil. The merger was valued at $73.7 billion, and the newly formed company became a dominant force in the global petroleum market.
  27. The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Andrew on November 30. Saint Andrew, the brother of Saint Peter, was a fisherman and one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles. He is the patron saint of Scotland, Romania, and Russia.
  28. American actress and model Chrissy Teigen was born on November 30, 1985. She gained recognition for her appearances in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and has since become a well-known television personality, cookbook author, and entrepreneur.
  29. Playwright David Mamet, famous for his works such as 'Glengarry Glen Ross' and 'Speed-The-Plow,' was born on November 30, 1947. Mamet's plays often feature terse dialogue and focus on themes of deceit, desperation, and the human struggle for success.
  30. On November 30, 1966, Barbados became a member of the United Nations, just one day after gaining independence from the United Kingdom. This marked the beginning of the country's active participation in international affairs.

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