What happened on November 23 in world history? Here are 4 events worth remembering: See them above in our 57-second video, and below for more details!
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The first jukebox goes into operation
The debut of the first jukebox brought a revolution in public music enjoyment, allowing people to play their favorite songs in bars and cafes. This novel coin-operated music player became a beloved icon of entertainment culture for decades.
- Installed at the Palais Royale Saloon in San Francisco, the early jukebox allowed patrons to select songs by dropping a coin into the machine, a concept that transformed how music was accessed and enjoyed in social spaces.
- The jukebox made music more accessible to the public, fostering the growth of recorded music as an industry and making a broad variety of songs available to people across different places.
- From diners to nightclubs, the jukebox became a staple of American pop culture, symbolizing freedom of choice in music and serving as a gathering point for socializing and dancing.
Ethiopian Airlines Flight 961 hijacking and crash
The hijacking and crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 961 was a tragic event in aviation history. The plane was forced into the Indian Ocean by fuel exhaustion after a hijacking attempt, resulting in the deaths of 125 of the 175 people on board.
- Three hijackers, demanding asylum in Australia, forced the plane to divert from its path, but with fuel running low, the crew attempted a water landing near the Comoros Islands, leading to a catastrophic impact.
- The pilot attempted a controlled ditching into the ocean despite difficult circumstances, aiming to save lives. However, the landing was severely impacted by wing contact with the water, causing the plane to break apart.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf elected President of Liberia
The election of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as Liberia's president was a groundbreaking moment, making her the first female head of state in Africa. Her leadership would bring hope for recovery and stability to a nation devastated by years of civil conflict.
- Sirleaf’s victory was celebrated as a significant achievement for women in Africa and worldwide, inspiring future generations of women to engage in political leadership.
- Under her presidency, Sirleaf focused on rebuilding Liberia’s economy, infrastructure, and social services, as well as tackling corruption and promoting education and healthcare improvements.
- Known as the “Iron Lady,” Sirleaf’s efforts earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011, alongside two other women’s rights activists, for her work in promoting peace, democracy, and women’s rights in Liberia.
Miley Cyrus is born
The birth of Miley Cyrus marked the arrival of a future music and television star whose career would span childhood stardom to adult success. Known for her bold personality and genre-defying music, she has become a central figure in pop culture.
- Miley became a household name through her role on Disney’s Hannah Montana, where she portrayed a teenage pop star, blending her real-life and on-screen personas and becoming an idol to millions of young fans.
- With hit singles like “Party in the U.S.A.” and her more mature Bangerz album, Cyrus successfully transitioned from Disney star to pop artist, often reinventing her style to embrace both country roots and pop influences.