What happened on November 24 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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Lee Harvey Oswald is killed by Jack Ruby
The killing of Lee Harvey Oswald by nightclub owner Jack Ruby stunned the world just days after Oswald was arrested for the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This dramatic event left many questions unanswered and fueled lasting conspiracy theories about the assassination.
- Oswald was shot by Ruby on live television in the basement of the Dallas Police Headquarters, shocking viewers worldwide and adding to the intense public scrutiny surrounding the assassination.
- Ruby’s act prevented authorities from fully interrogating Oswald, leaving a major gap in understanding the motives and possible connections, which continues to fuel conspiracy theories.
- Ruby was initially sentenced to death for killing Oswald, but his conviction was overturned on appeal. Before a retrial could begin, Ruby died in prison, leaving the full motives behind his actions a matter of speculation.
Mobutu seizes power in Congo
The seizure of power in Congo (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) by Mobutu Sese Seko marked the beginning of a three-decade-long regime characterized by authoritarianism and widespread corruption. His rule would have a profound impact on Congolese society and African geopolitics.
- Mobutu’s coup was supported by Western governments who saw him as a counter to communism in Africa. This backing helped Mobutu consolidate power quickly and ensured his long-term rule.
- Known for his strict control and personality cult, Mobutu renamed the country Zaire and banned all political opposition, positioning himself as the unifying figure of the nation while imposing strict “authenticity” measures to promote African identity.
- Despite vast natural resources, Mobutu’s regime is remembered for its kleptocracy, as he amassed personal wealth while the economy stagnated, leaving Congo impoverished and unstable even after his rule ended.
Discovery of Lucy the Australopithecus
The discovery of the Lucy fossil in Ethiopia revealed one of the most important specimens in the study of human evolution. This 3.2-million-year-old Australopithecus afarensis skeleton provided profound insights into early hominins and the development of bipedalism.
- Discovered by paleoanthropologist Donald Johanson and his team, Lucy was about 40% complete, a rarity for fossils from this period, giving scientists a detailed look at her physical structure and walking ability.
- Lucy’s leg and pelvis structure indicated she walked upright, offering significant evidence that bipedalism preceded larger brain sizes in human evolution, shifting scientific understanding of hominin development.
Freddie Mercury dies at age 45
The death of Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Queen, marked the loss of one of the most electrifying and versatile voices in rock music. Mercury’s powerful voice, theatrical presence, and unique artistic vision left a lasting impact on music and culture worldwide.
- Mercury’s death came just one day after he publicly confirmed he had AIDS, a brave acknowledgment that helped bring greater awareness to the disease and inspired support for HIV/AIDS research.
- With hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Somebody to Love,” Mercury’s contributions with Queen created a unique sound that combined rock, opera, and pop, influencing generations of musicians.
- Mercury’s flamboyant style and fearlessness made him a symbol of individuality and self-expression. He is remembered as one of the greatest frontmen in rock history, with Queen’s music and his legacy celebrated worldwide.