On this day… 17th November
Commemorations and protests
- 1939: International Students’ Day is recognised today because of the murder by Nazi forces who stormed universities in Prague, executing nine students and professors and sending over 1,200 to concentration camps in response to a protest for the killing of Jan Opletal who was shot at a Czechoslovak Independence Day rally which was taking please on 28th October 1939, in an anti Nazi demonstration against the German occupation. Sadly, Jay was to die 2 weeks after being shot.
Jan Opletal – Aged 23
Born 1st December 1915
Died 11th November 1939
- 1973: The Athens Polytechnic uprising in Greece culminates in a violent crackdown by the military junta.
- 1989: The “Velvet Revolution” begins in Czechoslovakia, sparked by protests on International Students’ Day.
Historical events
- 1292: John Balliol becomes King of Scotland
- 1558: On 17th November 1558, Mary I died, some people claim it was through Flu, although others believe it would be likely Ovarian Cancer. Mary left a Codicil stating that her half sister, Elizabeth, was to be her successor.
Mary I – Mary Queen of Scots – Aged 42
Born: 18 February 1516
Died: 17 November 1558
- 1800: The U.S. Congress holds its first session in Washington, D.C..
- 1810: Sweden declares war on Great Britain, starting the Anglo-Swedish War.
- 1869: The Suez Canal officially opens in Egypt.
- 1903: The Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty is signed, giving the U.S. a strip of land for the Panama Canal.