What happened in November 1975?
The top front-page story of each day in November 1975, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- Nov 1🔬 Laser Fish Branding – A new method for branding fish and animals using laser technology was patented by Washington State University.
- Nov 2🔬 Leprosy Bacterium Grown – For the first time, scientists have successfully grown the leprosy bacterium in a lab, achieving a long-elusive goal in medical research.
- Nov 3🚢 Ship Passes Through Canal – For the first time in 15 years, a cargo ship for Israel successfully passed through the Suez Canal, enabled by a new Sinai accord.
- Nov 4⚖️ Franco's Emergency Surgery – Generalissimo Francisco Franco underwent a three-hour emergency operation to halt severe stomach hemorrhaging; prognosis remains grave.
- Nov 5🚀 Soviet Space Launch – The Soviet Union launched Cosmos 778 and 779 into orbit to continue its space exploration program, according to Tass.
- Nov 6🔬 Viking Mars Craft Healthy – Engineers activated backup equipment on Viking 2, ensuring the Mars-bound spacecraft's battery is charged and operational.
- Nov 7🌍 Moroccans Enter Sahara – Tens of thousands of Moroccans crossed into Spanish Sahara to annex the territory, facing no resistance.
- Nov 8🏭 Explosion in Netherlands – An explosion at a chemical plant in Beek, Netherlands, resulted in 12 deaths and 30 injuries, severely damaging the facility.
- Nov 9🌍 Micronesians Sign Charter – Micronesians signed a constitution for a proposed Federated States of Micronesia after a 90-day constitutional convention.
- Nov 10🌍 China's Good Harvests – China reports its 14th consecutive year of good harvests, indicating a stage of prosperity despite environmental challenges.
- Nov 11🌍 Angola Gains Independence – Portugal grants independence to Angola, marking the end of its vast African empire and a significant shift in African geopolitics.
- Nov 12🇦🇴 Angola Gains Independence – Angola declared independence from Portugal, establishing two competing governments on its first day of freedom.
- Nov 13⚖️ Douglas Quits Supreme Court – William O. Douglas retired from the Supreme Court due to failing health, ending a record 36½-year term.
- Nov 14🌍 Asia Free of Smallpox – The World Health Organization announced that Asia is free of smallpox for the first time in history.
- Nov 15🌍 Starburst Over Mesopotamia – A star burst into brilliance in the southern sky of Mesopotamia around 10,000 years ago, marking a significant moment in early human history.
- Nov 16🌍 Costa Rica Preserves Rainforest – Costa Rica has declared 72,000 acres of rainforest a national biological preserve, protecting one of the most biodiverse regions in tropical America.
- Nov 17🎶 Chamber Music Evening – Stylish performances and unique repertoire delighted a full audience at Carnegie Recital Hall featuring renowned musicians.
- Nov 18🔬 Atherosclerosis Reversed – A study revealed a drug can reverse atherosclerosis in monkeys, marking a significant breakthrough in cholesterol treatment.
- Nov 19🎨 Theosophical Society Celebration – Followers celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Theosophical Society, founded by Mme. H. P. Blavatsky, in a gathering of 800 members.
- Nov 20🚀 Satellite Launched – An Explorer satellite was launched to investigate the potential depletion of the ozone layer caused by aerosol sprays and pollutants.
- Nov 21🚀 Soyuz Docking Test – The automatic docking of an unmanned Soyuz spaceship with Salyut 4 was confirmed as a test run for future manned missions.
- Nov 22🌋 Etna Erupts Again – Mt. Etna erupted with lava flowing from a new opening, advancing a mile and a quarter but not threatening nearby homes.
- Nov 23👑 Juan Carlos Proclaimed King – Juan Carlos de Borbon was proclaimed King of Spain, vowing to uphold the principles of the Franco regime while promising improvements.
- Nov 24✈️ Concorde Noise Study – A study predicts the Concorde's noise will disturb more people than just those near Dulles Airport if it operates there.
- Nov 25🇸🇷 Surinam Gains Independence – Surinam became independent from the Netherlands just after midnight, marking a significant milestone in its history.
- Nov 26🌍 Surinam Gains Independence – Surinam officially became independent from Dutch rule in a ceremony marked by political reconciliation.
- Nov 27🔬 Viruses Shift Species Genes – Studies show virus infections can transfer genes between animal species, potentially influencing evolution.
- Nov 28🎶 Cavemen Made Music – Soviet archaeologists discovered evidence suggesting that cavemen created music, highlighting early human cultural practices.
- Nov 29🌍 Zaire's First Oil Flow – Zaire's President Mobutu Sese Seko inaugurated the country's first offshore oilfield, marking a significant economic milestone.
- Nov 30🌪️ Big Quake Hits Hawaii – The strongest earthquake in nearly 100 years struck Hawaii, causing extensive damage to buildings, homes, and highways.
Happy Birthday! 1975 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1975 in real headlines. See the 1975 book →
Born in November? Pick the day
Every birthday in November has its own On This Day in Headlines book: