What Happened on November 3?
November 3 is National Sandwich Day — celebrating creative handheld meals — on the same date Sputnik 2 carried Laika into orbit in 1957, Panama declared independence in 1903, Godzilla premiered in 1954, and Lyndon B. Johnson won the presidency in 1964.
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1839 — British forces engage China as the First Opium War begins
Around November 3, 1839, fighting linked to the First Opium War escalated as Britain confronted Qing China over trade and opium. Read the full story →
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1868 — Ulysses S. Grant is elected president of the United States
On November 3, 1868, Civil War hero Ulysses S. Grant won the presidency as a Republican. Read the full story →
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1903 — Panama declares independence from Colombia
On November 3, 1903, Panama declared independence from Colombia — opening the way for a U.S.-backed canal project. Read the full story →
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1954 — Godzilla premieres in Japanese theaters
On November 3, 1954, Ishirō Honda's Godzilla (Gojira) opened in Japan — launching a legendary movie monster. Read the full story →
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1957 — The Soviet Union launches Sputnik 2 with the dog Laika
On November 3, 1957, Sputnik 2 carried Laika, the first living creature to orbit Earth, into space. Read the full story →
Famous birthdays
Charles Bronson (1921–2003) · Anna Wintour (1949) · Roseanne Barr (1952) · Colin Kaepernick (1987)
Days & observances
National Sandwich Day · World Jellyfish Day · National Housewife Day · Cliché Day