What Happened on November 5?
November 5 is National Doughnut Day — a fixed date for doughnut fans — on the same date the Gunpowder Plot was foiled in 1605, Susan B. Anthony voted for suffrage in 1872, FDR won a third term in 1940, and China launched Chang'e 1 in 2007.
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1605 — The Gunpowder Plot to blow up Parliament is foiled
On November 5, 1605, authorities foiled Guy Fawkes and fellow conspirators who planned to destroy England's Parliament with gunpowder. Read the full story →
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1872 — Susan B. Anthony votes illegally to protest women's exclusion
On November 5, 1872, Susan B. Anthony cast a ballot in Rochester, New York — daring arrest to demand women's suffrage. Read the full story →
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1895 — George Selden receives a key early U.S. automobile patent
On November 5, 1895, George B. Selden was granted a U.S. patent related to an early gasoline automobile design. Read the full story →
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1912 — Woodrow Wilson wins the U.S. presidential election
On November 5, 1912, Democrat Woodrow Wilson won the presidency in a four-way race that split Republican votes. Read the full story →
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1940 — Franklin D. Roosevelt wins an unprecedented third presidential term
On November 5, 1940, Franklin D. Roosevelt defeated Wendell Willkie — becoming the first U.S. president elected to a third term. Read the full story →
Famous birthdays
Eugene V. Debs (1855–1926) · Roy Rogers (1911–1998) · Vivien Leigh (1913–1967) · Bryan Adams (1959)
Days & observances
National Doughnut Day · Guy Fawkes Night (Bonfire Night) · National Men Make Dinner Day · Bank Transfer Day