Important Events From This day in History – 6th November

Today in History

• 1999 Australians reject a referendum to become a republic with a president as its head

  The referendum was held to amend the Australian constitution, transforming the country into a republic led by a president. If the referendum had been successful, the British monarchy would no longer be constitutional.

• 1985 Palace of Justice is Seized in Colombia

  The M-19, or the 19th of April Movement, took over the Palace of Justice, which houses the Colombian Supreme Court. They kidnapped 300 people. The ensuing battle between rebels and government forces killed over 100 people, including 11 Supreme Court justices.

• 1962 United Nations passes resolution to condemn Apartheid in South Africa

  To make a point, the UN General Assembly asked its member states to condemn apartheid and cut ties with South Africa. Apartheid was South Africa’s official policy of racial discrimination and segregation. Despite the UN Resolution, it remained governmental policy until 1994, when the country held democratic general elections.

• 1947 Meet the Press makes its TV debut

  The longest-running TV news show was first hosted by journalist and creator Martha Rountree and aired on NBC.

• 1861 Jefferson Davis was elected as president of the Confederate States of America

  Since February 1861, the senator from Mississippi has served as the Confederacy’s provisional president. Despite being a capable president, his popularity dwindled as the Confederate government suffered losses during the Civil War. In 1865, he was apprehended by Northern Soldiers and imprisoned for two years.