Box-office #1
The Empire Strikes Back
1980 · dir. Irvin Kershner
Wide US release on May 23, 1980. Goes on to become the highest-grossing film of the year.
Sci-fiStar Wars $538M worldwide
On this day
November 17 Tuesday, November 17, 2026
A curious almanac of what happened on November 17 across the years — history, birthdays, the songs that ruled the charts, the films that packed cinemas, and the science that nudged the world forward.
12
Events
7
Birthdays
4
Holidays
1950
Politics 76 years ago
United Nations Security Council Resolution 89 relating to the Palestine Question is adopted.
The United Nations Security Council adopts Resolution 89, calling for the resumption of armistice negotiations between Israel and Arab states following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
History
What happened on November 17
12 verified entries Full timeline
- 887European history
Emperor Charles the Fat is deposed by the Frankish magnates in an assembly at Frankfurt, leading his nephew, Arnulf of Carinthia, to declare himself king of the East Frankish Kingdom in late November.
Arnulf of Carinthia declares himself king of the East Frankish Kingdom after Emperor Charles the Fat is deposed by Frankish magnates.
- 1183War
Genpei War: The Battle of Mizushima takes place off the Japanese coast, where Minamoto no Yoshinaka's invasion force is intercepted and defeated by the Taira clan.
Minamoto no Yoshinaka's invasion fleet is intercepted and defeated by the Taira clan in the Battle of Mizushima.
- 1292UK history
John Balliol becomes King of Scotland.
John Balliol is crowned King of Scots, beginning a reign marked by conflict with England.
- 1405World history
Sharif ul-Hāshim establishes the Sultanate of Sulu.
Sharif ul-Hāshim founds the Sultanate of Sulu in the southern Philippines, establishing one of Southeast Asia's earliest Islamic states.
- 1494European history
French King Charles VIII occupies Florence, Italy.
Charles VIII of France enters Florence, marking the beginning of Italian Wars.
- 1511UK history
Henry VIII of England concludes the Treaty of Westminster, a pledge of mutual aid against the French, with Ferdinand II of Aragon.
Henry VIII concludes the Treaty of Westminster with Ferdinand II of Aragon, pledging mutual aid against France.
- 1558UK history
Elizabethan era begins: Queen Mary I of England dies and is succeeded by her half-sister Elizabeth I.
Elizabeth I succeeds her half-sister Mary I as queen, marking the beginning of the Elizabethan era.
- 1603UK history
English explorer, writer and courtier Sir Walter Raleigh goes on trial for treason.
Sir Walter Raleigh faces trial for treason in London.
- 1777US history
Articles of Confederation (United States) are submitted to the states for ratification.
The Articles of Confederation are submitted to the states for ratification, establishing the first constitutional framework for the United States.
- 1796War
French Revolutionary Wars: Battle of the Bridge of Arcole: French forces defeat the Austrians in Italy.
Napoleon Bonaparte leads French troops to victory against Austrian forces near Verona, Italy.
- 1811Politics
José Miguel Carrera, Chilean founding father, is sworn in as President of the executive Junta of the government of Chile.
José Miguel Carrera is sworn in as President of the executive Junta of the government of Chile.
- 1950Politics
United Nations Security Council Resolution 89 relating to the Palestine Question is adopted.
The United Nations Security Council adopts Resolution 89, calling for the resumption of armistice negotiations between Israel and Arab states following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
Born today
Famous birthdays on November 17
7 this date All birthdays
🎂 75
Butch Davis
American football player and coach
Paul Hilton "Butch" Davis Jr., American football coach who led programs including the Miami Hurricanes and Cleveland Browns, turns 74 today.
Born
1951
Turns 75
today
Lester Allen
American screen, stage, vaudeville, circus actor, and film director
1891 – 1949
Martin Scorsese
American director, producer, screenwriter, and actor
b. 1942 · 84
Amanda Brown
Australian violinist and composer
b. 1965 · 61
Ryōtarō Okiayu
Japanese voice actor and singer
b. 1969 · 57
Kimya Dawson
American singer-songwriter and guitarist
b. 1972 · 54
Reggie Wayne
American football player
b. 1978 · 48
Music
The number one songs on November 17
Across the years Full chart history
🇬🇧 #1 on November 17, 1981
"Stand and Deliver"
by Adam and the Ants
The dandy highwayman spent five weeks at the top — a brash, glam-pop coronation.
#1 for 5 weeks
Also #1 on this day
- 1965"Ticket To Ride"— The Beatles
- 1972"Metal Guru"— T. Rex
- 2003"Make Luv"— Room 5 ft. Oliver Cheatham
Film & TV
At the movies
Box office #1 and premieres All releases
🏆 Sport November 17, 1968
Viewers of the Raiders-Jets football game in the eastern United States are denied the opportunity to watch its exciting finish when NBC broadcasts Heidi instead, prompting changes to sports broadcasting in the U.S.
NBC broadcasts "Heidi" over the final minutes of the Raiders, Jets football game, altering sports broadcasting practices.
Read the story
🔬 Science November 17, 1947
American scientists John Bardeen and Walter Houser Brattain observe the basic principles of the transistor, a key element for the electronics revolution of the 20th century.
John Bardeen and Walter Houser Brattain discover the principles behind the transistor, pivotal to 20th-century electronics.
Read the storyToday is also
Holidays & observances
4 celebrated today
Athens Polytechnic Uprising Remembrance Day (Greece)
International
The Athens Polytechnic uprising occurred in November 1973 as a massive student demonstration of popular rejection of the Greek military junta of 1967-1974
International Students' Day
International
International Students' Day is an international observance of the student community, held annually on 17 November
Martyrs' Day (Odisha, India)
International
Martyrs' Day are days declared in India to honour recognised martyrs of the nation
Presidents Day (Marshall Islands)
International
This is a list of public holidays in the Marshall Islands