November in history according to an eternal pessimist. 1st November 1520

The Portuguese sailor Ferdinand Magellan discovered a strait connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, which was crucial for his expedition around the world. This doesn’t really matter, though, because Magellan never completed his ambitious journey. He died in the Philippines during a senseless clash with the local tribes.

2nd November 1898

On this day, the first real cheerleading performance was held, pioneered by the University of Minnesota. Except it wasn’t a group of fit young girls striking poses and shouting motivational catchphrases, but… six male students.

3rd November 1938

In Paris, 17-year-old Herschel Grynszpan’s parents showed him a letter from their family who lived in Eastern Europe. The boy learned that his family had been deported from the Third Reich to Poland. Outraged, Herschel bought a gun