November 4 is the 308th day of the year (309th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar — 57 days remain until the end of the year. Falling on a Tuesday in 2025, it aligns with U.S. off-year elections and global observances like National Candy Day and King Tut Day. From ancient coronations to modern revolutions, this date has shaped empires, sparked innovations, and changed the course of democracy.
Priscus Attalus Proclaimed Roman Emperor – 409
On November 4, 409, during the Gothic siege of Rome, Visigothic king Alaric I proclaimed Roman senator Priscus Attalus as Emperor of the West in opposition to Honorius. A puppet ruler meant to pressure Honorius into concessions, Attalus lasted only until 410, when Alaric deposed him after failed negotiations. This event signaled the collapse of Roman authority in the West and set the stage for the Sack of Rome in 410.
Charles VI Crowned King of France – 1380
On November 4, 1380, 11-year-old Charles VI was crowned King of France at Reims Cathedral, succeeding his father Charles V during the Hundred Years’ War. His uncles acted as regents amid English invasions. Though initially called Charles the Beloved, his later mental illness earned him the title Charles the Mad. His reign saw the Armagnac–Burgundian Civil War and French defeats until Joan of Arc’s intervention.
Joan of Arc Captures Saint-Pierre-le-Moûtier – 1429
On November 4, 1429, Joan of Arc and Charles d’Albret liberated the fortified Burgundian town of Saint-Pierre-le-Moûtier after a fierce siege. Leading a bold ladder assault, Joan’s forces captured the stronghold in hours, boosting French morale and validating her divine mission. This victory paved the way for the Siege of La Charité and solidified her role in Charles VII’s coronation.
Mozart’s ‘Linz Symphony’ Premieres – 1783
On November 4, 1783, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 36 in C major, K. 425 known as the ‘Linz Symphony’ premiered in Linz, Austria. Composed in just four days during a stopover en route from Salzburg to Vienna, it was performed for local nobility. A masterpiece of classical form, it showcased Mozart’s genius under pressure and remains a staple of orchestral repertoire.
First Uniform U.S. Election Day – 1845
On November 4, 1845, the United States held its first nationally uniform election day the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November for congressional and state races. Previously, states voted on different days over weeks, enabling fraud and manipulation. This reform, pushed by Congress in 1845, standardized federal elections and became the model for presidential elections in 1872.
James Buchanan Elected 15th U.S. President – 1856
On November 4, 1856, James Buchanan (Democrat) was elected 15th President of the United States, defeating John C. Frémont (Republican) and Millard Fillmore (American Party). Campaigning on compromise over slavery’s expansion, Buchanan won 174 electoral votes to Frémont’s 114. His presidency failed to prevent secession, leading to the Civil War in 1861.
Gatling Gun Patented – 1862
On November 4, 1862, Richard Jordan Gatling patented the Gatling gun in Indianapolis, Indiana the world’s first successful rapid-fire weapon. Capable of 200 rounds per minute via rotating barrels, it was used late in the Civil War and influenced modern machine guns. Gatling believed it would reduce army sizes and end wars, a tragic irony.
Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 Premieres – 1876
On November 4, 1876, Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68 premiered in Karlsruhe, Germany, conducted by Felix Otto Dessoff. After 21 years of revision haunted by Beethoven’s shadow it was dubbed ‘Beethoven’s Tenth’ by conductor Hans von Bülow. The triumphant finale cemented Brahms’ legacy in the Romantic era.
First Cash Register Patented – 1879
On November 4, 1879, James Ritty of Dayton, Ohio, patented the mechanical cash register U.S. Patent No. 221,360 calling it the “Incorruptible Cashier”. Invented to stop bartenders from stealing at his saloon, it recorded sales with dials and a bell. Sold to John H. Patterson, it became the foundation of the National Cash Register Company (NCR).
UNESCO Founded – 1946
On November 4, 1946, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was established in Paris, with 20 founding nations. Born from the ashes of World War II, its mission: “to build peace in the minds of men” through education, science, and culture. Today, it designates World Heritage Sites, fights illiteracy, and promotes press freedom.
Iran Hostage Crisis Begins – 1979
On November 4, 1979, Iranian students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage for 444 days. Sparked by U.S. support for the deposed Shah, the crisis humiliated President Jimmy Carter, doomed his reelection, and plunged U.S.–Iran relations into decades of hostility. The hostages were freed minutes after Reagan’s inauguration in 1981.
Ronald Reagan Elected 40th U.S. President – 1980
On November 4, 1980, Ronald Reagan (Republican) defeated Jimmy Carter in a landslide, winning 489 electoral votes to Carter’s 49. Campaigning on “Are you better off than you were four years ago?”, Reagan promised tax cuts, deregulation, and anti-communism. His victory launched the Reagan Revolution and reshaped global politics.
Barack Obama Elected First African American President – 2008
On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama became the first African American President of the United States, defeating John McCain with 365 electoral votes. His “Yes We Can” campaign drew record turnout, especially among young and minority voters. Sworn in amid the Great Recession, Obama passed the Affordable Care Act and oversaw the bin Laden raid.
Paris Climate Agreement Enters into Force – 2016
On November 4, 2016, the Paris Agreement officially entered into force after ratification by 55 countries representing 55% of global emissions. Adopted in 2015 at COP21, it aims to limit warming to well below 2°C. Though the U.S. withdrew under Trump, it rejoined under Biden. As of 2025, 196 parties are committed.
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