People and Events on November 5, 1940

Ted Kulongoski

85 Years Old

American soldier, lawyer, and politician who served as the 36th Governor of Oregon, known for his progressive policies and environmental advocacy. He championed education and healt...

Elke Sommer

85 Years Old

A German actress and model who gained international fame in the 1960s for her stunning beauty and roles in films like "The Prize" and "A Shot in the Dark".

All Birthdays on November 5

November 5th, 1940: A Day of Triumph and Turmoil

November 5th, 1940, is a day etched in history as a day of remarkable achievements and tumultuous events. On this day, the world witnessed a monumental milestone in American politics, while the global community grappled with the Nazi menace. It was also a day that marked the birth of influential figures who would go on to leave an indelible mark on the world.

A Historic Election Day

The 1940 United States presidential election will be remembered for generations to come. On November 5th, 1940, Franklin D. Roosevelt made history by becoming the first and only President in American history to be elected to a third term. This monumental achievement solidified FDR's position as a dominant force in American politics, and his New Deal policies continued to shape the nation's economy and society.

War Rages On

The European Theatre of World War II was ablaze, with Nazi Germany flexing its military might across the continent. On this fateful day, the British Merchant Cruiser, HMS Jervis Bay, fell prey to the German battleship Admiral Scheer. This brazen attack sent shockwaves throughout the Allied forces, underscoring the gravity of the war effort.

New Faces on the Scene

November 5th, 1940, also saw the birth of two individuals who would go on to make significant contributions to their respective fields. Ted Kulongoski, the American soldier, lawyer, and politician, was born on this day. Kulongoski would later serve as the 36th Governor of Oregon, championing progressive policies, education, and environmental advocacy. Elke Sommer, the stunning German actress and model, also entered the world on this day. Sommer would gain international acclaim in the 1960s for her roles in films like "The Prize" and "A Shot in the Dark".

These concurrent events on November 5th, 1940, paint a vivid picture of a world in flux, marked by both triumph and turmoil. As we reflect on this day, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of those who shaped the course of history, and the indomitable spirit of those who were born to make a difference.

Key Takeaways

November 5th, 1940, will forever be remembered as a day of momentous significance, marked by both triumph and tragedy. As we look back on this day, we are reminded of the power of human spirit and the enduring legacy of those who shaped the course of history.

Noteworthy Events on this Day:
86 years ago
Roosevelt makes history with unprecedented third term win (Hyde Park, New York, USA) 1940
Franklin D. Roosevelt crushed his opponents in the 1940 presidential election, securing a third term in the White House. The charismatic leader's New Deal policies and leadership during the Great Depression and World War II's early stages resonated with Americans, earning him 54.7% of the popular vote and 449 electoral votes. This milestone win cemented Roosevelt's status as a towering figure in American politics, as he became the first and only president to break the two-term tradition.
86 years ago
British Merchant Cruiser Sunk by German Battleship (Mid-Atlantic Ocean, near Iceland) 1940
In the frigid North Atlantic, the British armed merchant cruiser HMS Jervis Bay was on a mission to escort a convoy of 37 ships from Halifax to Britain. But on this fateful day, the German pocket battleship Admiral Scheer, commanded by Admiral Wilhelm Marschall, lay in wait. The Jervis Bay's captain, Edward Fegen, knew his ship was no match for the behemoth, but he refused to abandon his convoy. As the Admiral Scheer emerged from the mist, the Jervis Bay charged forward, firing its guns to distract the enemy and give the convoy time to escape. The one-sided battle raged on for hours, with the Jervis Bay taking a merciless pounding. Despite being hopelessly outgunned, Captain Fegen fought on, buying time for his convoy to flee. Eventually, the Jervis Bay sank, taking 189 of its 254 crew members down with it. Captain Fegen's bravery that day earned him a posthumous Victoria Cross.