On This Day for 11/17 - The Suez Canal opens in Egypt, the U.S. Congress holds its first session, and more

Don't miss an issue of On This Day! Simply add [customerservice@eb.com]( to your address book. On This Day November 17 Discover the Fastest Route to Britannica - [EB.com]( Biography of the Day [The Kiss, marble sculpture by Auguste Rodin, 1886; in the Rodin …]( [Auguste Rodin]( French sculptor [Auguste Rodin]( known for his bronze and marble figures, including The Thinker (1880) and The Kiss (1886), and considered one of the best portraitists in the history of [sculpture]( died this day in 1917. Who else was born today? Find out with the newest version of [our best-selling software! >>]( On This Day [Arnold Schwarzenegger on the campaign trail, Huntington Beach, California, October 6, 2003.]( 2003: Arnold Schwarzenegger inaugurated as governor of California Republican [Arnold Schwarzenegger]( an Austrian-born American bodybuilder and film actor, was inaugurated on this day in 2003 as the governor of [California]( following a recall election that ousted the sitting governor. Explore more key moments in history for just $39.95 [Learn more >>]( [Sign up now]( for our monthly newsletter, showcasing articles hand-picked by our editors! More Events On This Day 2008: [Stephenie Meyer]( first film adaptation of [Stephenie Meyer]( popular [Twilight Saga]( a [vampire]( series of novels for teenagers, premiered in Los Angeles. 1989: Massive antigovernment demonstrations in [Czechoslovakia]( were set off by police brutality at a demonstration commemorating the 50th anniversary of the suppression of a student demonstration in German-occupied [Prague]( and, under the leadership of [Václav Havel]( they continued until the communist government resigned. 1973: [Richard M. Nixon…]( the [Watergate scandal]( U.S. Pres. [Richard Nixon]( held a press conference in which he declared, "I am not a crook." 1950: [Roland Matthes…]( athlete [Roland Matthes]( one of the greatest backstrokers in the history of [swimming]( was born in East Germany. 1942: [Martin Scorsese]( filmmaker [Martin Scorsese]( who was known for his harsh, often violent depictions of American culture, was born. 1887: [General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, and General Omar Bradley at the …]( Field Marshal [Bernard Law Montgomery]( was born in London. 1869: [Cargo ship in the Suez Canal near Ismailia, Egypt.]( 10 years of construction, the [Suez Canal]( opened in [Egypt](. 1800: [Capitol, United States]( [U.S. Congress]( held its first session in Washington, D.C. 1558: [Elizabeth I, oil on panel attributed to George Gower, 1588.]( the death of [Mary I]( this day, Elizabeth Tudor came to the English throne as [Elizabeth I](. 284: [Diocletian, detail of a bust in the Capitoline Museum, Rome.]( was acclaimed emperor by his soldiers. A Great Gift Idea from The Britannica Store [1768 Encyclopaedia Britannica Replica Set]( The handsome three-volume reproduction is so beautifully executed that it's almost indistinguishable from the 1768 original, right down to the natural age spots and watermarks on the pages. A must-have for collectors of history or vintage books, the set lends an unmistakable air of prestige to any home or office. [Get yours today]( Our Best-Selling Software! the world's most trusted and authoritative information for [only $39.95](. Britannica on Facebook a fan]( on Facebook and get updated Britannica content in your news feed! Britannica on Twitter @Britannica]( and enjoy daily tweets relating to the news stories of the day! [Home]( [Advocacy for Animals]( [Newsletters]( [Feedback]( [Help]( Please note that if you do not open or click on any On This Day email during any consecutive 14-day period, we reserve the right to remove your address from the active mailing list. This policy does not apply to RSS feeds. Share: Was this message forwarded to you? [Click here]( and we'll start sending you the On This Day newsletters. This message has been sent to {EMAIL}. To unsubscribe [click here](. To unsubscribe by postal mail, send your request to: Encyclopaedia Britannica 325 N. LaSalle St. - Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60654 US ATTN: Customer Service - On This Day © 2017 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. [Privacy Policy]( — [Help](