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Major Events of December 1919: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from December 1919 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of December 1919: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Dec 1919 Lady Astor Becomes First Female MP in UK Parliament: Lady Nancy Astor made history by becoming the first female Member of Parliament (MP) to take her seat in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. She was elected on November 28 and officially sworn in on December 1, 1919, marking a significant milestone for women's political representation in Britain.
  • 02 Dec 1919 President Wilson's Congressional Address: On December 2, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson delivered a significant message to the United States Congress, addressing critical national concerns. In this communication, Wilson expressed his inability to attend the session in person but provided a comprehensive overview of pressing issues facing the nation in the aftermath of World War I. The message likely touched upon topics such as post-war reconstruction, international diplomacy, and domestic policy challenges that were paramount during this transformative period in American history.
  • 03 Dec 1919 Quebec Bridge Completion After Tragic Construction: After nearly two decades of challenging engineering and multiple catastrophic collapses, the Quebec Bridge finally opened to traffic on December 3, 1919. The project was marked by significant human cost, with 89 workers losing their lives during its construction. The bridge spans the St. Lawrence River and represents a major engineering achievement of its time, featuring the world's longest cantilever bridge span at 549 meters (1,801 ft). The total length of 987 meters (3,238 ft) and a construction cost exceeding $23 million underscored the immense scale and complexity of this infrastructure project.
  • 04 Dec 1919 Boston Police Strike of 1919: In a pivotal moment for labor rights in the United States, Boston police officers staged a significant strike to protest poor working conditions and inadequate wages. This event was a critical turning point in American labor relations, demonstrating workers' growing demands for fair treatment and compensation.
  • 05 Dec 1919 Ottoman Empire Exempts Minorities from Military Service: The Turkish Ministry of War issued a significant decree releasing Greeks, Armenians, and Jews from mandatory military service. This policy likely reflected the complex ethnic dynamics and changing political landscape of the Ottoman Empire during the aftermath of World War I.
  • 06 Dec 1919 Birth of Paul de Man, Influential Literary Critic: Paul de Man was born in Belgium, destined to become a highly influential literary theorist and critic who would significantly impact poststructuralist and deconstructionist literary criticism in the 20th century. His work, particularly his writings on literary theory and philosophy, would challenge traditional modes of textual interpretation and become foundational in academic literary studies.
  • 07 Dec 1919 Lady Nancy Astor: First Woman in British Parliament: On December 7, 1919, Lady Nancy Astor made history by becoming the first woman to take her seat in the British House of Commons. She was elected as the Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton, representing the Conservative Party. Her groundbreaking achievement was a significant milestone in the women's suffrage movement and marked a pivotal moment in British political representation.
  • 08 Dec 1919 Julio Acosta García Elected President of Costa Rica: On December 8, 1919, Julio Acosta García was elected President of Costa Rica in a landslide victory. He secured an overwhelming 89% of the popular vote, demonstrating significant public support. His Constitutional Party also achieved a remarkable political triumph, winning nearly three-quarters of the parliamentary seats in the general election. This election marked a period of political stability and consolidation for Costa Rica in the early 20th century.
  • 09 Dec 1919 American Scholars Explore Constantinople: Francis W. Kelsey and George Swain, two American scholars, visited Constantinople on December 9, 1919, during the post-World War I period. They traveled by horse-drawn carriage between the historic districts of Stamboul and Pera, engaging in scholarly exploration of the city. Their primary mission was to locate and document ancient manuscripts in the famous Grand Bazaar, contributing to historical and academic research in the region.
  • 10 Dec 1919 Lady Nancy Astor Enters British Parliament: Lady Nancy Astor became the first woman to be officially recognized and take her seat in the British House of Commons, representing a milestone in women's political representation and suffrage movement.
  • 11 Dec 1919 Boll Weevil Monument Dedication in Enterprise, Alabama: In a remarkable display of agricultural resilience, the citizens of Enterprise, Alabama erected a monument to the boll weevil, an insect pest that initially devastated their cotton fields. This unique commemoration symbolizes how the agricultural challenge forced local farmers to diversify their economic strategies, transitioning from a cotton-dependent economy to a more robust model of mixed farming and emerging manufacturing industries.
  • 12 Dec 1919 Uneventful Day in 1919: While no specific major historical events were recorded for December 12, 1919, this period was part of the post-World War I era, characterized by significant global political and social transformations. The world was recovering from the devastating conflict, with the Treaty of Versailles having been signed earlier that year, reshaping international boundaries and geopolitical relationships.
  • 13 Dec 1919 First Aerial Circumnavigation of the Globe: Ross and Smith successfully completed a historic flight from London to Australia, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. Their journey demonstrated the emerging capabilities of long-distance aerial transportation and showcased the potential of aircraft for global travel.
  • 14 Dec 1919 Uneventful Day in 1919: While no major historical events were specifically documented for December 14, 1919, this period was part of the post-World War I era, characterized by significant global political and social transformations. The world was recovering from the devastating conflict, with the Treaty of Versailles having been signed earlier that year, reshaping international boundaries and geopolitical relationships.
  • 15 Dec 1919 Fiume's Declaration of Independence: The city of Fiume (now Rijeka, Croatia) declared its independence, a significant event in the complex geopolitical landscape following World War I. This declaration was part of the broader territorial disputes in the Adriatic region, involving Italy, Yugoslavia, and local nationalist movements.
  • 16 Dec 1919 First Meeting of the League of Nations in Paris: The inaugural meeting of the League of Nations, an international diplomatic organization established after World War I to promote world peace and prevent future conflicts, was held in Paris. This marked a significant milestone in international cooperation and diplomacy following the devastating global conflict.
  • 17 Dec 1919 Austria Establishes 8-Hour Workday: The Austrian parliament officially approved legislation establishing an 8-hour workday, marking a significant milestone in labor rights and worker protections during the post-World War I era. This legislative action represented a progressive step towards improving working conditions and recognizing the fundamental rights of laborers.
  • 18 Dec 1919 Sir John Alcock Dies in Tragic Plane Crash: Sir John Alcock, the pioneering British aviator famous for completing the first non-stop transatlantic flight, tragically died in a plane crash in northern France at the young age of 27. His groundbreaking achievement in aviation history was cut short by this unexpected and devastating accident.
  • 19 Dec 1919 Founding of the American Meteorological Society: The American Meteorological Society (AMS) was established on December 19, 1919, marking a significant milestone in the scientific community's approach to understanding atmospheric and related sciences. The organization was created to promote the development and dissemination of knowledge about meteorology, climatology, and related fields, bringing together researchers, professionals, and enthusiasts dedicated to advancing atmospheric science.
  • 20 Dec 1919 Canadian National Railways Established: On December 20, 1919, the Canadian National Railways was officially formed, creating North America's most extensive railway network spanning approximately 50,000 kilometers. This consolidation of several smaller railway companies represented a significant milestone in Canadian transportation infrastructure and national economic development.
  • 21 Dec 1919 Deportation of Emma Goldman: On December 21, 1919, Emma Goldman, a prominent anarchist and feminist activist, was deported from the United States to Russia during the height of the Red Scare. This significant event marked a pivotal moment in the suppression of radical political dissent in early 20th-century America. Goldman, known for her passionate advocacy of anarchism, workers' rights, and women's liberation, was forcibly removed from the country due to her political beliefs and activism.
  • 22 Dec 1919 Mass Deportation of Radical Activists: The United States government conducted a mass deportation of 250 alien radicals, prominently including anarchist Emma Goldman, as part of a broader crackdown on perceived political dissidents and potential security threats.
  • 23 Dec 1919 Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act Becomes Law in UK: A landmark piece of legislation in the United Kingdom that significantly advanced women's rights by removing legal barriers preventing women from entering professional roles, including the legal profession, marking a crucial milestone in gender equality.
  • 24 Dec 1919 Christmas Eve 1919: A Quiet Moment in History: While no major historical events were specifically documented for December 24, 1919, this Christmas Eve occurred during a significant period of global transition following World War I. The world was still recovering from the massive societal and economic disruptions caused by the war, with many countries experiencing political realignments, economic challenges, and social transformations.
  • 25 Dec 1919 Keynes Publishes Influential Economic Analysis: John Maynard Keynes releases his groundbreaking book 'The Economic Consequences of the Peace', which critically analyzes the economic implications of the Treaty of Versailles and its potential long-term global economic impacts.
  • 26 Dec 1919 Babe Ruth Sold to New York Yankees: On December 26, 1919, baseball legend Babe Ruth was sold by the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees in a landmark transaction that would dramatically alter the trajectory of Major League Baseball. The sale, made by Red Sox owner Harry Frazee for $100,000 (equivalent to approximately $1.5 million today), is famously associated with the legendary 'Curse of the Bambino' - a superstition suggesting that this trade hexed the Red Sox from winning a World Series for 86 years.
  • 27 Dec 1919 Great Poland Uprising Begins: The Polish national uprising against German occupation commenced in Poznań following an impassioned speech by Prime Minister Ignacy Paderewski. This significant moment marked a critical point in Poland's struggle for independence and territorial sovereignty after World War I.
  • 28 Dec 1919 Uneventful Day in 1919: While no major historical events were prominently recorded for December 28, 1919, this period was situated in the post-World War I era, a time of significant global reconstruction and societal transformation. The world was still recovering from the massive geopolitical shifts and human losses of the Great War, with many nations rebuilding their economies and social structures.
  • 30 Dec 1919 Lincoln's Inn Admits First Female Bar Student: On December 30, 1919, Lincoln's Inn, a prestigious legal institution in London, made history by admitting its first female bar student. This milestone marked a significant step forward for women's rights and professional opportunities in the legal field during the early 20th century.
  • 31 Dec 1919 New Year's Eve Celebrations: New Year's Eve marks the final evening of the Gregorian calendar year, a globally celebrated occasion traditionally characterized by festive gatherings, jubilant parties, and anticipatory rituals welcoming the arrival of a new year. People around the world commemorate this event with unique cultural traditions, including fireworks displays, countdown events, music, dancing, and the symbolic sharing of champagne or other celebratory beverages at midnight.