previous year1989
1990199119921993199419951996199719981999
2000next year

Major Events of December 1996: 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 1996 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

history

Major Events of December 1996: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Dec 1996 Dunblane Charity Single Tops UK Charts: A poignant charity single 'Knockin' On Heaven's Door / Throw These Guns Away' by Dunblane, created in response to the tragic Dunblane school massacre, reached number one in the UK, symbolizing national solidarity and grief.
  • 02 Dec 1996 Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments Signed: U.S. President Bill Clinton signed the Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments, modernizing public access to government information by incorporating electronic records and digital transparency measures into existing freedom of information protocols.
  • 03 Dec 1996 Establishment of Europol: The European Union officially established the European Police Office (Europol), a law enforcement agency designed to improve cooperation and effectiveness in preventing and combating serious international crime. This marked a significant step in creating a unified approach to transnational criminal investigations across European member states.
  • 04 Dec 1996 NASA Launches First Mars Rover: NASA successfully launched its first Mars rover from Cape Canaveral, marking a significant milestone in space exploration and planetary research. This mission represented a crucial step in humanity's understanding of the Martian environment.
  • 05 Dec 1996 A-Bomb Dome Becomes World Heritage Site: The historic A-Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, Japan, was officially designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This landmark, part of the former Hiroshima Promotion Hall, remarkably survived the devastating atomic bomb blast on August 6, 1945, and now serves as a powerful memorial and symbol of peace.
  • 06 Dec 1996 General Motors Launches Groundbreaking EV1 Electric Vehicle: General Motors introduces the EV1, a pioneering electric vehicle that represents the first mass-produced electric car of the modern automotive era. This landmark launch signaled the beginning of serious electric vehicle development by a major automotive manufacturer, marking a significant moment in sustainable transportation technology.
  • 07 Dec 1996 First Big 12 Championship Game: In a historic moment for college football, the Texas Longhorns defeated the #3 ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers 37-27 in the inaugural Big 12 Championship Game, marking a significant milestone in the conference's athletic history.
  • 08 Dec 1996 Tragic Traffic Accident at Erez Crossing: A devastating traffic incident occurred at the Erez Crossing on the Israel-Gaza Strip border, where an Israeli army tank transporter was involved in an accident that resulted in four Palestinian refugees killed and seven others injured.
  • 09 Dec 1996 South Africa Adopts New Constitution: President Nelson Mandela signs a new constitution, symbolically completing South Africa's transition from apartheid to a democratic, multi-racial society. This moment represents a pivotal point in the nation's journey towards equality and reconciliation.
  • 10 Dec 1996 South Africa Adopts New Constitution: On December 10, 1996, President Nelson Mandela officially promulgated the new Constitution of South Africa, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's transition from apartheid to a democratic, inclusive society. This constitution, widely celebrated as one of the most progressive in the world, enshrined principles of equality, human rights, and social justice.
  • 11 Dec 1996 South Africa Adopts New Constitution: President Nelson Mandela signs South Africa's new constitution, a landmark moment symbolizing the country's transition from apartheid to a democratic, inclusive nation committed to human rights and equality.
  • 12 Dec 1996 UNICEF Report on Child Labor: UNICEF released a groundbreaking report condemning global child labor, characterizing hazardous child work as a form of modern slavery and drawing international attention to this critical human rights issue.
  • 13 Dec 1996 Kofi Annan Elected UN Secretary-General: Kofi Annan was elected as the Secretary-General of the United Nations, marking a significant moment in international diplomacy. As the first African to hold this prestigious position, Annan would go on to serve two terms and receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001.
  • 14 Dec 1996 European Currency Design Unveiled: Germany revealed the design for the new European currency, with Ireland agreeing on monetary union enforcement rules. Britain continued to resist accepting the new currency, highlighting ongoing European economic integration challenges.
  • 15 Dec 1996 TWA Flight 800 Investigation Update: The FBI confirmed that an exploding fuel tank was not the cause of the TWA Flight 800 crash off New York in July. The investigation continues to explore potential causes, including the possibility of a bomb or missile.
  • 16 Dec 1996 Kofi Annan Elected UN Secretary-General: Kofi Annan was elected as the Secretary-General of the United Nations, marking a significant moment in international diplomacy. His election represented a milestone for African leadership in global governance, as he became the first African to hold this prestigious position. Annan would go on to serve two terms, from 1997 to 2006, and was later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001 for his humanitarian efforts.
  • 17 Dec 1996 Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement Seizes Japanese Embassy in Lima: A significant terrorist incident occurred when the Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) launched a dramatic hostage-taking operation at the Japanese Embassy in Lima, Peru. The group seized 72 hostages, marking a critical moment in Peru's ongoing political and social tensions during the 1990s.
  • 18 Dec 1996 Oakland School Board Recognizes Ebonics: The Oakland, California school board made a groundbreaking resolution by officially recognizing Ebonics as a distinct language or dialect, sparking nationwide discussions about linguistic diversity, cultural identity, and educational approaches.
  • 19 Dec 1996 Once Upon a Mattress Broadway Revival: A Broadway revival of the musical comedy 'Once Upon a Mattress' by Mary Rodgers and Marshall Barer opened at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City. The production starred Sarah Jessica Parker and ran for 188 performances, bringing this whimsical adaptation of 'The Princess and the Pea' back to the stage.
  • 20 Dec 1996 Apple Acquires NeXT Software: Apple Computer announces the acquisition of NeXT Software for approximately US$400 million, combining cash and Apple stock. As part of the deal, NeXT Software CEO Steve Jobs will become an advisor to Apple's chairman and CEO Gilbert Amelio, marking a significant moment in tech industry history.
  • 21 Dec 1996 David Ho Named Time Magazine's Person of the Year: David Ho, a pioneering Taiwanese-American AIDS researcher, was honored by Time Magazine as the Person of the Year. His groundbreaking work in HIV/AIDS research and treatment has been instrumental in understanding and combating the global AIDS epidemic.
  • 22 Dec 1996 Bernhard Goetz Subway Shooting Incident: A controversial incident where Bernhard Goetz, an American electrician, shot four African American males on a New York City subway train, claiming self-defense against a potential mugging. The event sparked intense national dialogue about race, crime, and urban tensions in the United States.
  • 23 Dec 1996 Aleksander Kwaśniewski Becomes Polish President: Aleksander Kwaśniewski, a former communist party apparatchik, was inaugurated as the President of Poland, marking a significant transition in the country's post-communist political landscape. He narrowly defeated Lech Wałęsa, the first postcommunist president, symbolizing the evolving political dynamics in Poland during the 1990s.
  • 24 Dec 1996 Learjet 35 Crash in New Hampshire: On December 24, 1996, a Learjet 35 aircraft experienced a fatal crash into Smarts Mountain near Dorchester, New Hampshire. The incident resulted in the tragic loss of both pilots' lives. The mountainous terrain and potentially challenging winter weather conditions likely contributed to this aviation accident.
  • 25 Dec 1996 Murder of JonBenét Ramsey: Six-year-old JonBenét Ramsey was tragically murdered in the basement of her parents' home in Boulder, Colorado. Her death shocked the nation and became one of the most infamous unsolved child murder cases in American history. The young beauty pageant contestant was found dead on Christmas Day, sparking a complex and controversial investigation that would captivate public attention for decades.
  • 26 Dec 1996 Major Labor Strike Begins in South Korea: The largest strike in South Korean history commences, with workers from automotive and shipbuilding industries protesting against what they perceive as unfair labor laws. This massive industrial action highlights significant labor tensions in the country.
  • 27 Dec 1996 Taliban Capture Bagram Airfield: Taliban forces successfully retake the strategic Bagram Airfield, significantly expanding their control and establishing a critical buffer zone around Kabul, Afghanistan. This military maneuver represents an important milestone in the ongoing Afghan conflict, demonstrating the Taliban's growing territorial influence in the mid-1990s.
  • 28 Dec 1996 India's Historic Low Score in Test Cricket Against South Africa: In a remarkable and embarrassing moment for Indian cricket, the national team was bowled out for an incredibly low score of just 66 runs during a Test match in Durban, South Africa. This performance came after a first innings total of 100 runs, highlighting the team's significant batting struggles against the South African bowling attack. The match represented one of the lowest points in Indian Test cricket history, demonstrating the challenging conditions and formidable opposition faced by the team.
  • 29 Dec 1996 Guatemala Civil War Peace Accord: Guatemala and the leaders of the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity sign a historic peace accord that officially ends the 36-year Guatemalan Civil War, marking a significant milestone in the country's political reconciliation.
  • 30 Dec 1996 UN Approves Limited Iraqi Oil Sales: The United Nations approved 21 contracts for limited oil sales by Iraq under Resolution 986, marking a significant development in the international sanctions regime following the Gulf War. This move represented a carefully managed approach to allowing Iraq limited economic relief while maintaining international oversight.
  • 31 Dec 1996 Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Merger: The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway merged with the Burlington Northern Railroad to form the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF), creating one of the largest and most significant railroad consolidations in United States transportation history. This strategic merger combined two major railroad networks, enhancing operational efficiency and market reach across the North American rail transportation sector.