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Major Events of December 2000: 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 2000 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

history

Major Events of December 2000: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Dec 2000 Historic Mexican Presidential Transition: Vicente Fox Quesada is inaugurated as the president of Mexico, marking the first peaceful transfer of executive federal power to an opposing political party following a free and democratic election in Mexico's history. This momentous event ended the 75-year political monopoly of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).
  • 02 Dec 2000 Backstreet Boys Break Sales Record: The Backstreet Boys' album 'Black & Blue' made history by debuting with 1.6 million sales, becoming the first artists to achieve back-to-back million-sales in their first week. The album went on to sell 5 million copies worldwide, setting a record for the most successful international sales week in music history.
  • 03 Dec 2000 Gustavo Kuerten Wins Tennis Masters Cup: Brazilian tennis star Gustavo Kuerten, the French Open champion, clinched the Tennis Masters Cup in Lisbon, Portugal. In a dominant performance, he defeated Andre Agassi with a straight-sets victory of 6–4, 6–4, 6–4, marking his only triumph in this prestigious tournament.
  • 04 Dec 2000 Death of Henck Arron, Surinamese Independence Leader: Henck Arron, a pivotal Surinamese politician who played a crucial role in the country's independence from the Netherlands in 1975, passed away at the age of 64. As prime minister from 1973 to 1980, Arron was instrumental in guiding Suriname through its transition from a Dutch colony to a sovereign nation, leaving a significant mark on the country's political history.
  • 05 Dec 2000 UN Security Council Resolution 1330 on Iraq Humanitarian Aid: The United Nations Security Council unanimously approved Resolution 1330, which extended provisions allowing the export of petroleum products from Iraq in exchange for humanitarian assistance. This resolution was part of the ongoing Oil-for-Food Programme, designed to mitigate the humanitarian impact of economic sanctions on Iraqi civilians.
  • 06 Dec 2000 Last Guyanese World War I Veteran Passes Away: Gershom Browne, the last Guyanese World War I veteran, died at the age of 102. His passing marks the end of an era for Guyana's World War I veterans, representing a significant moment in the country's military history.
  • 07 Dec 2000 Ghana's Presidential Election Milestone: The Ghanaian presidential election marks a significant democratic moment, with John Kufuor and John Atta Mills emerging as the top two candidates proceeding to a runoff. This election represents a critical step in Ghana's democratic development, showcasing a peaceful transition of power through electoral processes.
  • 08 Dec 2000 2000 United States Presidential Election Controversy: The unresolved 2000 United States presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore dominated global media attention, with ongoing legal disputes and recounts in Florida that would ultimately determine the election's outcome.
  • 09 Dec 2000 Florida Presidential Recount at Supreme Court: The United States Supreme Court continues the sixth Florida recount, a pivotal moment in the controversial 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore, which would ultimately determine the next president.
  • 10 Dec 2000 Herbert Kroemer Wins Nobel Prize in Physics: Herbert Kroemer was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his groundbreaking work in semiconductor technology. His research significantly advanced the development of fast transistors, laser diodes, and integrated circuits while working at RCA Laboratories and Varian Associates, contributing to major technological innovations in electronics.
  • 11 Dec 2000 Bush v. Gore Supreme Court Decision: The US Supreme Court delivers a pivotal 5-4 decision in Bush v. Gore, effectively resolving the Florida presidential election recount dispute and determining George W. Bush as the winner over Al Gore, thus deciding the 2000 United States presidential election.
  • 12 Dec 2000 Bush v. Gore Supreme Court Decision: The United States Supreme Court released its landmark 5-4 decision in Bush v. Gore, effectively determining the outcome of the highly contested 2000 presidential election. The ruling halted the Florida vote recount and ultimately secured the presidency for George W. Bush over Al Gore, marking a pivotal moment in modern American electoral history.
  • 13 Dec 2000 2000 US Presidential Election Supreme Court Decision: The U.S. Supreme Court halts the Florida presidential recount, effectively deciding the outcome of the 2000 presidential election in favor of George W. Bush, determining the next President of the United States.
  • 14 Dec 2000 Arabidopsis Genome Sequencing Breakthrough: The complete genome sequence for the model flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana was published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature, marking a significant milestone in plant genomics research.
  • 15 Dec 2000 Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Final Reactor Shutdown: The third and final reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant was permanently shut down on December 15, 2000, marking the complete closure of the infamous nuclear facility following the catastrophic 1986 accident. This shutdown was the result of sustained international political pressure and ongoing safety concerns.
  • 16 Dec 2000 Tuscaloosa F4 Tornado: On December 16, 2000, a devastating F4 tornado struck the areas south and east of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. With wind speeds between 207-260 mph, the tornado caused significant destruction, potentially resulting in property damage and potential loss of life in the affected regions.
  • 17 Dec 2000 Destiny's Child Tops US Music Charts: The hit song 'Independent Women Part I' by Destiny's Child reached the number one position on the US Billboard charts, showcasing the group's musical dominance in the early 2000s.
  • 18 Dec 2000 Tragic Death of Kirsty McColl in Boating Accident: On December 18, 2000, Kirsty McColl, a beloved 41-year-old English singer-songwriter, was tragically killed in a devastating boating accident in Cozumel, Mexico. While spending time with her children, McColl was struck by a speeding boat, cutting short her life and promising musical career. Her death shocked the music community and led to significant discussions about maritime safety and boat operator accountability.
  • 19 Dec 2000 UN Security Council Resolution 1333 Against Taliban: The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1333, a significant diplomatic measure targeting the Taliban regime. The resolution called for an immediate end to military aid to the Taliban and demanded the closure of their training camps, reflecting international concerns about the group's activities and potential threats.
  • 20 Dec 2000 Mirusuvil Massacre: A tragic incident occurred where eight Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, including children, were killed by Sri Lankan Army soldiers. This event highlights the brutal violence and human rights violations during the Sri Lankan Civil War, resulting in the victims being buried in a mass grave.
  • 21 Dec 2000 Eric Joyce Wins Falkirk West By-Election: Eric Joyce, representing the Labour Party, secured victory in the Falkirk West by-election on 21 December 2000. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Dennis Canavan, a prominent Labour politician. Joyce's win maintained Labour's political presence in this Scottish constituency during a period of significant political transition.
  • 22 Dec 2000 Madonna's Wedding to Guy Ritchie: Pop icon Madonna married film director Guy Ritchie in an elegant ceremony at the historic Skibo Castle, located in Dornoch, Sutherland, Scotland. The star-studded wedding was attended by notable celebrities including Sting and fashion designer Stella McCartney. The event marked a significant moment in Madonna's personal life, blending her high-profile entertainment career with a private, picturesque Scottish wedding.
  • 23 Dec 2000 Russian Admission of Raoul Wallenberg's Murder: The Russian government officially acknowledges the unjustifiable arrest and murder of Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, who was a heroic humanitarian who saved thousands of Jews during the Holocaust. This admission comes 55 years after the original incident, representing a significant moment of historical accountability.
  • 24 Dec 2000 Texas 7 Robbery and Murder of Officer Aubrey Hawkins: On December 24, 2000, members of the notorious criminal group known as the Texas 7 committed a violent robbery at a sports store in Irving, Texas. During the incident, police officer Aubrey Hawkins was brutally killed, marking a tragic moment in the group's criminal spree. This event would later lead to a massive manhunt and significant legal consequences for the perpetrators.
  • 25 Dec 2000 Luoyang Shopping Center Fire Tragedy: A devastating fire breaks out in a shopping center in Luoyang, Henan Province, China, resulting in the tragic loss of 309 human lives. This catastrophic incident highlighted significant safety concerns in public infrastructure and prompted national discussions about emergency preparedness and building safety regulations.
  • 26 Dec 2000 Death of Jason Robards: Jason Robards, a renowned American actor celebrated for his powerful performances in over 170 films and stage productions, passed away at the age of 78. Known for his distinctive voice and compelling dramatic roles, Robards was a two-time Tony Award and two-time Academy Award winner who significantly influenced American theater and cinema in the 20th century.
  • 27 Dec 2000 December 2000 Nor'easter Impacts Northeastern United States: A significant winter storm, originating as an Alberta clipper, developed and intensely affected Northern New Jersey and Eastern New York. The nor'easter brought challenging weather conditions to the northeastern region of the United States.
  • 28 Dec 2000 Ghana's Democratic Milestone: John Kufuor is elected President of Ghana, winning the second round of elections and achieving the first peaceful democratic transfer of power in the country since its independence in 1957. This historic moment signifies a significant step in Ghana's political development and democratic maturity.
  • 29 Dec 2000 Montgomery Ward Bankruptcy: Montgomery Ward, one of America's oldest retail chains, filed for bankruptcy and announced its complete closure after 128 years of continuous operation. Founded in 1872, the company was a pioneering mail-order retailer that had struggled to adapt to the changing retail landscape, particularly with the rise of discount stores and online shopping in the late 20th century.
  • 30 Dec 2000 Rizal Day Bombings in Metro Manila: On December 30, 2000, a coordinated terrorist attack occurred in Metro Manila, Philippines, where multiple bombs were strategically detonated across various locations within a short timeframe. The devastating bombings resulted in 22 fatalities and approximately 100 injuries, causing widespread panic and significant loss of life during the commemoration of national hero José Rizal's death anniversary.
  • 31 Dec 2000 End of 20th Century and 2nd Millennium: The final day of the 20th century and the second millennium, marking a significant historical transition point for global timekeeping and cultural reflection.