Historical Events on December 5: Significant Moments in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on December 5, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

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Events on December 5 - Key Moments Throughout History

  • 1900 Triple Alliance Naval Treaty Signed: Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy signed a strategic naval cooperation treaty, agreeing that their naval forces would coordinate and provide mutual defense in the event of a potential attack by France or Russia. This treaty was part of the complex web of European alliances that would later play a crucial role in the lead-up to World War I.
  • 1901 Walt Disney Born: Walt Disney, the legendary American animator, film producer, and founder of The Walt Disney Company, was born in Chicago, Illinois. He would go on to create the iconic character Mickey Mouse and revolutionize the animation and entertainment industry.
  • 1902 Tolstoy's Play Debuts at Moscow Art Theatre: Leo Tolstoy's powerful play 'The Power of Darkness' (Власть тьмы, Vlast' t'my), originally written in 1886, received its first performance at the prestigious Moscow Art Theatre. This significant theatrical event showcased Tolstoy's dramatic work, which explored complex moral and social themes characteristic of his literary style.
  • 1903 Wright Brothers' Pioneering Aviation Era: While no specific event is directly tied to December 5, 1903, this period marks a critical moment in aviation history. Just days before, on December 17, 1903, the Wright Brothers would make their groundbreaking first powered, controlled flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, fundamentally transforming human transportation and technological capabilities.
  • 1904 Uneventful Day in History: While no major historical events were specifically documented for December 5, 1904, this day occurred during the early 20th century, a period of significant global transformation. The year 1904 was marked by technological advancements, colonial expansions, and emerging geopolitical tensions, particularly in Europe and the Americas.
  • 1905 Liberal Party Leader Becomes Prime Minister: Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, leader of the Liberal Party, formed a new cabinet as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, replacing Conservative Prime Minister Arthur Balfour. This marked a significant political transition in early 20th-century British governance, with the Liberals returning to power after a period of Conservative leadership.
  • 1906 British Prime Minister Arthur Balfour Resigns: Arthur Balfour, the Conservative Party leader and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, stepped down from his governmental position, marking a significant moment in early 20th-century British political history.
  • 1907 Birth of Lin Biao: Lin Biao, a prominent Chinese communist military leader and revolutionary, was born on December 5, 1907. He would later become a key figure in the Chinese Communist Party and serve as Vice Chairman under Mao Zedong during the Cultural Revolution, playing a significant role in Chinese political history.
  • 1908 Bakelite: First Synthetic Plastic Invented: Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland announced the groundbreaking invention of Bakelite, the world's first fully synthetic plastic. This revolutionary material would transform manufacturing, design, and technology across multiple industries, marking the beginning of the modern plastics era and paving the way for countless technological innovations in the 20th century.
  • 1910 Founding of the Italian Nationalist Association: Luigi Federzoni established the Italian Nationalist Association, a right-wing political organization that would later play a crucial role in the rise of fascism in Italy. In 1921, this association would merge with Benito Mussolini's National Fascist Party, significantly influencing the political landscape of early 20th-century Italy.
  • 1911 End of Queue Hairstyle Mandate in Qing China: The Qing Dynasty officially abolished the long-standing requirement for Chinese men to wear their hair in a traditional queue (辫子, bianzi) hairstyle through an imperial edict. This marked a significant cultural and political transformation, symbolizing the decline of Manchu cultural dominance and the modernization efforts of late imperial China. The queue hairstyle, originally imposed by the Manchu rulers when they conquered China in 1644, had been a powerful symbol of submission and ethnic identity for over 250 years.
  • 1912 Triple Alliance Renewed in Vienna: The Triple Alliance agreement was renewed in Vienna between Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. Originally signed in 1882, this diplomatic pact was extended for another six years, beginning in 1914. The renewal was strategically motivated by the growing geopolitical tensions and instability in the Balkans, reflecting the complex pre-World War I European power dynamics.
  • 1913 Uneventful Day in 1913: While no significant historical events were recorded for December 5, 1913, this does not mean the day was entirely without merit. During this period, the world was experiencing significant transformations, including technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, and social changes characteristic of the early 20th century.
  • 1914 Italy Declares Neutrality in World War I: The Italian Parliament officially proclaims the country's neutrality in World War I, a strategic decision that would later change as Italy eventually joined the Allied Powers in 1915.
  • 1915 Siege of Kut al-Amara During World War I: During World War I, Ottoman Turkish troops initiated a strategic siege of Kut al-Amara, a critical location in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). The siege was a significant military operation aimed at encircling and defeating British imperial forces, seeking to avenge a previous military setback. The town of Kut al-Amara became a focal point of intense military confrontation, representing the broader geopolitical tensions of the Middle Eastern theater during the First World War.
  • 1916 British Political Leadership Change: A significant political transition occurred in the British government during World War I. Prime Minister H. H. Asquith resigned from office, paving the way for War Minister David Lloyd George to succeed him on December 7. Edward Stanley subsequently took over the ministry on December 11, marking a notable shift in wartime leadership.
  • 1917 Establishment of the Supreme Soviet of the National Economy (Vesenkha): On December 5, 1917, shortly after the Bolshevik Revolution, the Soviet government established the Supreme Soviet of the National Economy (Vesenkha) through a decree by the Council of People's Commissars and the All-Russian Central Executive Committee. This centralized economic planning body was tasked with organizing and coordinating the economic life of the newly formed Soviet state, aiming to centralize economic decision-making and resource allocation under communist principles. Vesenkha played a crucial role in implementing the Soviet Union's planned economy, overseeing industrial production, managing state enterprises, and directing economic development according to centralized five-year plans. It represented a fundamental shift from the previous capitalist economic model to a state-controlled economic system.
  • 1918 HMS Cassandra Sunk During Estonian Intervention: The British light cruiser HMS Cassandra was destroyed after striking a naval mine in the Gulf of Finland while supporting Estonian forces during the complex post-World War I conflicts against Bolshevik forces. Eleven sailors tragically lost their lives in this maritime incident, which highlighted the dangerous naval operations during the Russian Civil War period.
  • 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.
  • 1920 Greek Referendum Supports Monarchy Restoration: A national referendum in Greece demonstrated significant public support for the restoration of the monarchy, signaling a major political shift in the country's governance.
  • 1921 Repeal of Prohibition in the United States: The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was officially repealed, ending the nationwide prohibition of alcohol that had been in effect since January 29, 1920. This landmark decision effectively terminated the ban on the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages, marking a significant shift in American social and legal policy.
  • 1922 British Parliament Enacts Irish Free State Constitution Act: On December 5, 1922, the British Parliament officially enacted the Irish Free State Constitution Act, a pivotal legislative moment that legally sanctioned the new Constitution of the Irish Free State. This act marked a significant step in Ireland's journey towards self-governance and represented a major political transformation in the relationship between Ireland and the United Kingdom.
  • 1923 Death Sentence Commutation for Steve McQueen: On December 5, 1923, Kentucky Governor Edwin P. Murrow commuted the death sentence of Steve McQueen, a convicted murderer who was a juvenile at the time of his crime. Governor Murrow made this decision after receiving multiple requests for clemency, and he acted just days before the conclusion of his gubernatorial term. This act of mercy highlighted the emerging legal considerations regarding juvenile criminal justice in the early 20th century.
  • 1924 Formation of the State of Syria: The French Mandate authorities issued Decree No. 2980, which formally united the State of Aleppo and the State of Damascus into a single administrative entity. This significant political reorganization established a common native assembly and centralized administration, marking an important step in Syria's modern political development.
  • 1925 Medina Surrenders to Ibn Saud: The city of Medina peacefully capitulated to the forces of Ibn Saud, a pivotal moment in the unification of the Arabian Peninsula and the eventual formation of Saudi Arabia.
  • 1926 Death of Claude Monet: Claude Monet, the legendary French Impressionist painter who revolutionized art with his innovative approach to light and color, passed away at the age of 86. His works, including the famous water lilies series, would continue to inspire generations of artists worldwide.
  • 1927 Birth of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand: Bhumibol Adulyadej, who would become the beloved and long-reigning King of Thailand, was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. Known for his significant cultural and political influence, he was not only a monarch but also a talented musician and composer. His birth marked the beginning of a remarkable life that would deeply shape modern Thai history.
  • 1928 Banana Massacre in Colombia: A tragic event where federal troops under General Carlos Cortés Vargas massacred workers and supporters of the United Fruit Company in Ciénaga, Magdalena department, Colombia, highlighting labor conflicts and state violence.
  • 1929 Historic Vatican City Visit by Italian Monarchs: King Victor Emmanuel III and Queen Elena made a groundbreaking visit to Vatican City, representing the first time a sovereign of unified Italy had entered the Vatican. The royal motorcade procession through Rome was witnessed by thousands, symbolizing a significant moment of reconciliation between the Italian monarchy and the Catholic Church.
  • 1930 German Premiere of 'All Quiet on the Western Front': The groundbreaking anti-war film 'All Quiet on the Western Front', based on Erich Maria Remarque's novel, premiered at the Berlin Mozartsaal. The film, directed by Lewis Milestone, was a powerful and stark portrayal of the brutal realities of World War I, depicting the psychological and physical devastation experienced by young soldiers. Its German premiere was particularly significant, as it challenged prevailing nationalist narratives about war and heroism.
  • 1931 Gandhi Returns from England: Mahatma Gandhi left England to return to India, expressing a clear conscience and having exhausted every approach to peace. In Paris, he delivered a speech at the Magic-City dance hall to an audience of 2,000 people, taking questions and sharing his perspectives.
  • 1932 Birth of Little Richard: Little Richard, a pioneering and influential musician who would become a key figure in rock and roll, was born in Macon, Georgia. He would later revolutionize popular music with his energetic performance style and groundbreaking music.
  • 1933 End of Prohibition in the United States: On December 5, 1933, Utah became the 36th U.S. state to ratify the Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution, achieving the required 75% state approval needed to officially repeal the 18th Amendment. This landmark decision effectively ended the nationwide ban on the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol, marking a significant moment in American social and legal history.
  • 1934 Turkish Women Granted Voting Rights: In a landmark moment for gender equality, women in Turkey were officially granted the right to vote and stand for electoral office. This progressive reform was part of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's modernization efforts, signaling significant social and political transformation in the young Turkish Republic.
  • 1935 National Council of Negro Women Founded: Mary McLeod Bethune, a prominent African American educator and civil rights leader, established the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) in New York City. This groundbreaking organization was created to advocate for the rights, opportunities, and social advancement of African American women and their families during the challenging era of racial segregation.
  • 1936 Soviet Union Expands Constituent Republics: On December 5, 1936, the Soviet Union expanded its territorial structure by incorporating five new constituent republics: the Armenian SSR, Azerbaijan SSR, Georgian SSR, Kazakhstan SSR, and Kirghiz SSR. This administrative reorganization was part of the Soviet Union's strategy to manage its diverse ethnic regions and consolidate political control.
  • 1937 Prince Yasuhiko Asaka Takes Command in Shanghai: On December 5, 1937, Prince Yasuhiko Asaka, uncle of Emperor Hirohito, assumed command of the Japanese Shanghai Expeditionary Army positioned to besiege Nanjing. This strategic military leadership change occurred during a critical phase of the Second Sino-Japanese War, signaling the intensification of Japanese military operations.
  • 1938 Nazi Economic Restrictions Against Jews: On December 5, 1938, the Reich Economic Ministry issued discriminatory decrees that severely restricted Jewish economic participation. These regulations prohibited Jews from buying real estate, selling securities such as stocks and bonds, or trading jewelry. All existing Jewish-owned securities were mandated to be transferred to a special foreign exchange bank, with access strictly controlled by government permission. These measures were part of the systematic economic marginalization and persecution of Jewish citizens in Nazi Germany during the lead-up to World War II.
  • 1939 Soviet Army Halted at Mannerheim Line During Winter War: During the Winter War, the Soviet Army's initial advances were decisively stopped by the formidable Finnish defensive fortifications known as the Mannerheim Line. This strategic defensive position, named after Finnish military leader Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, proved to be a significant obstacle for Soviet forces attempting to invade Finland.
  • 1940 Death of Jan Kubelfk, Czechoslovak Violinist: Jan Kubelfk, an Austro-Hungarian-born Czechoslovak violinist who was a notable musician of his era, passed away on this date. Born in 1880, Kubelfk was a significant contributor to the classical music scene during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • 1941 Soviet Counter-Attack in Battle of Moscow: During World War II, Soviet General Georgy Zhukov launched a massive counter-offensive against the German army in the Battle of Moscow, marking a critical turning point on the Eastern Front. This strategic military operation targeted Army Group Centre and effectively halted the German advance towards Moscow.
  • 1942 Pearl Harbor Losses Revealed: One year after the Pearl Harbor attack, the U.S. Navy publicly disclosed the full extent of losses suffered during the surprise Japanese assault, providing transparency about the devastating military engagement.
  • 1943 Operation Crossbow Begins: During World War II, the U.S. Army Air Force launched Operation Crossbow, a strategic aerial campaign targeting Germany's secret weapons development and launch sites, particularly focusing on V-1 flying bombs and V-2 rocket facilities across occupied Europe.
  • 1944 Allied Forces Capture Ravenna: As part of the Italian Campaign during World War II, Allied troops successfully occupied the strategic city of Ravenna, marking a significant advance in their push against Axis forces in Italy.
  • 1945 Mysterious Disappearance of Flight 19 in the Bermuda Triangle: On December 5, 1945, a squadron of five U.S. Navy TBF Avenger torpedo-bombers, consisting of 14 crew members from Fort Lauderdale Naval Air Station in Florida, vanished during a routine training mission over the Atlantic Ocean. Adding to the mystery, a search and rescue Mariner aircraft with a 13-man crew also disappeared during the rescue attempt. Despite extensive search efforts, no trace of the aircraft or crew was ever found, making this one of the most enigmatic aviation incidents in U.S. military history.
  • 1946 Truman Establishes Presidential Committee on Civil Rights: U.S. President Harry Truman issued Executive Order 9808, creating a 16-member Presidential Committee on Civil Rights. The committee was chaired by Charles E. Wilson, President of General Electric, and was a significant step towards addressing racial inequality and civil rights issues in post-World War II America.
  • 1947 Joe Louis Retains Heavyweight Boxing Championship: In a thrilling 15-round boxing match, legendary heavyweight champion Joe Louis successfully defended his title against challenger Jersey Joe Walcott at Yankee Stadium in New York. Louis, known as the 'Brown Bomber', demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill, ultimately securing victory and maintaining his status as one of boxing's most dominant champions.
  • 1948 Argentina Constitutional Assembly Elections: Argentina held Constitutional Assembly elections, with the Peronist Party achieving a significant victory by winning 59.1% of the vote, further solidifying Juan Perón's political influence and democratic mandate.
  • 1949 Ben-Gurion's Jerusalem Declaration: Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion delivered a resolute speech to the Knesset, firmly asserting Israel's commitment to maintaining control over Jerusalem, underscoring the nation's territorial and political stance in the post-World War II era.
  • 1950 UN Troops Withdraw from Pyongyang: The last United Nations troops evacuated Pyongyang during the Korean War, with the British 29th Independent Infantry Brigade providing cover for the retreat of U.S. 25th Infantry Division and South Korean 1st Infantry Division troops.
  • 1951 Dragnet Television Series Premiere: The iconic police procedural television series Dragnet made its debut, introducing audiences to a groundbreaking format of realistic law enforcement storytelling. Created by and starring Jack Webb, the show would become a significant influence on future crime drama television.
  • 1952 The Great Smog of London: A catastrophic environmental disaster occurred in London when a cold fog combined with severe air pollution, creating a deadly smog that paralyzed the city for four days. The Ministry of Health later estimated approximately 4,000 fatalities, marking this event as a critical turning point in environmental and public health awareness.
  • 1953 Devastating F5 Tornado Strikes Vicksburg, Mississippi: On December 5, 1953, a catastrophic F5 tornado tore through Vicksburg, Mississippi, causing unprecedented destruction. The tornado, with wind speeds exceeding 261 miles per hour, ripped through residential and commercial areas, leaving a trail of complete devastation. Entire neighborhoods were reduced to rubble, infrastructure was severely damaged, and the local community faced immense loss of life and property. This natural disaster highlighted the extreme vulnerability of communities to powerful tornadic events in the Mississippi region.
  • 1954 NFL Football Matches in Chicago and Cleveland: On this date, two notable NFL football matches took place: The Chicago Bears decisively defeated the Chicago Cardinals with a score of 29-7, while the Cleveland Browns secured a strong victory against the Washington Redskins, winning 34-14.
  • 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott: A Pivotal Civil Rights Movement: The Montgomery Bus Boycott began with most of the city's 50,000 Black workers biking, carpooling, or walking. The boycott was organized by the local chapter of the NAACP led by Pullman porter E. D. Edgar Nixon and prominently featured Martin Luther King Jr. as a key leader. King declared, 'We're going to work with grim and bold determination to gain justice on the buses in this city. And we are not wrong.' The boycott continued despite intense intimidation and numerous arrests, ultimately leading to a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that declared bus segregation unconstitutional, marking a significant turning point in the American Civil Rights Movement.
  • 1956 Rose Heilbron Becomes First Female Judge in Britain: Rose Heilbron made history by becoming Britain's first female judge, marking a significant milestone for women in the legal profession. Her appointment represented a groundbreaking moment in gender equality within the British judicial system, challenging traditional male-dominated legal structures.
  • 1957 New York City Fair Housing Practices Law: New York City becomes the first city in the United States to legislate against racial and religious discrimination in the housing market, establishing the Fair Housing Practices Law, a landmark civil rights achievement.
  • 1958 Preston By-pass: UK's First Motorway Opens: The Preston By-pass, Britain's inaugural motorway, opens to traffic. This groundbreaking infrastructure project would later become part of the M6 and M55 motorways, revolutionizing transportation in the United Kingdom.
  • 1959 Intikhab Alam's Historic First Test Ball Dismissal: In a memorable moment in cricket history, Pakistani bowler Intikhab Alam achieved the remarkable feat of dismissing Australian batsman Colin McDonald with his very first ball in Test cricket. This rare and dramatic event marked the beginning of Alam's international cricket career.
  • 1960 Ghana Severs Diplomatic Ties with Belgium: In a significant diplomatic move, Ghana officially terminated its diplomatic relations with Belgium, reflecting the complex post-colonial political dynamics of the early 1960s.
  • 1961 Tanganyika Gains Independence: Tanganyika officially declares independence from British colonial rule and establishes itself as a sovereign republic, with Julius Nyerere becoming the nation's first democratically elected President. This marked a significant milestone in the African decolonization movement of the early 1960s.
  • 1962 Fiji Military Coup: On December 5, 1962, Commodore Frank Bainimarama led a military coup, overthrowing the existing government in Fiji. This political upheaval marked a significant moment in Fijian political history, dramatically altering the country's governance and setting the stage for future political instability.
  • 1963 Rocket Demonstration Sparks International Tension: The Seliger Forschungs-und-Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH conducted a rocket demonstration near Cuxhaven for non-NATO military representatives. Although the rockets landed safely via parachute and no international laws were violated, the Soviet Union formally protested the event, highlighting Cold War-era technological and diplomatic tensions.
  • 1964 Major Breakthrough in Immunology: Lloyd J. Old made a groundbreaking scientific discovery by establishing the first direct linkage between the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and disease, specifically mouse leukemia. This pivotal research opened new pathways for understanding the critical role of MHC in immune system responses and disease mechanisms.
  • 1965 First Civil Rights Protest in Soviet Union: A historic moment unfolded in Pushkin Square, Moscow, with the first spontaneous political demonstration in Soviet history. Protesters gathered to support writers Andrei Sinyavsky and Yuli Daniel, marking a significant early challenge to Soviet state control.
  • 1966 Launch of First Equatorial Synchronous Satellite: The United States launched the ATS-1 (Applications Technology Satellite), a groundbreaking experimental satellite positioned in geostationary orbit at 23,000 miles above the equator. Equipped with the Spin Scan Cloud Camera developed by University of Wisconsin scientists, it could capture full photos of the Western Hemisphere every 30 minutes, revolutionizing meteorological and Earth observation capabilities.
  • 1967 Spock and Ginsberg Arrested at Vietnam War Protest: Renowned pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Spock and influential poet Allen Ginsberg were arrested while protesting against the Vietnam War, highlighting the growing anti-war sentiment among prominent intellectuals and cultural figures.
  • 1968 Rolling Stones Release 'Beggar's Banquet' Album: The Rolling Stones released their critically acclaimed album 'Beggar's Banquet', which featured the iconic track 'Sympathy for the Devil', marking a significant moment in rock music history and showcasing the band's evolving musical style.
  • 1969 ARPANET Full Operation Begins: ARPANET, the groundbreaking precursor to the modern Internet, officially begins full operational status, connecting computers at four key research institutions: UCLA, UC-Santa Barbara, Stanford University, and the University of Utah. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the development of global computer networking technology.
  • 1970 James Cross Released by FLQ Terrorists: British Trade Commissioner James Cross was freed by the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ) terrorist group after being held hostage for 60 days. The release occurred at the former Expo '67 World's Fair site, with Cross being handed over to a Cuban diplomatic delegation, marking the end of a significant political kidnapping incident in Canadian history.
  • 1971 Soviet Union Blocks UN Ceasefire Resolution: The Soviet Union exercised its veto power at the UN Security Council, blocking a resolution that demanded an immediate ceasefire and mutual withdrawal of forces between India and Pakistan during the Bangladesh Liberation War.
  • 1972 Johnny Rodgers Wins 38th Heisman Trophy: Johnny Rodgers, a talented football player from the University of Nebraska, was awarded the prestigious 38th Heisman Trophy, recognizing his outstanding performance as a flanker (FL).
  • 1973 Paul McCartney Releases 'Band on the Run': Paul McCartney and Wings released their critically acclaimed album 'Band on the Run' through Apple Records, marking a significant moment in the post-Beatles musical career of McCartney.
  • 1974 Final Episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus: The groundbreaking comedy series Monty Python's Flying Circus broadcasts its final episode on BBC 2, marking the end of a revolutionary comedy era.
  • 1975 End of Preventive Detention in Northern Ireland: The British government ended its controversial policy of 'preventive detention' without trial in Northern Ireland. This policy, which began on August 9, 1971, had allowed authorities to arrest and indefinitely imprison individuals suspected of terrorism during the height of the Northern Ireland conflict.
  • 1976 Japanese Parliamentary Election Shifts Political Landscape: In a historic election for the 511-member House of Representatives (Shūgiin), the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lost its majority for the first time in over 18 years. Despite falling from 271 to 249 seats, the LDP remained the largest party, and Prime Minister Takeo Miki retained his position, signaling a potential political transformation in Japan.
  • 1977 Egypt Severs Diplomatic Ties with Multiple Arab Nations: In a significant diplomatic move, Egypt officially broke diplomatic relations with Syria, Libya, Algeria, Iraq, and South Yemen. This action was a direct response to the Declaration of Tripoli, a political statement that was perceived as hostile towards Egypt's diplomatic stance and regional interests.
  • 1978 Soviet-Afghan Friendship Treaty: The Soviet Union signed a strategic 'friendship treaty' with the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, a diplomatic move that would later have significant geopolitical implications during the Soviet-Afghan War.
  • 1979 Sonia Johnson Excommunicated by Mormon Church: Sonia Johnson was formally excommunicated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for her vocal criticism of the church's stance against the proposed Equal Rights Amendment. Her excommunication highlighted the tensions between religious institutions and emerging feminist movements in the late 1970s.
  • 1980 Canadian Currency Museum Opens: The Bank of Canada officially opened its Canadian Currency Museum in Ottawa, providing a comprehensive historical and educational resource showcasing the evolution of Canadian monetary systems and numismatic heritage.
  • 1981 Militant Attack in Yemen: A severe militant attack on a Defense Ministry compound in Sana'a, Yemen, resulted in at least 56 fatalities and 200 injuries, demonstrating the region's ongoing political instability.
  • 1982 USSR Nuclear Test in Kazakhstan: The Soviet Union conducted a nuclear weapons test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in northeastern Kazakhstan, continuing its Cold War-era nuclear weapons development program.
  • 1983 Dissolution of the Military Junta in Argentina: On December 5, 1983, Argentina marked a significant turning point in its political history with the dissolution of the military junta that had ruled the country during a brutal period of state terrorism. This event signaled the return to democratic governance following years of oppressive military rule, which included the infamous 'Dirty War' characterized by widespread human rights violations.
  • 1984 Rickey Henderson Traded to New York Yankees: The Oakland Athletics traded star outfielder Rickey Henderson to the New York Yankees in a significant player exchange. Henderson, known for his exceptional base-stealing abilities, was traded along with pitcher Jay Howell and Jose Rijo in a multi-player deal that would reshape both teams' rosters.
  • 1985 British Nuclear Test: Great Britain conducted a nuclear test, continuing its nuclear weapons development program during the later stages of the Cold War era.
  • 1986 Uneventful Day in History: While no major global events were recorded on December 5, 1986, this serves as a reminder that not every day in history is marked by significant occurrences. Such days represent the routine fabric of human experience, where millions of people went about their daily lives without extraordinary incident.
  • 1987 Tim Brown Wins Heisman Trophy: Tim Brown from Notre Dame University was awarded the 53rd Heisman Trophy, a prestigious college football honor.
  • 1988 Jim Bakker Indictment: A North Carolina federal grand jury indicted Jim Bakker, the founder of the PTL (Praise The Lord) Club, on serious charges of fraud and conspiracy. This marked a significant moment in the exposure of financial misconduct within televangelism.
  • 1989 French TGV Sets Unprecedented Speed Record: On December 5, 1989, a French high-speed train (TGV) achieved a remarkable world record speed of 482.4 kilometers per hour, demonstrating France's technological prowess in rail transportation. This groundbreaking achievement highlighted the potential of advanced train design and magnetic levitation technology, pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible in high-speed rail travel.
  • 1990 Iraq Signals Diplomatic Opening with US: In a potential diplomatic breakthrough, Iraq announced its willingness to engage in talks with the United States regarding the escalating Persian Gulf crisis, which would later develop into the Gulf War.
  • 1991 Ukraine's First Presidential Election: Leonid Kravchuk is elected as the first president of Ukraine, marking a significant milestone in the country's post-Soviet independence and democratic transition.
  • 1992 First SMS Text Message Sent: On December 5, 1992, British telecommunications engineer Neil Papworth sent the world's first Short Message Service (SMS) text message. The historic message, reading 'Merry Christmas', was transmitted via a computer to a mobile phone, marking the beginning of a communication revolution that would fundamentally transform global interpersonal communication in the decades to follow.
  • 1993 Historic South African Government Meeting: The 32-member Transitional Executive Committee held its first meeting in Cape Town, representing a landmark moment in South African history as the first official government body with Black members, symbolizing the dismantling of apartheid.
  • 1994 Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances: On December 5, 1994, the Budapest Memorandum was signed by the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine. This landmark diplomatic agreement provided critical security assurances to Ukraine in exchange for the country voluntarily surrendering its substantial nuclear arsenal inherited from the Soviet Union. The memorandum guaranteed Ukraine's territorial integrity and political independence, with signatories pledging to respect its sovereignty and refrain from using or threatening military force against the nation.
  • 1995 Sri Lankan Civil War: Jaffna Conquest: In a significant military operation during the Sri Lankan Civil War, the Sri Lankan government successfully captured the strategic Tamil stronghold of Jaffna. This victory marked a crucial turning point in the long-running conflict between the government and Tamil separatist forces.
  • 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.
  • 1997 Texas Instruments Breakthrough in Chip Manufacturing: Texas Instruments announced a revolutionary manufacturing technique for integrated circuits using copper wiring, potentially enabling processors that are ten times faster than existing chips while consuming less electrical power.
  • 1998 D.C. United Wins Interamerican Cup: On December 5, 1998, D.C. United achieved a historic victory by defeating Brazilian club Vasco da Gama 2-1 on aggregate in the Interamerican Cup. This triumph was a significant milestone for U.S. club soccer, demonstrating the growing competitiveness of American teams on the international stage. The two-leg match showcased D.C. United's skill and determination, marking one of the most memorable moments in the club's history.
  • 1999 NASA Mars Polar Lander Mission Failure: NASA experienced a critical mission failure when radio contact was lost with the Mars Polar Lander moments before its planned atmospheric entry. This incident represented a significant setback in Mars exploration efforts, highlighting the immense technical challenges of interplanetary missions.
  • 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.
  • 2001 Bonn Agreement Establishes Interim Afghan Government: The United Nations-backed Bonn Agreement was signed, marking a critical diplomatic milestone in Afghanistan's post-Taliban transition. The agreement, endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 1383, officially installed Hamid Karzai as the interim administration head and established an international peacekeeping force to maintain security in Kabul, setting the stage for Afghanistan's political reconstruction.
  • 2002 Burundi Peace Agreement: A significant peace milestone was achieved when President Pierre Buyoya and Pierre Nkurunziza, leader of the Hutu insurgent Forces for the Defense of Democracy (FDD), signed a ceasefire agreement in Arusha, Tanzania, aimed at ending a nine-year civil conflict.
  • 2003 Suicide Bombing in Russia: A devastating suicide bombing on a commuter train in southern Russia killed 44 people. President Vladimir Putin strongly condemned the attack, characterizing it as an attempt to destabilize the country just two days before parliamentary elections.
  • 2004 Viktor Yushchenko Elected President of Ukraine: Following the Orange Revolution and widespread protests against electoral fraud, the Ukrainian Parliament elected Viktor Yushchenko as the President of Ukraine, marking a significant moment in the country's democratic transition.
  • 2005 First Witnesses Testify in Saddam Hussein Trial: In a landmark legal proceeding, the first witnesses in the trial of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein provide testimony, revealing horrifying details of systematic torture during his regime, marking a significant moment in international justice.
  • 2006 Fiji Political Crisis Escalates: Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase warns of an imminent coup as troops reportedly surround his compound. Military commander Frank Bainimarama confirms military control, while Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer threatens potential international sanctions against Fiji.
  • 2007 Westroads Mall Shooting: A tragic mass shooting occurred at Von Maur department store in Omaha, Nebraska, where 19-year-old Robert A. Hawkins killed nine people before taking his own life, using a WASR-10 semi-automatic rifle. This devastating incident shocked the local community and reignited national discussions about gun violence.
  • 2008 Record US Job Losses: The U.S. Department of Labor reported a staggering 533,000 nonfarm job losses in November, the largest monthly decline since 1974, underscoring the severity of the global financial crisis.
  • 2009 Amanda Knox Murder Conviction: An Italian jury convicts American student Amanda Knox of murdering her former roommate, Meredith Kercher, sentencing Knox to 26 years and her boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito to 25 years in prison, concluding a high-profile international criminal case.
  • 2010 United States Diplomatic Cables Leak: WikiLeaks releases a massive trove of confidential U.S. diplomatic cables, revealing sensitive diplomatic communications and causing significant international controversy.
  • 2011 Eurozone Crisis: Franco-German Treaty Proposal: French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel jointly called for a new European Union Treaty designed to prevent future Eurozone financial crises, signaling a coordinated approach to addressing the ongoing economic challenges.
  • 2012 Typhoon Bopha Devastates Philippines: Typhoon Bopha caused severe destruction in the Philippines, resulting in at least 283 deaths, 339 injuries, hundreds missing, and over 87,000 people evacuated, highlighting the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events.
  • 2013 Death of Nelson Mandela: Nelson Mandela, Nobel Peace Prize winner, anti-Apartheid revolutionary, and former President of South Africa, passed away at the age of 95 after a prolonged illness. His death marked the end of an era for South Africa and global human rights advocacy.
  • 2014 NASA's Orion Spacecraft First Flight Test: NASA successfully conducted the Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1), launching the Orion spacecraft, marking a significant milestone in space exploration and potential future deep space missions.
  • 2015 Paris Climate Change Conference Draft Agreement: Participants at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris reached a draft agreement, marking a significant step in global climate negotiations.
  • 2016 2016 Oakland Warehouse Fire: According to authorities, the death toll has now reached 36. Gregory Ahern, Alameda County Sheriff, confirmed that they do not expect to find additional bodies among the debris.
  • 2017 Diplomatic Tensions Over Jerusalem Embassy Move: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned U.S. President Donald Trump that Turkey could cut diplomatic ties with Israel if the United States unilaterally recognizes Jerusalem as Israel's capital, highlighting the complex geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
  • 2018 George H. W. Bush State Funeral at National Cathedral: The state funeral for former President George H. W. Bush was held at the National Cathedral, attended by multiple former US presidents, international leaders including Angela Merkel and Prince Charles, marking a significant moment of national mourning.
  • 2019 Saudi Aramco's Record-Breaking IPO: Saudi state-owned oil company Saudi Aramco successfully completed its initial public offering (IPO), raising an unprecedented $25.6 billion. This landmark financial event positioned the company as the world's most valuable, with a market capitalization of $1.7 trillion, signaling a major milestone in global energy markets.
  • 2020 CDC Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) informed states about the initial allocation of COVID-19 vaccines through Operation Warp Speed. However, the initial vaccine supply was significantly limited, creating challenges for comprehensive nationwide immunization.
  • 2021 Major Military Engagement in Niger: A large-scale insurgent attack occurred in Tillabéri, Niger, involving hundreds of militants on motorcycles targeting an international military base. The intense battle resulted in significant casualties: 79 insurgents and 29 soldiers were killed during the confrontation.
  • 2022 World's Largest Radio Telescope Construction Begins: Construction commenced on the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), the world's most extensive radio telescope, spanning sites in South Africa and Australia. With a massive collection area of nearly 500,000 square meters, the telescope aims to test Einstein's theories and potentially detect signs of extraterrestrial life.
  • 2023 Spotlight on Clement of Alexandria: Early Christian Theologian: Clement of Alexandria (c. 150-215 CE) was a prominent early Christian theologian and philosopher who played a significant role in developing Christian intellectual thought. Based in Alexandria, Egypt, he was a key figure in the Alexandrian school of Christian theology, known for integrating Greek philosophical traditions with Christian teachings. His works, including 'Stromata', explored the relationship between classical philosophy and Christian doctrine, emphasizing the importance of intellectual engagement with faith. Clement advocated for a sophisticated, rational approach to Christianity that sought to reconcile philosophical reasoning with biblical interpretation.

What Is special about December 5?

December 5 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about December 5.