Historical Events on December 12: 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 12, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on December 12 - Key Moments Throughout History

1900 Quantum Mechanics Foundational Theory Published: Max Planck publishes his groundbreaking scientific paper on the theory of black-body radiation, which becomes a pivotal moment in the development of quantum mechanics. This work fundamentally challenged classical physics and introduced revolutionary concepts about energy quantization, setting the stage for modern physics.
1901 First Transatlantic Radio Signal Transmission: On December 12, 1901, Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi achieved a groundbreaking technological milestone by successfully receiving the first transatlantic radio signal at Signal Hill in St. John's, Newfoundland. The historic transmission was the letter 'S' (•••) in Morse Code, sent from England across the Atlantic Ocean, demonstrating the potential of long-distance wireless communication.
1902 Hokkaido Railway Company Opens Ranshima Station: On December 12, 1902, the Hokkaido Railway Company inaugurated Ranshima Station along the Hakodate Main Line, located in the city of Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan. This station represented an important milestone in the region's transportation infrastructure, connecting local communities and supporting the economic development of northern Japan during the early 20th century.
1903 Birth of Ozu Yasujirō: Ozu Yasujirō, a pioneering and influential Japanese motion-picture director who would revolutionize cinema with his unique storytelling style, was born on this day.
1904 Leah Kleschna Theater Premiere: CMS McClellan's theatrical play 'Leah Kleschna' made its debut performance in New York City, marking an important moment in early 20th-century American theater.
1905 John F. Fitzgerald Elected Mayor of Boston: Former U.S. Congressman John F. Fitzgerald was elected Mayor of Boston, marking a significant moment in the city's political history. Fitzgerald, who would later become known as the grandfather of future President John F. Kennedy, began his influential political career with this mayoral election.
1906 Oscar Straus Becomes First Jewish Cabinet Member: On December 12, 1906, Oscar Straus made history by becoming the first Jewish cabinet member in the United States when he was appointed as Secretary of Commerce. This groundbreaking appointment represented a significant milestone in American political representation and religious diversity within the federal government.
1907 Uneventful Day in Early 20th Century: While no specific major historical events were recorded for December 12, 1907, this period represents a time of significant global transitions. The early 20th century was characterized by rapid industrialization, colonial expansions, and emerging technological innovations. The year 1907 itself was marked by important developments such as the founding of the Cunard Line's RMS Lusitania and growing tensions in international politics.
1908 Oscar Wilde's Salome Premieres in Paris: On December 12, 1908, the groundbreaking play 'Salome' by Oscar Wilde was first performed in Paris, France. This controversial and artistically significant work, originally written in French, was based on the biblical story of Salome, who danced for King Herod and requested the head of John the Baptist. The play was known for its provocative themes and symbolist style, reflecting Wilde's innovative approach to theater and his exploration of decadent aesthetics.
1909 Kinemacolor Motion Picture Technology Demonstration: A groundbreaking moment in cinema history occurred when Kinemacolor, the world's first color motion picture process, was publicly demonstrated at Madison Square Garden. This technological innovation marked a significant milestone in the evolution of film technology.
1910 Mysterious Disappearance of Dorothy Arnold: On December 12, 1910, Dorothy Arnold, a prominent 25-year-old New York City socialite from a wealthy Manhattan family, vanished without a trace after shopping on Fifth Avenue. Her disappearance became one of the most intriguing missing person cases of the early 20th century. Remarkably, her affluent family delayed reporting her disappearance to authorities for six weeks, choosing instead to conduct their own private investigations. Despite extensive searches and private detective work, Dorothy was never found, and her fate remains an unsolved mystery to this day.
1911 Delhi Becomes Capital of British India: On December 12, 1911, Delhi officially replaced Calcutta as the capital of British India, marking a significant administrative and strategic shift in colonial governance. This relocation was part of a broader imperial strategy to centralize administrative control and symbolize British imperial power.
1912 Deadly Gulf of Mexico Maritime Disaster: A sudden, violent storm in the Gulf of Mexico near Port Arthur, Texas, resulted in a catastrophic maritime incident, claiming the lives of 10 crew members from Standard Oil's Barge Number 87 and 36 crew members from two British freighters, the Impoco and Hainaut.
1913 Vincenzo Perugia's Arrest for Mona Lisa Sale Attempt: Vincenzo Perugia was arrested in Florence while attempting to sell the stolen Mona Lisa painting, bringing an end to a dramatic art theft that had captivated the world.
1914 New York Stock Exchange Reopens After World War I Disruption: The New York Stock Exchange reopened after being closed for four months due to the outbreak of World War I. The dramatic reopening was marked by a significant market downturn, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeting 24 percent from 71.42 to 54, reflecting the economic uncertainty and global tensions of the time.
1915 Yuan Shikai Proclaims Himself Emperor: Yuan Shikai, President of the Republic of China, declares the establishment of the Empire of China and proclaims himself Emperor, effectively attempting to end the republican era and restore imperial rule.
1916 White Friday Avalanche Disaster: A devastating avalanche in the Dolomites during World War I killed an estimated 10,000 to 18,000 Austrian and Italian soldiers. Notably, some reports suggest both sides deliberately triggered avalanches by shelling snowpacks, turning the natural disaster into a potential war crime.
1917 Deadly Train Disaster in French Alps: A catastrophic train derailment near Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne in the French Alps results in the deaths of 543 French troops and hundreds of injuries, marking one of the worst railway accidents in history during World War I.
1918 Estonian Flag Raised at Pikk Hermann Tower: On December 12, 1918, the national flag of Estonia was ceremonially raised for the first time atop the historic Pikk Hermann tower in Tallinn, symbolizing the country's emerging independence following the Estonian War of Independence. This moment represented a significant milestone in Estonia's journey towards national sovereignty after centuries of foreign rule.
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.
1920 Birth of Margot Duhalde, Pioneering Brazilian Congresswoman: Margot Duhalde was born, who would later become a groundbreaking figure in Brazilian political history as the first woman to serve in the Brazilian Congress. Her entry into national politics represented a significant milestone for women's representation in Brazilian governance.
1921 Birth of Ira Neimark, American Business Leader: Ira Neimark was born on December 12, 1921, in the United States. He would later become a prominent businessman and author, known for his significant contributions to the retail industry. Neimark was particularly recognized for his leadership roles and insights into retail management and strategy.
1922 Racial Violence in Perry, Florida: Lynching of Charley Wright and Albert Young: On December 12, 1922, a horrific incident of racial violence occurred in Perry, Florida. A massive lynch mob of over 3,000 people intercepted the transport of two African-American prisoners suspected of murdering a white teacher on December 2. Charley Wright was subjected to a summary mock trial that same evening, after which he was brutally burned to death by the mob. The other prisoner, Albert Young, was initially placed in the custody of the Taylor County sheriff but was subsequently seized by a different mob and summarily executed by shooting. This event represents a stark example of the systemic racial injustice and extrajudicial violence prevalent in the early 20th-century American South.
1923 Po River Dam Disaster in Italy: On December 12, 1923, a catastrophic dam failure occurred along the Po River in Italy, resulting in a devastating flood that claimed the lives of approximately 600 people. The sudden collapse of the dam unleashed a massive wall of water that swept through nearby communities, causing widespread destruction of infrastructure, agricultural lands, and human settlements. This tragic event highlighted the critical importance of dam safety, engineering standards, and emergency preparedness in early 20th-century infrastructure development.
1924 Briand Advocates for US League of Nations Membership: French politician Aristide Briand, while addressing American correspondents at the League of Nations, emphasized the critical importance of United States membership in the organization as a means to ensure global peace and international cooperation.
1925 Reza Shah Pahlavi Rises to Power: Reza Chan, a Cossack officer and former premier, becomes the Shah of Persia (Iran), marking a significant political transition and the beginning of the Pahlavi dynasty.
1926 Filippo Turati's Daring Escape from Fascist Persecution: On December 12, 1926, prominent Italian Socialist leader Filippo Turati made a dramatic and perilous overnight escape by motorboat to Corsica, fleeing the oppressive restrictions imposed by Benito Mussolini's Fascist regime. At the time, the Italian government had implemented strict confinement laws targeting political dissidents, effectively limiting the movement and freedom of opposition figures like Turati. This clandestine journey represented a critical moment of resistance against the growing authoritarian control of the Fascist state, highlighting the personal risks faced by those who opposed Mussolini's increasingly totalitarian government.
1927 Oklahoma Legislative Impeachment Proceedings: In response to Governor Johnston's actions, state representatives convened at the Huckins Hotel in Oklahoma City and voted to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Johnston, State Supreme Court Chief Justice Fred P. Branson, and State Board of Agriculture chairman Henry B. Cordell.
1928 International Civil Aeronautics Conference Opens: President Calvin Coolidge hosted a landmark International Civil Aeronautics Conference in Washington, D.C., commemorating the 25th anniversary of powered flight. The event brought together representatives from 34 nations, honored Orville Wright, and featured Charles Lindbergh receiving the Harmon Trophy, symbolizing the rapid advancement of aviation technology and international cooperation.
1929 Doug Ford: Australian Cricket Wicket-Keeper: Doug Ford was a notable cricket wicket-keeper who played for New South Wales during the 1950s. As a skilled player in his position, he contributed significantly to the state's cricket performance during that decade, representing the team with distinction.
1930 Jaca Uprising in Spain: A military revolution against the Spanish monarchy erupted at a military garrison in Jaca, a town in northeastern Spain, representing an early challenge to the monarchical system during this tumultuous period.
1931 Gandhi's Meeting with Mussolini: Mahatma Gandhi met with Italian Fascist leader Benito Mussolini in Rome for a diplomatic discussion lasting approximately thirty minutes. The conversation was conducted through an interpreter, representing a rare direct interaction between two influential political figures of the era.
1932 International War Debt Default: Five European countries (France, Poland, Belgium, Estonia, and Hungary) defaulted on their war debt payments to the United States. This default was a direct response to the U.S. Congress rejecting a debt reduction plan previously agreed upon at the Lausanne Conference, highlighting the economic tensions of the interwar period.
1933 Warburg Institute Library Escapes Nazi Persecution: In a critical moment of cultural preservation, the entire Warburg Institute library was relocated from Hamburg to London on December 12, 1933. This dramatic move was necessitated by the rising antisemitism of Nazi Germany, which threatened the library's existence because its director, Fritz Saxl, was Jewish. The library, containing invaluable renaissance materials, was carefully transported on two freighters, saving a significant collection of scholarly works from potential destruction and symbolizing the intellectual resistance against Nazi oppression.
1934 Birth of Miguel de la Madrid: Miguel de la Madrid was born on December 12, 1934, in Mexico. He would later become the 52nd President of Mexico, serving from 1982 to 1988. De la Madrid was a significant political figure during a challenging period of economic and political transition in Mexico, known for implementing economic reforms and addressing corruption.
1935 Nazi Lebensborn Project Established: Heinrich Himmler founded the Lebensborn Project, a controversial Nazi reproduction program designed to increase the 'Aryan' population through selective breeding and support for racially 'pure' children. The program involved providing support for racially desirable mothers and children, and often included the kidnapping of children from occupied territories who matched Nazi racial ideals.
1936 Xi'an Incident: Chiang Kai-shek Kidnapped: In a dramatic political turn, Marshal Zhang Xueliang kidnaps Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek in Xi'an, a pivotal event that would ultimately reshape China's political landscape and its resistance against Japanese invasion. The incident forced Chiang to form a united front with the Communist Party against external threats.
1937 USS Panay Incident: On December 12, 1937, during the Second Sino-Japanese War, Japanese aircraft attacked and sank the USS Panay, a U.S. Navy gunboat, on the Yangtze River in China. The unprovoked attack resulted in the death of three American sailors and wounded 43 sailors and five civilians. This incident significantly escalated tensions between the United States and Japan, serving as an early indicator of the growing international conflict.
1938 Missouri ex rel. Gaines v. Canada Supreme Court Case: The U.S. Supreme Court decided the landmark civil rights case Missouri ex rel. Gaines v. Canada, which was a significant early legal challenge to racial segregation in higher education.
1939 Winter War: Battle of Tolvajärvi: During the Winter War, Finnish forces achieved a significant strategic victory against Soviet troops at the Battle of Tolvajärvi. This engagement marked a crucial moment in Finland's resistance against Soviet invasion, demonstrating the Finnish military's tactical prowess and determination in defending their homeland.
1940 Plutonium First Synthesized: Scientists Glenn T. Seaborg and Edwin McMillan at the University of California, Berkeley, successfully synthesized plutonium in a groundbreaking laboratory experiment, marking a pivotal moment in nuclear science.
1941 Hitler's Holocaust Declaration: In a chilling meeting at the Reich Chancellery, Adolf Hitler explicitly declared the imminent systematic extermination of European Jews, marking a critical moment in the planning of the Holocaust.
1942 Operation Winter Storm: German Attempt to Break Soviet Encirclement at Stalingrad: During World War II, German forces under General Erich von Manstein launched Operation Winter Storm, a critical military offensive aimed at breaking the Soviet encirclement of the German 6th Army trapped in Stalingrad. This desperate attempt was part of the larger Battle of Stalingrad, a pivotal moment in the Eastern Front of World War II.
1943 Czechoslovak Wartime Diplomatic Agreement: President Edvard Beneš, representing the Czechoslovak government-in-exile, signed a significant 'Treaty of Friendship, Mutual Aid, and Postwar Cooperation' during World War II. This treaty was crucial in establishing diplomatic relations and strategic alliances for Czechoslovakia's post-war reconstruction.
1944 Harold Alexander Promoted to Field Marshal: On December 12, 1944, British General Harold Alexander was promoted to the prestigious rank of field marshal and appointed Supreme Commander of Allied Force Headquarters in the Mediterranean, recognizing his strategic leadership during World War II.
1945 NSB-Leader Anton Mussert Sentenced to Death: The Special Court of Justice convicted Anton Mussert, leader of the Dutch Nazi collaborationist National Socialist Movement (NSB), and sentenced him to death for his wartime activities and treason against the Netherlands.
1946 Deadly Ice Plant Collapse: A catastrophic ice plant collapse in New York City results in the destruction of a tenement building, causing 38 fatalities. The incident highlights the urban infrastructure and safety challenges of the mid-20th century.
1947 First Practical Electronic Transistor Demonstrated: John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley of Bell Labs successfully demonstrated the first practical electronic transistor, a groundbreaking moment in technological history that would revolutionize electronics, computing, and telecommunications. This invention laid the foundation for modern digital technology.
1948 Batang Kali Massacre during Malayan Emergency: On December 12, 1948, during the Malayan Emergency, 14 members of the British Scots Guards allegedly committed a war crime by massacring 24 unarmed civilians in a village near Batang Kali, Malaysia. The soldiers reportedly killed the villagers and then set fire to their homes, marking a dark chapter in British colonial military history.
1949 Birth of Rajinikanth: Rajinikanth (born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad) was born on this date, who would later become one of the most iconic and influential actors in Indian cinema, particularly in Tamil film industry. Known for his unique style, charismatic screen presence, and massive fan following, he would transcend being merely an actor to become a cultural phenomenon.
1950 First Woman Performing Rabbinical Functions in the US: Paula Ackerman made history by becoming the first woman in the United States to be appointed to perform rabbinical functions, leading her congregation in religious services and breaking significant gender barriers in religious leadership.
1951 Birth of Wau Holland, Pioneering German Hacker: Wau Holland, a significant figure in the early hacker culture and co-founder of the influential Chaos Computer Club, was born in Germany. Holland would become a prominent activist and key personality in the digital rights and technology transparency movement, playing a crucial role in shaping the early hacker ethics and digital civil rights discourse.
1952 Neil Peart: Legendary Rock Drummer: Neil Peart was the iconic drummer and primary lyricist for the legendary Canadian progressive rock band Rush. Known for his extraordinary technical skill and intellectual lyrics, Peart is widely considered one of the most influential drummers in rock music history.
1953 Chuck Yeager Breaks Sound Barrier Speed Record: On December 12, 1953, renowned test pilot Chuck Yeager achieved a remarkable milestone in aviation history by flying the Bell X-1A rocket plane at an unprecedented speed of Mach 2.43 (approximately 1,650 miles per hour). This groundbreaking flight further advanced understanding of high-speed aerodynamics and pushed the boundaries of human flight capabilities during the early years of the jet age.
1954 BBC's Groundbreaking Live Adaptation of Nineteen Eighty-Four: On December 12, 1954, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) made television history by broadcasting a live adaptation of George Orwell's seminal dystopian novel 'Nineteen Eighty-Four'. The production starred Peter Cushing in the lead role of Winston Smith, bringing the chilling narrative of totalitarian control and individual suppression to life for television audiences. This landmark broadcast was significant not only for its innovative live transmission format but also for its bold interpretation of Orwell's provocative work, which explored themes of government surveillance, propaganda, and the erosion of personal freedom.
1955 First Hovercraft Prototype Patented: On December 12, 1955, British engineer Christopher Cockerell patented the first prototype of the hovercraft, a revolutionary transportation technology that uses a cushion of air to enable vehicles to glide smoothly over various surfaces, including water and land. Cockerell's innovative design would later transform maritime and amphibious transportation, with applications ranging from military vessels to civilian passenger craft.
1956 Japan Joins the United Nations: Japan officially became a member of the United Nations, symbolizing its post-war reintegration into the international community and marking a significant step in its diplomatic rehabilitation.
1957 First Artificial Heart Experiment: Medical pioneer Willem J. Kolff and his team at Cleveland Clinic conduct groundbreaking research by successfully replacing a dog's heart with a pneumatic pump, keeping the animal alive for 90 minutes and demonstrating the potential of artificial heart technology.
1958 Dutch Government Cabinet Reshuffle: On December 12, 1958, Dutch Social Democratic Party ministers, including Premier Willem Drees, were dismissed from their governmental positions, signaling a significant political transition in the Netherlands.
1959 Nigeria's First Democratic Elections: Nigeria held its first democratic elections in preparation for independence from British colonial rule. These elections were a critical milestone in Nigeria's journey towards self-governance, culminating in full independence on October 1, 1960.
1960 US Supreme Court Strikes Down Louisiana Segregation Laws: In a landmark civil rights decision, the Supreme Court of the United States upheld a lower Federal Court ruling, declaring Louisiana's racial segregation laws unconstitutional and effectively overturning them, marking a significant moment in the fight against systemic racial discrimination.
1961 Martin Luther King Jr. Albany Protest Arrests: Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested along with 700 demonstrators in Albany, Georgia, during a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. This mass arrest highlighted the ongoing struggle for racial equality and nonviolent resistance in the southern United States.
1962 Breakthrough in Anti-Ballistic Missile Technology: A significant milestone in missile defense technology was achieved with the first fully successful intercept of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) by an anti-missile missile, marking a crucial advancement in strategic defense capabilities during the Cold War.
1963 Kenya Gains Independence: Kenya officially declares independence from Great Britain, marking the end of British colonial rule. This momentous event signifies a critical milestone in African decolonization, with Jomo Kenyatta emerging as the nation's first prime minister and leading the country towards self-governance.
1964 Kenya Gains Independence: Prime Minister Jomo Kenyatta becomes the first President of the Republic of Kenya, marking a significant milestone in the country's post-colonial history. This event symbolizes Kenya's transition from British colonial rule to a sovereign nation, with Kenyatta, a prominent independence leader, taking the helm of the new republic.
1965 Beatles' Final Great Britain Concert: The Beatles performed their last concert in Great Britain at the Capitol Theatre in Cardiff, Wales, marking the end of an era for the iconic band in their home country.
1966 Eldridge Cleaver Paroled from Folsom State Prison: Prominent Black Panther leader Eldridge Cleaver was released on parole from California's Folsom State Prison, facilitated by Edward M. Keating, publisher of Ramparts magazine. This event was significant in the context of the civil rights movement and emerging radical political activism of the 1960s.
1967 US Space Mission: Pioneer 8 Solar Orbit Launch: The United States successfully launched Pioneer 8, an unmanned space probe, into solar orbit. This mission was part of NASA's Pioneer program aimed at exploring and gathering scientific data about the solar system, particularly studying solar wind and interplanetary magnetic fields.
1968 Rolling Stones Film 'Rock and Roll Circus': The Rolling Stones produced a groundbreaking TV show 'Rock and Roll Circus', featuring an extraordinary lineup of guest performers including The Who, Jethro Tull, Taj Mahal, Marianne Faithfull, John Lennon, and Yoko Ono.
1969 Piazza Fontana Bombing in Milan: A devastating terrorist attack occurred at the Banca Nazionale dell'Agricoltura in Piazza Fontana, Milan, where a bomb explosion killed 14 people and injured 90 others. This event was part of the 'Strategia della tensione' (Strategy of Tension), a period of political violence and social unrest in Italy during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
1970 The Doors Cease Live Performances: The iconic rock band The Doors announced they would discontinue live performances due to lead singer Jim Morrison's increasingly unpredictable stage behavior, marking a significant moment in rock music history.
1972 First Haitian Boat People Arrive in Florida: A significant migration event occurred when a boatload of 65 Haitian refugees, predominantly Black, landed in Florida. This marked the beginning of the 'boat people' migration from Haiti to the United States, representing an important moment in Caribbean-American immigration history and highlighting the socio-political challenges in Haiti during this period.
1973 San Diego Padres Relocation Legal Battle: San Diego filed an anti-trust lawsuit against the National League to prevent the San Diego Padres baseball team from relocating to Washington DC, demonstrating the legal complexities of professional sports franchises.
1974 Jimmy Carter Announces Presidential Campaign: On December 12, 1974, 50-year-old Jimmy Carter, then Governor of Georgia, officially launched his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination at the Atlanta Civic Center. This moment marked the beginning of Carter's underdog campaign that would ultimately lead him to win the presidency in 1976, defeating incumbent Gerald Ford.
1975 Assassination Attempt on President Gerald Ford: Sara Jane Moore pleaded guilty to attempting to assassinate United States President Gerald Ford, marking another significant security incident during the tumultuous mid-1970s in American political history.
1976 Joe Namath's Final Game with New York Jets: Legendary quarterback Joe Namath played his last game with the New York Jets, marking the end of an iconic era in professional football. Namath, known for his charismatic personality and pivotal role in Super Bowl III, concluded his tenure with the Jets, leaving a lasting legacy in NFL history.
1977 Historic Israeli Civilian Flight to Egypt: An Airline Arkia BAC-111 jet made a groundbreaking flight from Tel Aviv to Cairo, carrying 64 journalists to cover the upcoming peace talks. This flight symbolized improving diplomatic relations between Israel and Arab nations during the late 1970s peace negotiations.
1978 MS München Disaster: Tragic Sinking in North Sea: On December 12, 1978, the West German freighter MS München was struck by a catastrophic rogue wave in the North Sea, resulting in the complete loss of the vessel and all 28 crew members. This maritime tragedy highlighted the extreme and unpredictable dangers of oceanic navigation, particularly in harsh North Sea conditions. The incident became a pivotal case study in maritime safety, leading to significant improvements in ship design, weather monitoring, and emergency response protocols for merchant vessels.
1979 South Korean Military Coup: A significant military coup occurred in South Korea, led by Major General Chun Doo-hwan, which dramatically altered the country's political landscape and military leadership.
1980 Apple Computer's Historic Initial Public Offering: Apple Computer becomes a publicly traded company through a landmark initial public offering (IPO), selling 4.6 million shares at US$22 per share. The offering creates significant wealth for over 40 Apple employees and investors, marking the largest IPO in the United States since Ford's public offering in 1956.
1981 Solidarity's Democratic Push in Poland: In a pivotal meeting in Gdańsk, the national commission of the Polish independent union Solidarity strategizes to lobby for a referendum introducing multiparty elections, challenging the communist regime's single-party system.
1982 Massive Women's Peace Protest at Greenham Common: 30,000 women formed a powerful human chain around the 14.5 kilometers (9.0 miles) perimeter fence of the Greenham Common military base, demonstrating against nuclear weapons and military escalation during the Cold War.
1983 Terrorist Attack on US Embassy in Kuwait: A devastating truck bomb exploded at the United States Embassy in Kuwait City, marking a significant terrorist incident during the Cold War era. The bombing targeted American diplomatic personnel and infrastructure, highlighting the volatile geopolitical tensions in the Middle East during the early 1980s.
1984 Battle of Tolvajärvi: Finnish Victory in Winter War: Finnish forces achieve a significant and morale-boosting victory against Soviet Union troops in the Battle of Tolvajärvi, marking their first major success during the Winter War of 1939-1940.
1985 Arrow Air Flight 1285R Crash in Gander: On December 12, 1985, Arrow Air Flight 1285R, a McDonnell Douglas DC-8, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Gander International Airport in Newfoundland, Canada. The catastrophic accident resulted in the deaths of all 256 people on board, including 236 members of the United States Army's 101st Airborne Division who were returning from a peacekeeping mission in the Sinai Peninsula. The flight was a charter carrying U.S. servicemen back to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, making this one of the deadliest military aviation accidents in U.S. history.
1986 Tragic Tupolev-134 Crash in East Berlin: A Russian Tupolev-134 passenger aircraft crashed in East Berlin, resulting in a devastating loss of 70 lives. The incident highlighted the significant aviation safety challenges of the mid-1980s and the risks associated with Soviet-era aircraft.
1987 Mookie Blaylock's NBA Steals Record: NBA player Mookie Blaylock achieved a remarkable individual performance by setting an NBA record with 13 steals in a single game, showcasing extraordinary defensive skills.
1988 Palestinian Liberation Organization's Historic Recognition of Israel: Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) leader Yasser Arafat formally accepts Israel's right to exist, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough in the long-standing Middle East conflict.
1989 Helen Flanagan - English Actress Birth: Helen Flanagan is an English actress and television personality, best known for her role as Rosie Webster in the long-running British soap opera Coronation Street. Born on December 12, 1989, she has since become a prominent media figure in the United Kingdom, participating in reality shows like I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and pursuing various entertainment and modeling opportunities.
1990 US Ambassador Leaves Kuwait: Nathaniel Howell, the United States Ambassador to Kuwait, departed from Kuwait amid rising tensions in the region during the Gulf War period.
1991 Russian SFSR Separates from Soviet Union: The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) officially ceased being part of the Soviet Union, a critical step in the dissolution of the USSR and the emergence of independent post-Soviet states.
1992 Devastating Flores Earthquake and Tsunami: A catastrophic magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Flores Region in Indonesia, triggering a massive tsunami with wave heights up to 25 meters. The disaster resulted in at least 2,200 people killed or missing, over 500 injured, and approximately 40,000 left homeless, causing widespread destruction and humanitarian crisis.
1993 GATT Uruguay Round Concludes Successfully: After seven years of negotiations, the Uruguay Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) reaches a successful conclusion, paving the way for global trade reforms.
1994 First Chechen War Begins with Attack on Grozny: Russian Federation military forces launched a major offensive by attacking the city of Grozny, marking the start of the First Chechen War. This conflict would become a significant and brutal confrontation between Russian forces and Chechen separatists, resulting in substantial civilian casualties and geopolitical tensions.
1995 Willie Brown Becomes First African-American Mayor of San Francisco: Willie Brown made history by defeating incumbent mayor Frank Jordan to become the first African-American mayor of San Francisco, representing a significant milestone in the city's political representation.
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.
1997 Carlos the Jackal Goes on Trial in Paris: Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, known as 'Carlos the Jackal', a notorious international terrorist, began his trial in Paris, France, facing multiple charges of revolutionary violence.
1998 Pennsylvania Ratifies the U.S. Constitution: On December 12, 1787, Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the United States Constitution, playing a crucial role in the formation of the new American government and democratic system.
1999 Powerful Earthquake Strikes Luzon, Philippines: A severe magnitude 7.3 earthquake hit the Philippines's main island of Luzon, causing significant damage. The earthquake resulted in six fatalities, 40 injuries, and widespread power outages that impacted Manila, the capital city. The event underscored the Philippines' vulnerability to seismic activity.
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.
2001 Zacarias Moussaoui Indicted for 9/11 Conspiracy: Zacarias Moussaoui, a Moroccan-born French citizen, was formally indicted in a Virginia court for his alleged involvement in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He was charged with multiple serious offenses, including conspiracy to murder, terrorism, aircraft piracy, and use of weapons of mass destruction.
2002 Batang Kali Massacre: Controversial War Crime Allegation: During the Malayan Emergency, members of the British Scots Guards were accused of committing a serious war crime. The alleged incident involved the killing of 24 unarmed civilians and burning down a village, raising significant questions about military conduct and potential human rights violations during colonial conflicts.
2003 Saddam Hussein Captured in Tikrit: Saddam Hussein, the former President of Iraq, was captured by the U.S. 4th Infantry Division in his hometown of Tikrit, marking a significant turning point in the Iraq War and U.S. military operations.
2004 Israel-Palestine Conflict Incident near Rafah: A significant escalation of violence occurred near the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Rafah. A tunnel containing 1,500 kg of explosives was detonated, resulting in the deaths of five Israeli soldiers and injuries to ten others. Hamas and the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades' offshoot, 'Fatah Hawk', claimed joint responsibility. In a separate incident, five Palestinian schoolchildren were injured by Israeli tank fire.
2005 Assassination of Gebran Tueni: Gebran Tueni, a prominent Lebanese anti-Syrian parliament member and managing editor of the liberal An-Nahar newspaper, was killed in a car bombing attack in Beirut. Having been in Paris for months due to security concerns, Tueni had recently returned to Lebanon. This assassination followed a similar car bomb attack in June that killed another An-Nahar journalist, Samir Kaassir.
2006 Arctic Ice Melt Warning: Leading climate scientists issued a dire warning that Arctic ice is projected to melt by 2040, with the North Pole potentially becoming open water. This prediction highlighted the urgent challenges of global climate change.
2007 Central Banks Coordinate Global Liquidity Response: Major central banks, including the Bank of England, Bank of Canada, European Central Bank, and Swiss National Bank, announced a coordinated plan to address potential liquidity crises in global money markets, demonstrating international financial cooperation during economic uncertainty.
2008 Bernard Madoff Ponzi Scheme Exposed: Bernard Madoff, former chairman of the Nasdaq Stock Exchange, was charged with orchestrating one of the most significant financial frauds in history—a Ponzi scheme estimated at $50 billion, which would have far-reaching consequences for investors and financial markets.
2009 CIA Terminates Blackwater Drone Contract: The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency cancelled its contract with Xe Services LLC (formerly Blackwater) for drone operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan, signaling a shift in military contractor policies.
2010 Julian Assange Legal Challenges: Julian Assange's lawyer warns that potential American spying charges are imminent, despite no clear criminal charges. Assange is reportedly being held in isolation with limited legal access.
2011 Obama Demands Return of Captured US Drone from Iran: United States President Barack Obama officially requested Iran to return the RQ-170 Sentinel stealth drone, which was captured by Iranian forces in Kashmar on December 4, 2011.
2012 U.S. Recognizes Syrian Opposition: President Obama officially recognized the Syrian opposition coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people, challenging the Assad regime. This diplomatic move was coordinated with other Western and Gulf nations during the Friends of Syria meeting in Morocco.
2013 Nelson Mandela's State Funeral Preparations: Nelson Mandela's body is lying in state at the Pretoria federal government district, marking a significant moment in South African history as the nation prepares to bid farewell to its iconic anti-apartheid leader.
2014 Sony Pictures Entertainment Hack Disrupts Production: Following a massive computer hack, Sony Pictures Entertainment was forced to shut down production on several sets due to computer network problems affecting employee pay disbursement.
2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21): The 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) was held in Paris, bringing together global leaders to address critical environmental challenges. Delegates from 195 countries convened to negotiate a landmark agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
2016 Battle for Aleppo Concludes: According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the battle for Aleppo has concluded with a significant victory for the Syrian government, marking a crucial turning point in the Syrian Civil War.
2017 Arctic Climate Change Report: The Arctic Report Card reveals dramatic changes, showing the largest drop in Arctic sea ice extent and ocean surface temperature in over 1,500 years, highlighting critical climate change impacts.
2018 Michael Cohen Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Payments: Michael Cohen, former personal lawyer to U.S. President Donald Trump, was sentenced to three years in prison for making illegal hush money payments to two women with whom Trump allegedly had affairs. He received a concurrent two-year sentence for making false statements to Congress regarding a potential Trump Tower sale in Russia.
2019 Evo Morales Seeks Asylum in Argentina: Evo Morales, the former President of Bolivia who was forced to resign amid political unrest, was granted asylum in Argentina. This marked a significant moment in the political transition and regional diplomatic relations in South America.
2020 UN Chief Calls for Global Climate Emergency Declaration: On the 5th anniversary of the Paris Climate Accord, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a powerful and urgent plea to world leaders, calling for an immediate and comprehensive declaration of a 'climate emergency'. His address highlighted the critical need for immediate, coordinated global action to mitigate the escalating risks of catastrophic global warming and its potential devastating impacts on human societies and ecosystems.
2021 G7 Warns Russia Against Ukraine Invasion: The G7 nations issued a stern warning to Russia, emphasizing that any invasion of Ukraine would incur 'massive consequences' and severe economic and diplomatic repercussions, escalating international tensions.
2022 Putin Hints at Potential Nuclear Doctrine Change: Russian President Vladimir Putin raised global tensions by suggesting Russia might modify its nuclear doctrine to allow for a preemptive first strike, citing U.S. policy as justification and potentially escalating international nuclear rhetoric.
2023 UN General Assembly Demands Humanitarian Ceasefire in Gaza: The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to demand a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting the devastating humanitarian crisis. Reports indicate approximately 18,000 Palestinians have been killed, with 70% of casualties being children and women. Over 80% of the population has been displaced, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian intervention.

What Is special about December 12?

December 12 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 12.