Historical Events on December 16: 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 16, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on December 16 - Key Moments Throughout History

1900 Mediterranean Agreement Between France and Italy: France and Italy signed a strategic diplomatic agreement in Rome, establishing a mutual understanding regarding territorial interests in North Africa. The treaty outlined that France would not oppose Italy's potential occupation of Cyrenaica and Tripoli in exchange for France's expanded influence in Morocco.
1901 Publication of The Tale of Peter Rabbit: Beatrix Potter published her iconic children's book 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit', which would go on to become one of the most beloved and best-selling children's books in history. The story, featuring the mischievous Peter Rabbit, was initially self-published and later picked up by Frederick Warne & Co., launching Potter's career as a celebrated children's author and illustrator.
1902 Uneventful Day in 1902: While no major historical events were prominently recorded for December 16, 1902, this date represents a typical day during the early 20th century, a period of significant global transformation marked by industrialization, colonial expansion, and emerging technological innovations.
1903 Wright Brothers' First Sustained Flight: Orville Wright makes the first successful sustained flight in an airplane near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, a pivotal moment in aviation history that would revolutionize transportation and human mobility.
1904 Norbert E. Fonteyne: Flemish Literary Figure: Norbert E. Fonteyne was a notable Flemish writer associated with the literary establishment of Guest House VivFs. While details about his specific works and contributions are limited, he represents the rich literary tradition of Flemish culture in the early 20th century.
1905 Historic Rugby Union Match Between Wales and New Zealand: The legendary "Match of the Century" was played between Wales and New Zealand at Cardiff Arms Park, a pivotal moment in rugby history that would be remembered for generations.
1906 Devastating Valparaíso Earthquake of 1906: A catastrophic magnitude 8.2 earthquake struck Valparaíso, Chile, causing massive destruction and leaving approximately 20,000 people injured. The seismic event was one of the most significant natural disasters in Chilean history, causing widespread infrastructure damage and significant humanitarian challenges for the region.
1907 Great White Fleet World Voyage Begins: President Theodore Roosevelt launched the Great White Fleet from Hampton Roads, Virginia, on a groundbreaking world tour. The mission was multifaceted: test naval readiness, establish global presence, generate international goodwill, and boost enthusiasm for the U.S. Navy. The impressive flotilla consisted of sixteen battleships and 14,000 sailors, embarking on an epic 43,000-mile journey that would touch port in 20 locations across six continents.
1908 Great White Fleet Begins Global Circumnavigation: The United States Navy launched its impressive 'Great White Fleet' of 16 battleships, embarking on a groundbreaking 14-month global voyage. This diplomatic and strategic mission, ordered by President Theodore Roosevelt, demonstrated America's emerging naval power and served as a powerful show of international maritime strength.
1909 US Diplomatic Pressure Ousts Nicaraguan President: José Santos Zelaya was forced to resign as President of Nicaragua due to significant diplomatic and military pressure from the United States. American warships positioned near Nicaragua's coastline played a crucial role in compelling Zelaya to step down, marking a notable instance of U.S. interventionism in Latin American politics during the early 20th century.
1910 First Jet Propulsion Aircraft Incident: During a ground test of his Coandă-1910 plane, Romanian aviation pioneer Henri Coandă experienced an unexpected and dramatic moment when the powerful jet engine unexpectedly lifted the aircraft, causing him to lose control. The experimental aircraft subsequently crashed, marking a significant moment in early aviation history.
1911 Britain's National Health Insurance Act Passed: The National Health Insurance Act received royal assent on December 16, 1911, marking a significant milestone in British social welfare policy by introducing a foundational system of health insurance for workers.
1912 Battle of Elli in First Balkan War: The Royal Hellenic Navy decisively defeated the Ottoman Navy in a significant naval engagement during the First Balkan War, demonstrating Greece's maritime prowess and strategic capabilities.
1913 Charlie Chaplin Launches Film Career at Keystone Studios: On December 16, 1913, Charlie Chaplin began his groundbreaking film career at Keystone Studios, signing a contract for $150 per week. This pivotal moment marked the start of what would become one of the most iconic careers in cinema history, launching the legendary comedian and filmmaker into the emerging world of motion pictures.
1914 German Naval Raid on English Coastal Towns: During World War I, Admiral Franz von Hipper led a significant naval operation targeting the English coastal towns of Scarborough, Hartlepool, and Whitby. The surprise attack on December 16, 1914, resulted in over 700 casualties and caused substantial damage, sparking widespread public anger in Britain and increasing anti-German sentiment.
1915 Einstein Publishes General Theory of Relativity: On December 16, 1915, Albert Einstein presented his groundbreaking General Theory of Relativity to the Prussian Academy of Sciences in Berlin. This revolutionary scientific theory fundamentally transformed our understanding of gravity, space, and time. Einstein proposed that massive objects cause a distortion in space-time, which we perceive as gravitational force. The theory replaced Newton's classical model of gravity and laid the groundwork for modern physics, eventually leading to predictions like black holes and gravitational waves.
1916 Murder of Grigori Rasputin: Grigori Rasputin, the influential and controversial Russian mystic and self-proclaimed holy man who wielded significant political influence in the court of Tsar Nicholas II, was assassinated at the age of 45. Known as the 'Mad Monk', Rasputin was killed by a group of Russian nobles who viewed him as a dangerous and corrupting influence on the Russian royal family. The assassination, which involved multiple attempts including poisoning, shooting, and eventual drowning, became a legendary event symbolizing the growing political tensions in Imperial Russia just before the Russian Revolution.
1917 Bolsheviks Capture Sevastopol: During the Russian Civil War, Bolshevik forces captured the strategic port city of Sevastopol in Crimea, just three days after the region had declared independence. This military action was part of the broader struggle for control of the region during the tumultuous period following the Russian Revolution.
1918 Silent Sentinels Protest for Women's Suffrage: The American women's suffrage group Silent Sentinels escalated their protest by burning copies of President Woodrow Wilson's statement about women's voting rights in watch fires in front of the White House, drawing national attention to their cause.
1919 First Meeting of the League of Nations in Paris: The inaugural meeting of the League of Nations, an international diplomatic organization established after World War I to promote world peace and prevent future conflicts, was held in Paris. This marked a significant milestone in international cooperation and diplomacy following the devastating global conflict.
1920 Devastating Haiyuan Earthquake in China: A catastrophic 8.6 magnitude earthquake struck Gansu Province in China, destroying approximately 15,000 square miles of land and causing over 180,000 fatalities. The earthquake was one of the deadliest seismic events of the early 20th century, devastating local communities and infrastructure.
1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty Ratification: On December 16, 1921, the Anglo-Irish Treaty was formally ratified, marking a pivotal moment in Irish history. This treaty, negotiated between representatives of the British government and Sinn Féin, effectively ended centuries of British colonial rule in most of Ireland. The agreement established the Irish Free State as a self-governing dominion within the British Empire, while six counties in Ulster remained part of the United Kingdom. This treaty was a significant step towards Irish independence, though it would ultimately lead to the Irish Civil War due to divisions among Irish nationalists about the terms of the agreement.
1922 Assassination of Polish President Gabriel Narutowicz: President Gabriel Narutowicz was assassinated by Eligiusz Niewiadomski at the Zacheta Gallery in Warsaw. This shocking event occurred just five days after Narutowicz took office, marking a tragic moment in early Polish democratic history. The assassination was politically motivated, reflecting the deep social and political tensions in Poland during this period.
1923 Greek Liberal Party Wins Parliamentary Control: The Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Stylianos Gonatas, secured a majority in the Greek parliament. Their electoral victory was marked by a bold political platform advocating for the abolition of the Greek monarchy, signaling a potential significant shift in the country's governance structure.
1924 Hiram Bingham Transitions from Governor to Senator: Hiram Bingham resigned as Governor of Connecticut after being elected to the United States Senate, completing a notable political transition. Bingham, who was also famous for his archaeological work in Peru, including his rediscovery of Machu Picchu, would go on to serve in the Senate from 1925 to 1933.
1925 Italianization Tensions in South Tyrol: The Italianization of South Tyrol escalated into a diplomatic dispute between Italy and Germany when a newspaper run by Gustav Stresemann published an editorial protesting an Italian decree that banned Christmas trees, symbolizing cultural suppression.
1926 Kenesaw Mountain Landis Renews Baseball Commissioner Role: Kenesaw Mountain Landis is renewed as baseball commissioner for another seven-year term, continuing his influential leadership in Major League Baseball following the Black Sox scandal.
1927 German Naval Bombardment of English Coastal Towns: During World War I, German warships launched a significant naval attack on the northern English coastal towns of Scarborough, Whitby, and Hartlepool, firing over 500 shells. This unprecedented assault marked a shocking moment in the war, as it was the first time English civilians were directly targeted, bringing the brutality of the conflict to British home soil and causing significant civilian casualties and psychological trauma.
1928 Death of Elinor Wylie, Prominent American Poet and Novelist: Elinor Wylie, a distinguished American poet and novelist known for her lyrical poetry and complex personal life, passed away on December 16, 1928, at the relatively young age of 43. Wylie was celebrated for her sophisticated literary style, precise language, and works that often explored themes of beauty, passion, and personal struggle. Her notable poetry collections included 'Nets to Catch the Wind' and 'Black Armour', which established her as a significant voice in early 20th-century American literature.
1929 Pope Pius XI Expands College of Cardinals: On December 16, 1929, Pope Pius XI expanded the College of Cardinals by creating six new cardinals. Notably, this group included Eugenio Pacelli, who was serving as the Vatican's Apostolic Nuncio to Germany at the time. Pacelli would later become Pope Pius XII in 1939, serving during the tumultuous years of World War II.
1930 Bobby Jones Wins Sullivan Award: Golfer Bobby Jones receives the prestigious James E. Sullivan Award, recognizing him as the top amateur athlete in the United States for his outstanding achievements in golf.
1931 Formation of the Iron Front in Germany: The German Social Democratic Party (SPD) established the Eiserne Front (Iron Front), a paramilitary organization dedicated to combating the rising tide of fascism in Weimar Germany. This organization was formed in response to the growing threat of Nazi and other far-right paramilitary groups, aiming to protect democratic values and resist the spread of authoritarian ideologies.
1932 Uruguay Grants Women's Suffrage: Uruguay made a significant stride in democratic rights by granting women the right to vote and stand for election, marking an important milestone in the country's progression towards gender equality and political representation.
1933 Spanish Political Leadership Change: Diego Martínez Barrio resigned as Prime Minister of Spain, marking a significant political transition. He was immediately succeeded by Alejandro Lerroux, reflecting the volatile political landscape of Spain during the early 1930s, a period characterized by frequent governmental changes.
1934 Fascist International Congress in Montreux: The two-day Fascist International Congress convened in Montreux, Switzerland, bringing together fascist leaders and ideologues to discuss transnational fascist cooperation and strategies during the interwar period.
1935 Mussolini Authorizes Chemical Weapons in Ethiopia: Italian dictator Benito Mussolini authorized the use of chemical weapons in Ethiopia, escalating the conflict and signaling a brutal approach to colonial conquest. This decision represented a significant violation of international norms and foreshadowed the horrific military tactics that would become more prevalent in the lead-up to World War II.
1936 Uneventful Day in 1936: While no specific major historical events were recorded for December 16, 1936, this was during the interwar period, a time of significant global political tension. In the mid-1930s, the world was experiencing rising geopolitical uncertainties, with the Spanish Civil War ongoing and tensions escalating in Europe that would eventually lead to World War II.
1937 Alcatraz Prison Escape Attempt by Cole and Roe: Theodore Cole and Ralph Roe made a daring escape attempt from the notorious Alcatraz federal prison located in San Francisco Bay. Despite their meticulous planning, the prisoners vanished without a trace after their escape, leading to decades of speculation about their ultimate fate. The harsh conditions of the bay, including strong currents and cold waters, made survival highly unlikely.
1938 Joseph Kennedy's European Peace Assessment: U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain, Joseph Kennedy, met with President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House and reported a significant shift in his perspective regarding the prospects for peace in Europe, signaling growing international tensions.
1939 Finnish Ski Troops Introduce Molotov Cocktails in Winter War: During the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union, Finnish ski troops pioneered the use of improvised incendiary weapons known as 'Molotov Cocktails'. These homemade explosive devices became a crucial defensive tool for Finnish forces fighting against Soviet tanks and infantry, showcasing innovative guerrilla warfare tactics.
1940 RAF Bombing of Mannheim: British Royal Air Force (RAF) conducted a strategic bombing raid on the German city of Mannheim during World War II.
1941 Establishment of Brześć Ghetto: The Nazis established the Brześć Ghetto in occupied Poland, a tragic event representing the systematic persecution and segregation of Jewish populations during the Holocaust.
1942 Holocaust: Roma Deportation to Auschwitz: Heinrich Himmler, chief of the Schutzstaffel (SS), issued a systematic order for the deportation of Roma people to the Auschwitz concentration camp, marking a critical escalation in the Nazi regime's genocidal policies targeting Romani populations during World War II.
1943 Tamiami Champion Train Collision Tragedy: A devastating train collision involving the Tamiami Champion occurred, resulting in 73 fatalities and over 200 injuries. This catastrophic accident represents one of the deadliest train crashes in mid-20th century United States transportation history.
1944 Operation Autumn Mist: German Surprise Offensive in the Ardennes: At 0530 hours, Adolf Hitler launches Operation Autumn Mist (Herbstnebel), a massive surprise attack on the Western Front. A brief 30-minute artillery bombardment precedes troop movements. Approximately 200,000 German tank and infantry troops attack along a 60-mile front from Monschau to Echternach through the Ardennes, overwhelming the 83,000 American defenders.
1945 Tragic Racial Violence Against Black Family in California: In a horrific act of racial violence, the Short family home in Fontana, California was deliberately set on fire, resulting in the deaths of Helen Short and her two young children, Barry and Carol Ann. Initially disguised as an accident, investigations later confirmed this as a deliberate arson attack motivated by racial hatred.
1946 First Constituent Assembly of India Convenes: The first Constituent Assembly of India convened in New Delhi with 323 of the 389 members present. Notably, 76 Muslim League members boycotted the session, reflecting the complex political dynamics during India's path to independence and constitution-making.
1947 Invention of the Point-Contact Transistor: At Bell Labs in Murray Hill, New Jersey, William Shockley, John Bardeen, and Walter Brattain successfully developed the first practical point-contact transistor, a groundbreaking invention that would revolutionize electronics and computing. This semiconductor device marked a pivotal moment in technological history, enabling smaller, more efficient electronic components and paving the way for modern digital technology.
1948 UN Adopts Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The United Nations General Assembly ratified the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a landmark document that established fundamental human rights to be universally protected. This historic moment represented a significant milestone in international human rights law following World War II.
1949 Indonesia Gains Independence: Sukarno Becomes First President: On December 16, 1949, Sukarno officially became the first President of Indonesia, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule. He was accompanied by Mohammed Hatta, who served as the premier, forming a critical leadership duo in the early years of the newly independent Indonesian state.
1950 Truman Declares Emergency Against Communist Imperialism: On December 16, 1950, U.S. President Harry Truman proclaimed a state of emergency in response to the escalating tensions of the Cold War, specifically targeting what he characterized as 'Communist imperialism'. This declaration was a significant moment in the early stages of the Korean War, reflecting the United States' growing concern about communist expansion in Asia.
1951 World's First Experimental Nuclear Power Plant Opens: The Experimental Breeder Reactor-1 (EBR-1) begins operations, marking a significant milestone in nuclear energy development. Located in Idaho, this groundbreaking facility demonstrates the potential of nuclear power generation and represents a pivotal moment in scientific and technological advancement.
1952 Birth of Joel Garner, West Indian Cricket Legend: Joel Garner, a towering two-meter tall pace bowler, was born on December 16, 1952, in Barbados. Known as 'Big Bird' for his exceptional height, he became one of the most formidable fast bowlers in cricket history, playing for the West Indies cricket team from 1977 to 1987. His intimidating height and precision made him a key player in the dominant West Indian cricket team of that era.
1953 Chuck Yeager Breaks Speed Record in Bell X-1A: On December 16, 1953, legendary test pilot Chuck Yeager achieved a groundbreaking aviation milestone by flying the Bell X-1A aircraft at an unprecedented speed of 2,575 kilometers per hour (1,650 miles per hour), which was nearly two and a half times the speed of sound. This remarkable feat further advanced aerospace technology and human understanding of high-speed flight capabilities.
1954 Uneventful Day in Mid-1950s America: While no specific major historical events were recorded for December 16, 1954, this period represented a relatively stable time in post-World War II United States. The mid-1950s were characterized by economic growth, suburban expansion, and the early stages of the Cold War era. Daily life continued with typical social and economic activities across the nation.
1955 Earl Attlee Peerage Creation: The title of Earl Attlee is officially created in the British peerage, honoring former Prime Minister Clement Attlee in recognition of his significant political leadership during and after World War II. This elevation to the peerage was a traditional method of recognizing distinguished public service in British political history.
1956 Death of Nina Hamnett, Prominent Welsh Artist: Nina Hamnett, a notable Welsh artist, painter, and author, passed away on December 16, 1956. Known for her contributions to the early 20th-century art scene, Hamnett was a significant figure in the modernist movement and bohemian circles of Paris and London.
1957 NATO Heads of Government Summit in Paris: A critical NATO summit commenced in Paris, France, bringing together heads of government to discuss strategic matters during the Cold War era. The high-level meeting would continue until December 19, focusing on collective defense and geopolitical challenges.
1958 Vida Department Store Fire in Bogotá: A devastating warehouse fire occurred in the Vida Department Store in Bogotá, Colombia, resulting in the tragic loss of 82 lives. The incident highlighted significant fire safety concerns and urban infrastructure vulnerabilities in mid-20th century Colombian cities.
1959 Second City Comedy Troupe Founded: The legendary improvisational comedy troupe Second City was established at 1842 N. Wells Street in Chicago. This groundbreaking comedy institution would go on to launch the careers of numerous famous comedians and significantly influence American comedy and sketch performance.
1960 1960 New York Air Disaster: On December 16, 1960, a catastrophic mid-air collision occurred over Staten Island, New York, involving a United Airlines Douglas DC-8 and a TWA Lockheed Super Constellation. The aircraft collided in a blinding snowstorm while approaching Idlewild Airport (now John F. Kennedy International Airport), resulting in the tragic loss of 134 lives - 128 passengers and crew from both aircraft, and six people on the ground.
1961 Battle of the Bulge Begins: A massive surprise German offensive through the Ardennes forest during World War II, representing one of the war's most significant and desperate military operations.
1962 First Confirmed Alcatraz Escape: John Paul Scott becomes the first person confirmed to have successfully escaped from the notorious Alcatraz Island prison and reached the mainland, challenging the prison's reputation for being inescapable.
1964 US performs nuclear test in the Pacific Ocean.
1965 Vietnam War: Troop Expansion Request: General William Westmoreland submitted a formal request to U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara for an additional 243,000 military personnel by the end of 1966, signaling the escalating American involvement in the Vietnam War.
1966 First Successful Human Heart Transplant: Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the world's first successful human-to-human heart transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. This groundbreaking medical procedure marked a significant milestone in surgical history and medical science.
1967 Silver Bridge Collapse Tragedy: On December 16, 1967, the Silver Bridge spanning the Ohio River between Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and Gallipolis, Ohio, catastrophically collapsed during rush hour traffic. The structural failure resulted in the tragic deaths of 46 people, marking one of the most significant infrastructure disasters in mid-20th century United States history. The collapse was later attributed to a critical metal fatigue failure in a key suspension chain link, highlighting serious concerns about bridge maintenance and engineering standards.
1968 Vatican Council Rescinds Edict of Expulsion of Jews: The Second Vatican Council officially revoked the historic Edict of Expulsion of Jews from Spain, marking a significant moment of reconciliation and acknowledgment of past religious persecution. This landmark decision represented a profound shift in the Catholic Church's stance towards the Jewish community, addressing a centuries-old injustice dating back to the 1492 Alhambra Decree.
1969 British House of Commons Abolishes Death Penalty: In a landmark legislative decision, the British House of Commons voted 343-185 to permanently abolish capital punishment for murder, marking a significant milestone in human rights and criminal justice reform.
1970 First Successful Landing on Venus: The Soviet Venera 7 spacecraft achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first spacecraft to successfully land on another planet, Venus. This groundbreaking achievement marked a significant moment in space exploration, providing unprecedented scientific data about the harsh Venusian environment.
1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and Indo-Pakistani War Conclusion: The surrender of the Pakistan army in East Pakistan brings a decisive end to both the Bangladesh Liberation War and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, fundamentally reshaping the geopolitical landscape of South Asia.
1972 Vietnam War Peace Negotiations Collapse: Henry Kissinger announced that North Vietnam had withdrawn from private peace negotiations in Paris, signaling continued tensions and prolonging the Vietnam War conflict.
1973 O.J. Simpson NFL Rushing Record: O.J. Simpson of the Buffalo Bills becomes the first NFL player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season, breaking Jim Brown's previous record of 1,863 yards by achieving 2,003 yards.
1974 US Nuclear Test in Nevada: The United States performed a nuclear weapons test at the Nevada Test Site on December 16, 1974, continuing its nuclear weapons research and development program during the Cold War era.
1975 UN Rescinds Zionism-Racism Resolution: The United Nations General Assembly voted to revoke its controversial 1975 resolution that had equated Zionism with racism, representing a significant diplomatic shift in international relations.
1976 Andrew Young Appointed UN Ambassador: Andrew Young was named Ambassador and Chief US Delegate to the United Nations, marking a significant moment in diplomatic representation and civil rights leadership.
1977 Saturday Night Fever Theatrical Release: The iconic dance film 'Saturday Night Fever' was released in theaters, marking a pivotal moment in 1970s pop culture. Directed by John Badham and starring John Travolta, the movie became a massive commercial success, grossing $237.1 million against a modest $3.5 million budget. The film not only launched Travolta's film career but also propelled the Bee Gees to international stardom through its groundbreaking disco soundtrack.
1978 Reagan Criticizes China Diplomatic Recognition: Ronald Reagan publicly denounced President Jimmy Carter's decision to officially recognize the People's Republic of China, marking a significant moment in Cold War-era diplomatic relations.
1979 OPEC Oil Price Increase: Libya joined four other OPEC nations in raising crude oil prices, triggering an immediate and significant economic impact on the United States and global energy markets.
1980 OPEC Summit in Bali Raises Oil Prices: During a significant summit on the island of Bali, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) collectively decided to raise the global petroleum price by ten percent, reflecting the ongoing economic tensions and energy market dynamics of the early 1980s.
1981 Wujek Coal Mine Massacre: During the Polish communist era, riot police violently suppressed a workers' strike at the Wujek coal mine in Katowice. Using tanks and firearms, police brutally attacked striking workers and emergency personnel, resulting in nine miners and four police officers being killed. This event was a stark example of state violence against workers during the period of martial law in Poland.
1982 Death of Colin Chapman, Automotive Pioneer: Colin Chapman, renowned British automotive designer, inventor, and founder of Lotus Cars, passed away at the age of 54. Chapman was a revolutionary figure in automotive engineering, known for innovative design principles that transformed racing and sports car technology.
1983 The Who Announces Disbandment: A spokesperson for the iconic rock band The Who officially announced the group's intention to disband, marking a significant moment in rock music history.
1984 Charity Single Milestone: On December 16, 1984, Band Aid's charity single 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' was the number one song in the United Kingdom, raising awareness and funds for famine relief in Ethiopia, marking a significant moment in music-driven humanitarian efforts.
1985 Gambino Crime Family Leadership Shift: In a significant moment of organized crime history, Mafia bosses Paul Castellano and Thomas Bilotti were assassinated in front of Spark's Steak House in New York City, which paved the way for John Gotti to become the leader of the powerful Gambino crime family.
1986 Jeltoqsan Uprising in Alma-Ata: On December 16, 1986, significant ethnic riots erupted in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan (then Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic), triggered by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's controversial decision to replace Dinmukhamed Kunaev, an ethnic Kazakh who had led the Communist Party of Kazakhstan for many years, with Gennady Kolbin, an ethnic Russian from outside the republic. This event represented a critical moment of ethnic tension and resistance against Soviet centralized control.
1987 Roh Tae Woo Wins South Korean Presidential Election: On December 16, 1987, Roh Tae Woo was democratically elected as the President of South Korea, marking a significant moment in the country's transition from military rule to democratic governance. Roh, a former military general, represented the Democratic Justice Party and won the election during a pivotal period of political reform in South Korea.
1988 Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise Air Taxi Crash: A tragic aviation accident occurred when a Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise air taxi operated by Broughton Air Services crashed at Sturt Meadows Station in Western Australia. All 10 passengers on board perished in this devastating incident.
1989 Romanian Revolution Begins in Timișoara: Protests erupt in Timișoara, Romania, sparked by the government's attempt to forcibly evict László Tőkés, a dissident Hungarian pastor. This event marks a critical moment in the Romanian Revolution, challenging the oppressive Ceaușescu regime and ultimately leading to its downfall.
1990 Haiti's Democratic Transition: Aristide's Presidential Election: Reverend Jean-Bertrand Aristide was elected President of Haiti, marking a historic moment that ended nearly three decades of oppressive military rule. As a former Catholic priest and pro-democracy activist, Aristide represented a significant shift towards democratic governance in Haiti, bringing hope for political reform and social change.
1991 UN Revokes Resolution Equating Zionism with Racism: The United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 4686, which revoked the previous Resolution 3379 that had equated Zionism with racism. This reversal was a condition set by Israel for participating in the 1991 Madrid Peace Conference, representing a significant diplomatic breakthrough.
1992 Czech Republic Adopts Constitution: The Czech National Council officially adopted the Constitution of the Czech Republic, a pivotal moment in the nation's transition from communist rule to a democratic state following the dissolution of Czechoslovakia. This constitutional milestone marked a significant step in establishing the legal and governmental framework for the newly independent Czech Republic.
1993 Day of Reconciliation in South Africa: South Africa marked the Day of Reconciliation, a significant date that aims to promote national unity and healing. The day symbolically bridges historical divides by commemorating both the Battle of Blood River in 1838 and the formation of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the African National Congress, in 1961.
1994 Davy Jones DWI Arrest: Singer Davy Jones, famous member of the popular 1960s pop rock band The Monkees, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in December 1994. This incident highlighted personal struggles of a well-known music icon during the mid-1990s.
1995 South Africa's Day of Reconciliation: South Africa established the Day of Reconciliation as a public holiday, symbolizing a critical step towards national healing and unity in the post-apartheid era. This commemorative day represents the country's commitment to overcoming historical divisions and promoting social cohesion.
1996 Kofi Annan Elected UN Secretary-General: Kofi Annan was elected as the Secretary-General of the United Nations, marking a significant moment in international diplomacy. His election represented a milestone for African leadership in global governance, as he became the first African to hold this prestigious position. Annan would go on to serve two terms, from 1997 to 2006, and was later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001 for his humanitarian efforts.
1997 Pokémon Episode Causes Mass Epileptic Incident: The Pokémon episode 'Electric Soldier Porygon' triggered widespread photosensitive epileptic seizures in hundreds of Japanese children, causing a significant medical and media event that led to substantial changes in anime broadcasting standards.
1998 Iraq Disarmament Crisis: Operation Desert Fox Begins: On December 16, 1998, the United States and Great Britain launched Operation Desert Fox, a significant military intervention targeting Iraq's weapons capabilities. U.S. President Bill Clinton ordered airstrikes on Iraq after UNSCOM (United Nations Special Commission) withdrew all weapons inspectors from the country. The operation involved precision strikes on nearly 100 strategic targets, including air defense systems, command centers, weapons production facilities, and Republican Guard units, with the primary objective of degrading Iraq's capacity to develop and maintain weapons of mass destruction.
1999 China Reclaims Macao from Portugal: China officially reclaimed sovereignty over Macao, marking the end of over 400 years of Portuguese colonial rule. The event was celebrated globally as a significant moment symbolizing the transition into a new millennium.
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.
2001 Battle of Tora Bora: The Battle of Tora Bora was a significant military engagement during the early stages of the War in Afghanistan, where Coalition Forces confronted Taliban and Al-Qaeda fighters. According to Dalton Fury, a former Delta Force commander, Osama bin Laden and remaining Taliban forces managed to escape through mountainous terrain into Pakistan using mules, marking a critical moment in the post-9/11 military operations.
2002 Biljana Plavisic Pleads Guilty to Crimes Against Humanity: Former Bosnian Serb President Biljana Plavisic pleaded guilty to one count of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague. Her plea acknowledged her role in the atrocities committed against Bosnian Muslims during the brutal 1992-1995 Bosnian War, marking a significant moment in international criminal justice.
2003 FDA Recommends Morning-After Pill Over-the-Counter: A committee of experts from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended making the morning-after pill (emergency contraception) available without a prescription, potentially increasing access to reproductive healthcare.
2004 EU Invites Turkey for Membership Negotiations: European Union leaders agreed to invite Turkey to begin negotiations for EU membership in 2005, marking a significant milestone after 36 years of initial application.
2005 Senate Rejects PATRIOT Act Extension: The United States Senate rejected the extension of the PATRIOT Act, with critics arguing that the legislation violated civil liberties and granted excessive governmental powers.
2006 Egyptian Court Denies Rights to Baha'i Faith Members: The Egyptian High Court's ruling prevents members of the Baha'i Faith from obtaining government identification cards, effectively stripping them of fundamental rights including employment, healthcare, and social services.
2007 Turkish Military Operation in Northern Iraq: Turkish military conducted a cross-border operation against Kurdish rebel positions in northern Iraq, with 300 troops pursuing fighters from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), escalating tensions in the region.
2008 US Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rate to Historic Low: The U.S. Federal Reserve dramatically reduced the country's Federal Funds Interest Rate to a range of zero to 0.25 percent, marking the lowest interest rate ever recorded in United States history. This unprecedented move was part of the response to the global financial crisis of 2008.
2009 Ben Bernanke Named Time's Person of the Year: Ben Bernanke, Chair of the US Federal Reserve, was honored by Time magazine as Person of the Year for his critical role in rescuing the global economy during the Great Recession. His strategic interventions and monetary policies were credited with preventing a more severe economic collapse.
2010 Mohamed Bouazizi's Self-Immolation Sparks Tunisian Revolution: Mohamed Bouazizi's dramatic act of self-immolation in Tunisia triggered a significant political uprising known as the Tunisian Revolution, which subsequently catalyzed widespread protests across the Middle East during 2010-2011.
2011 Tropical Storm Washi Devastates Philippines: Tropical Storm Washi caused catastrophic flash floods in the Philippines, resulting in 1,268 confirmed deaths and 85 people reported missing. The disaster exposed the country's vulnerability to extreme weather events and inadequate disaster preparedness.
2012 Typhoon Bopha Devastates Philippines: The death toll from Typhoon Bopha in the Philippines reached 1,020, with 844 people still missing. Most of the missing were fishermen lost at sea. Nearly 27,000 people remained in shelters more than two weeks after the storm.
2013 Syrian Civil War Atrocities: The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported devastating barrel bomb airstrikes by the Syrian government against Aleppo, resulting in at least 76 civilian casualties. This incident underscores the ongoing brutality of the Syrian Civil War.
2014 Peshawar School Massacre: On December 16, 2014, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan militants launched a horrific attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan. The terrorist assault resulted in the tragic deaths of 150 people, with 132 of the victims being innocent schoolchildren. The attack was one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in Pakistan's history, shocking the nation and the international community.
2015 U.S. Congress Prevents Government Shutdown: U.S. Congress reached a spending agreement to fund fiscal year 2016 federal government operations, preventing a year-end government shutdown. President Barack Obama signed an additional bill extending government funding until December 22.
2016 Aleppo Evacuation Crisis: During the Syrian conflict, Syrian forces disrupted evacuations following a failed ceasefire. Approximately 8,000 civilians were evacuated from the devastated city of Aleppo, marking a critical moment in the Syrian Civil War.
2017 US Government UFO Investigation Program Revealed: The Advanced Aviation Threat Identification Program (AATIP) was disclosed, revealing that the United States government had been investigating reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs).
2018 Sri Lankan Constitutional Crisis Resolution: Ranil Wickremesinghe is sworn in as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, marking a significant political resolution.
2019 Mariah Carey's Christmas Hit Tops Charts After 25 Years: Mariah Carey's iconic holiday single 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' finally reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on December 16, 2019, an impressive 25 years after its original release in 1994. This remarkable achievement highlights the song's enduring popularity and status as a modern Christmas classic, demonstrating its timeless appeal across multiple generations of music listeners.
2020 First Official Death Attributed to Air Pollution: In a landmark legal and medical recognition, a nine-year-old girl who died from an asthma attack in 2013 became the first person globally to have air pollution officially listed as a cause of death on December 16, 2020, marking a significant moment in environmental health awareness.
2021 Tragic Bouncy Castle Accident in Tasmania: A devastating incident occurred in Devonport, Tasmania, Australia, where a fatal accident involving an inflatable castle resulted in the deaths of five children and injuries to four others. The castle was reportedly lifted into the air, causing the tragic casualties.
2022 Massive Russian Missile Strikes on Ukraine: During the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, Russian forces launched a substantial missile attack across Ukraine, targeting critical infrastructure. The barrage involved at least 76 missiles, causing extensive damage to nine power stations and resulting in at least three civilian fatalities, with numerous additional civilians injured.
2023 Tragic Mediterranean Migrant Boat Sinking: A devastating maritime disaster occurred when a boat carrying approximately 86 illegal immigrants from various African countries sank near Zuwarah, Libya, resulting in the tragic loss of about 61 lives. This incident highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis of dangerous migration routes across the Mediterranean.

What Is special about December 16?

December 16 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 16.