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

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from December 1996 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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

  • 01 Dec 1996 Dunblane charity single tops UK charts: In the aftermath of the Dunblane massacre, survivors and teachers recorded a tribute single, a cover of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" with a new verse by Ted Christopher, which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart for the week ending December 21, 1996. source: chart-watch.uk
  • 02 Dec 1996 Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments signed: On December 2, 1996, President Bill Clinton signed the Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments into law, enhancing public access to government records. source: archives.gov
  • 03 Dec 1996 Establishment of Europol: On December 3, 1996, the United Kingdom completed the ratification process for the Europol Convention, marking a significant step in the establishment of Europol, the European Union's law enforcement agency. source: statewatch.org
  • 05 Dec 1996 Greenspan warns of market irrational exuberance: On December 5, 1996, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan delivered a speech warning about 'irrational exuberance' in the stock market. His comments raised concerns about the potential for a market correction, highlighting the risks of speculative investments during that period. source: federalreserve.gov
  • 06 Dec 1996 General Motors launches groundbreaking EV1 electric vehicle: On December 6, 1996, General Motors introduced the EV1, one of the first mass-produced electric vehicles in the United States. The EV1 was notable for its innovative design and technology, marking a significant step towards sustainable transportation. source: britannica.com
  • 07 Dec 1996 First Big 12 Championship Game: The inaugural Big 12 Championship Game was held on December 7, 1996, marking the beginning of a new tradition in college football. This game featured teams from the newly formed Big 12 Conference, highlighting the competitive spirit of the league. source: big12sports.com
  • 10 Dec 1996 South Africa adopts new constitution: On December 10, 1996, President Nelson Mandela signed the final draft of South Africa's new constitution into law at Sharpeville, marking a significant step in the country's transition from apartheid to democracy. The constitution, which took effect on February 4, 1997, is renowned for its progressive Bill of Rights and serves as the supreme law of the land. source: gov.za
  • 11 Dec 1996 UNICEF Report on Child Labor: On December 11, 1996, UNICEF released its annual report highlighting the prevalence of child labor worldwide. The report called for global action to eliminate hazardous and exploitative child labor, emphasizing the need for free and compulsory education for every child. source: press.un.org
  • 12 Dec 1996 Michael Ovitz resigns from Disney: Michael Ovitz resigned from his position as president of The Walt Disney Company on December 12, 1996, after a brief tenure marked by internal conflicts. source: upi.com
  • 13 Dec 1996 Roger Clemens signs with Toronto Blue Jays: Pitcher Roger Clemens signed a contract with the Toronto Blue Jays on December 13, 1996, after leaving the Boston Red Sox. source: upi.com
  • 14 Dec 1996 European currency design unveiled: On December 14, 1996, the design for the euro banknotes was officially unveiled in Brussels. The designs featured architectural styles from various periods in European history, symbolizing unity among member states. This event marked a significant step towards the establishment of the euro as a common currency. source: ecb.europa.eu
  • 15 Dec 1996 Iranian leader warns against US retaliation: On December 15, 1996, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a warning against potential US military retaliation in the region. This statement came amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States, emphasizing Iran's stance on defending its sovereignty. Khamenei's remarks were part of a broader narrative of resistance against perceived foreign aggression. source: reuters.com
  • 16 Dec 1996 Kofi Annan elected UN Secretary-General: On December 13, 1996, the UN Security Council recommended Kofi Annan of Ghana for the position of Secretary-General. The General Assembly appointed him on December 17, 1996, for a term starting January 1, 1997. source: press.un.org
  • 18 Dec 1996 Oakland School Board recognizes Ebonics: On December 18, 1996, the Oakland School Board passed a resolution recognizing Ebonics as a legitimate language. This decision aimed to improve the educational outcomes for African American students by acknowledging their linguistic heritage. source: npr.org
  • 19 Dec 1996 Once Upon a Mattress Broadway Revival: The Broadway revival of 'Once Upon a Mattress' opened on December 19, 1996, at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre. This production featured a new cast and brought renewed attention to the classic musical originally written by Mary Rodgers. source: ibdb.com
  • 20 Dec 1996 Apple acquires NeXT Software: On December 20, 1996, Apple announced its acquisition of NeXT Software, a company founded by Steve Jobs. This acquisition was pivotal in revitalizing Apple and led to the development of macOS. source: apple.com
  • 21 Dec 1996 Death of Margaret E. Rey, children's book author: Margaret E. Rey, co-author of the beloved 'Curious George' series, passed away on December 21, 1996, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at the age of 90. source: myheritage.com
  • 22 Dec 1996 Zimbabwe-England Test Cricket Match: On December 22, 1996, the first Test match between Zimbabwe and England concluded in a draw at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The match was notable for its dramatic final moments, where England needed one run to win but ended with a score of 204/6, just one run short of the target. This was the first-ever Test match between the two teams. source: espn.com.au
  • 23 Dec 1996 Severe blizzard hits South Dakota and Minnesota: On December 23, 1996, a blizzard developed across northeast South Dakota and west-central Minnesota, with visibilities frequently below one-quarter of a mile. Snowfall ranged from 2 to 6 inches, combined with north winds of 20 to 40 mph, causing widespread blizzard conditions and heavy drifting on area roads. Travel was significantly impacted, and one fatality resulted from a head-on collision. Snowfall amounts included 5 inches at Artichoke Lake, 6 inches at Wheaton and Browns Valley in Minnesota, and 7 inches at Britton, Webster, and Clear Lake in South Dakota. source: weather.gov
  • 26 Dec 1996 UN Convention to Combat Desertification enters into force: The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) entered into force on December 26, 1996, following the fiftieth ratification on September 27, 1996. The Convention aims to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought through national action programs supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements. source: press.un.org
  • 29 Dec 1996 Guatemala Civil War Peace Accord: The peace accord ending the Guatemalan Civil War was signed on December 29, 1996. The agreement aimed to end 36 years of conflict and establish a framework for peace and reconciliation. source: un.org
  • 30 Dec 1996 UN approves limited Iraqi oil sales: On December 30, 1996, the United Nations approved 21 contracts under Resolution 986, allowing Iraq to export 43.68 million barrels of oil over the first 90 days. This initiative aimed to generate revenue for humanitarian needs while maintaining sanctions on Iraq's oil exports. source: un.org
  • 31 Dec 1996 Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway merger finalizes: On December 31, 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway merged with the Burlington Northern Railroad, forming the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF). This consolidation created one of the largest freight railroad networks in North America. source: en.wikipedia.org