Major Events of December 2014: 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 2014 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.
Major Events of December 2014: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 01 Dec 2014 Naxalite Maoist Insurgency: 14 CRPF Officers Killed in Chhattisgarh Ambush: On December 1, 2014, 14 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officers were killed in an ambush by Maoist rebels in Chhattisgarh, India.
- 02 Dec 2014 Ukraine's Parliament approves new government with international members: On December 2, 2014, Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada approved a new government that included three foreign-born ministers: Alexander Kvitashvili (Georgia), Natalie Jaresko (USA), and Aivaras Abromavičius (Lithuania). These individuals were granted Ukrainian citizenship just hours before the vote. source: upi.com
- 03 Dec 2014 NATO foreign ministers discuss Ukraine and ISIS: On December 3, 2014, NATO foreign ministers convened to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the threat posed by ISIS. The meeting focused on strategies to address these security challenges. source: nato.int
- 04 Dec 2014 Eric Garner protests in New York City: On December 4, 2014, protests erupted in New York City following the death of Eric Garner, an African American man who died after being placed in a chokehold by a police officer. The incident sparked nationwide debates on police conduct and racial discrimination. source: nytimes.com
- 05 Dec 2014 NASA's Orion spacecraft first flight test: On December 5, 2014, NASA conducted the first flight test of its Orion spacecraft, designed for deep space exploration missions. The test aimed to validate the spacecraft's performance and safety features. source: nasa.gov
- 06 Dec 2014 Ferguson protester Rasheen Aldridge charged with assault: On December 6, 2014, Rasheen Aldridge, a prominent Ferguson protester and youngest member of the Ferguson Commission, was charged with assault for allegedly pushing a city marshal during a demonstration outside St. Louis's city hall. source: time.com
- 07 Dec 2014 Saudi Arabia arrests 135 suspected terrorists: On December 7, 2014, Saudi authorities announced the arrest of 135 individuals suspected of planning attacks within the kingdom, highlighting ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. source: reuters.com
- 08 Dec 2014 U.S. concludes combat mission in Afghanistan: On December 8, 2014, the United States officially ended its combat mission in Afghanistan, transitioning to a support and training role for Afghan forces. source: reuters.com
- 09 Dec 2014 CIA torture report released: On December 9, 2014, the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence released a 525-page executive summary of its report on the CIA's Detention and Interrogation Program. The report detailed the use of harsh interrogation techniques, including waterboarding and sleep deprivation, and concluded that these methods were ineffective in producing actionable intelligence. source: time.com
- 10 Dec 2014 Human Rights Day and Nobel Peace Prize ceremony: On December 10, 2014, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai for their efforts against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education. The award ceremony took place in Oslo, Norway. source: nobelprize.org
- 11 Dec 2014 Hong Kong Protests Clearance: Following a recent court order, authorities began clearing the main protest site in Hong Kong's Admiralty area, marking a significant moment in the 2014 Hong Kong protests.
- 12 Dec 2014 Sony Pictures Entertainment Hack Disrupts Production: On November 24, 2014, Sony Pictures Entertainment suffered a significant cyberattack by a group called "Guardians of Peace," resulting in the leak of confidential data, including unreleased films and personal employee information. The hackers demanded the withdrawal of the film "The Interview," leading to its eventual cancellation. The FBI later linked the attack to North Korean state-sponsored hackers. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 13 Dec 2014 Civil Rights Protest in Washington D.C.: On December 13, 2014, tens of thousands of demonstrators marched in Washington, D.C., New York City, and other U.S. cities to protest the killings of unarmed black men by police officers. The protests included family members of victims like Eric Garner, Michael Brown, and Tamir Rice, and aimed to end police brutality and hold law enforcement accountable for killing unarmed citizens. source: time.com
- 14 Dec 2014 Hong Kong Protests Conclude: On December 14, 2014, pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong concluded after 79 days of demonstrations. The protests, which began in late September, were sparked by demands for greater democratic reforms and universal suffrage in Hong Kong's electoral system. The movement faced significant challenges, including police crackdowns and internal divisions. source: bbc.com
- 15 Dec 2014 2014 Sydney Hostage Crisis: On December 15, 2014, a hostage crisis occurred at a Lindt chocolate café in Sydney, Australia. The incident lasted for 16 hours, during which a gunman held 18 people hostage. The situation ended with the deaths of the gunman and two hostages, leading to widespread shock and discussions about security and counter-terrorism measures in Australia. source: bbc.com
- 16 Dec 2014 Peshawar school massacre: On December 16, 2014, a terrorist attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan, resulted in the deaths of 149 people, including 132 children. The attack was carried out by the Taliban and led to widespread condemnation and calls for action against terrorism in Pakistan. source: bbc.com
- 17 Dec 2014 US-Cuba diplomatic relations restored: On December 17, 2014, President Obama announced the restoration of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba after more than 50 years of hostility. This marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy towards the island nation. source: bbc.com
- 18 Dec 2014 EU sanctions against Crimea: On December 18, 2014, the European Union imposed additional sanctions against Crimea in response to Russia's annexation of the region. These sanctions targeted individuals and entities involved in the annexation process. source: bbc.com
- 19 Dec 2014 US imposes sanctions on Crimea region of Ukraine: On December 19, 2014, President Obama issued an Executive Order prohibiting the export of goods, technology, or services to Crimea, and prohibiting the import of goods, technology, or services from Crimea, as well as new investments in Crimea. The order also authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to impose sanctions on individuals and entities operating in Crimea, reaffirming the United States' non-recognition of Russia's occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea. source: obamawhitehouse.archives.gov
- 20 Dec 2014 Two NYPD officers killed in Brooklyn: On December 20, 2014, two New York Police Department officers were fatally shot in Brooklyn, New York. The officers were ambushed while sitting in their patrol car in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. The shooter, who later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, was identified as Ismaaiyl Brinsley. source: nytimes.com
- 21 Dec 2014 Tunisia elects secularist president: On December 21, 2014, Tunisia elected Beji Caid Essebsi, a secularist candidate, as its president. Essebsi won the presidential election with 55.68% of the vote, defeating his rival Moncef Marzouki. source: aljazeera.com
- 22 Dec 2014 2014 Peshawar school massacre: On December 22, 2014, a Taliban attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan, resulted in the deaths of at least 145 people, including 132 children. The attackers, armed with guns and explosives, stormed the school and opened fire on students and staff. source: bbc.com
- 23 Dec 2014 Ukraine's NATO accession potential discussed: Discussions intensified regarding Ukraine's potential accession to NATO, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts with Russia. The topic gained prominence as Ukraine sought closer ties with Western institutions to bolster its security and sovereignty. source: reuters.com
- 24 Dec 2014 Royal Jordanian Air Force warplane crashes: A Royal Jordanian Air Force warplane crashed during a training exercise, resulting in the death of the pilot. The incident raised concerns about the safety protocols and maintenance standards of military aircraft in the region. source: jordantimes.com
- 25 Dec 2014 Protests over police killing in Ferguson, Missouri: Protests erupted in Ferguson, Missouri, following the police shooting of an unarmed black man. Demonstrators called for justice and accountability, reigniting national debates on police practices and racial inequality. source: nytimes.com
- 26 Dec 2014 Indian Ocean tsunami commemoration: On December 26, 2014, memorial events were held across several countries to mark the 10th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami that devastated coastal regions in 2004. The commemorations honored the lives lost and the resilience of affected communities. source: un.org
- 27 Dec 2014 Japan launches economic stimulus package: On December 27, 2014, Japan announced a new economic stimulus package aimed at boosting growth and combating deflation. The package included measures to increase public spending and support for businesses. source: reuters.com
- 28 Dec 2014 AirAsia Flight 8501 tragic crash: On December 28, 2014, AirAsia Flight 8501 crashed into the Java Sea while en route from Surabaya to Singapore, resulting in the loss of all 162 passengers and crew on board. The incident prompted widespread mourning and investigations into aviation safety. source: bbc.com
- 29 Dec 2014 Cameroon launches first airstrikes against Boko Haram: On December 29, 2014, Cameroon conducted its first airstrikes against Boko Haram positions in Nigeria, marking a significant escalation in its military response to the insurgency. This action aimed to bolster regional security efforts. source: bbc.com
- 30 Dec 2014 Iraqi insurgency: Dhuluiya recaptured: On December 30, 2014, Iraqi forces recaptured the town of Dhuluiya from insurgent control. This operation was part of a broader campaign to reclaim territories held by militants and restore governmental authority in the region. source: reuters.com
- 31 Dec 2014 Italian Coast Guard rescues refugees: On December 31, 2014, the Italian Coast Guard conducted a large-scale rescue operation in the Mediterranean Sea, saving hundreds of refugees attempting to cross from North Africa to Europe. The operation highlighted ongoing humanitarian efforts to address the migrant crisis in the region. source: reuters.com