Major Events of December 2018: 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 2018 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.
Major Events of December 2018: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 01 Dec 2018 Death of President George H.W. Bush: Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush passed away on November 30, 2018, but his death was widely reported on December 1, 2018. He was remembered for his leadership during pivotal moments in U.S. history, including the Gulf War and the end of the Cold War. source: nytimes.com
- 02 Dec 2018 US-China trade war truce: On December 2, 2018, the United States and China confirmed a truce in their trade war, following discussions at the G20 summit. This agreement included a pause on new tariffs and a commitment to negotiate trade issues over the next 90 days. source: bbc.com
- 03 Dec 2018 George H. W. Bush state funeral preparations: On December 3, 2018, preparations for the state funeral of former President George H.W. Bush were underway. The funeral was set to take place at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., honoring his legacy and service to the nation. source: nytimes.com
- 04 Dec 2018 UK Parliament finds government in contempt over Brexit: The UK Parliament found the government in contempt for failing to release full legal advice on Brexit, marking a significant constitutional event. source: bbc.com
- 05 Dec 2018 Claudia Sheinbaum elected Mexico City mayor: Claudia Sheinbaum was elected as the mayor of Mexico City, becoming the first woman to hold the position. source: bbc.com
- 06 Dec 2018 French Yellow Vests movement escalates: The French 'Yellow Vests' movement escalated, leading to increased protests and government responses. source: bbc.com
- 07 Dec 2018 China's Chang'e 4 lunar mission launch: On December 7, 2018, China launched the Chang'e 4 mission, which included a lander and the Yutu-2 rover, aiming to achieve the first soft landing on the Moon's far side. The mission was launched at 18:23 UTC from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 08 Dec 2018 ULA Delta IV Heavy Rocket Launch: United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully launched a Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying the NROL-71 payload, with the rocket lifting off just 7 seconds after initial preparation.
- 09 Dec 2018 Body of Grace Millane found in New Zealand: On December 9, 2018, the body of British backpacker Grace Millane was discovered in the Waitākere Ranges near Auckland, New Zealand. Millane had been missing since December 1, 2018, and a 26-year-old man was charged with her murder. source: abc.net.au
- 10 Dec 2018 Brexit developments: On December 10, 2018, the UK Parliament was set to vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal, with significant debates and concerns over the proposed agreement's implications for the UK's future relationship with the European Union. source: bbc.com
- 11 Dec 2018 Arctic experiencing unprecedented warmth: In December 2018, the Arctic region experienced record-breaking temperatures, with some areas recording temperatures up to 20°C above average, raising concerns about the accelerating effects of climate change. source: nytimes.com
- 12 Dec 2018 Michael Cohen sentenced to prison for illegal payments: On December 12, 2018, Michael Cohen, former personal attorney to U.S. President Donald Trump, was sentenced to three years in prison for campaign finance violations, tax evasion, and lying to Congress. source: bbc.com
- 13 Dec 2018 UN-brokered ceasefire in Yemen: On December 13, 2018, a UN-brokered ceasefire took effect in Yemen's Hudaydah province, aiming to end the conflict between Houthi rebels and the Yemeni government, marking a significant step toward peace in the region. source: bbc.com
- 14 Dec 2018 Kosovo votes to create national army: On 14 December 2018, Kosovo's parliament voted to transform its security forces into a national army, a move that was met with strong opposition from Serbia and Russia, who viewed it as a threat to regional stability. source: aljazeera.com
- 15 Dec 2018 UN Climate Change Conference establishes Paris Agreement rulebook: On 15 December 2018, the UN Climate Change Conference concluded with the establishment of a rulebook for the Paris Agreement, providing guidelines for its implementation and enforcement. source: unfccc.int
- 16 Dec 2018 2018 Strasbourg terror attack: A gunman opened fire at a Christmas market in Strasbourg, France, killing five people and injuring several others. The attacker was later killed by police after a manhunt. This incident raised concerns about security in Europe during the holiday season. source: bbc.com
- 17 Dec 2018 Poland resolves Supreme Court judge dispute: The Polish government reached a compromise regarding the controversial retirement age for Supreme Court judges, which had led to tensions with the European Union. The resolution aimed to restore judicial independence and comply with EU regulations. source: euronews.com
- 18 Dec 2018 U.S. bans bump stocks: The U.S. government announced a ban on bump stocks, devices that allow semi-automatic weapons to fire more rapidly. This decision followed the Las Vegas shooting in 2017 and aimed to enhance gun control measures. source: nytimes.com
- 19 Dec 2018 US troop withdrawal from Syria: President Trump announced the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, stating that the mission was accomplished. This decision sparked debates about the implications for regional stability and U.S. foreign policy. source: bbc.com
- 20 Dec 2018 France's Defense Minister Florence Parly tweets about US withdrawal from Syria: On December 20, 2018, French Defense Minister Florence Parly tweeted in response to the United States' announcement of withdrawing its forces from Syria. She expressed concerns about the potential resurgence of ISIS in the region. source: aljazeera.com
- 21 Dec 2018 James Mattis Resigns as Defense Secretary: On December 21, 2018, James Mattis resigned as U.S. Secretary of Defense, citing disagreements with President Trump's policies, particularly regarding the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria. source: cnbc.com
- 22 Dec 2018 Anak Krakatau Tsunami in Indonesia: On December 22, 2018, a tsunami triggered by the eruption of Anak Krakatau volcano struck the Sunda Strait in Indonesia, resulting in significant casualties and damage. source: cnbc.com
- 23 Dec 2018 Gatwick Airport drone disruption: On December 23, 2018, Gatwick Airport experienced significant disruptions due to drone sightings, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights. The incident raised concerns about airport security and the safety of drone operations near airports. source: bbc.com
- 24 Dec 2018 Sunda Strait tsunami devastates Indonesia: On December 24, 2018, a tsunami struck the Sunda Strait in Indonesia, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. The disaster was attributed to volcanic activity from the Anak Krakatau volcano, which triggered the tsunami waves. source: bbc.com
- 25 Dec 2018 Deadly attack on Kabul government building: On December 25, 2018, a deadly attack occurred at a government building in Kabul, Afghanistan, resulting in multiple casualties. The attack highlighted ongoing security challenges in the region amid efforts for peace talks. source: bbc.com
- 26 Dec 2018 Martial law lifted in Ukraine: On December 26, 2018, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko announced the termination of martial law, which had been in effect since November 26, 2018, following a confrontation with Russia in the Kerch Strait. The martial law was initially imposed for 30 days in ten regions along the Black Sea and Ukraine's borders with Moldova and Russia. Poroshenko stated that the decision was based on an analysis of the current security situation. source: euronews.com
- 27 Dec 2018 U.S. government shutdown continues: As of December 27, 2018, the U.S. government remained in a partial shutdown, which began on December 22, 2018, due to a funding impasse over President Trump's demand for $5 billion in border wall funding. The shutdown affected approximately 25% of federal agencies, leading to furloughs and disruptions in services. source: cnbc.com
- 28 Dec 2018 Leicester shop explosion murder conviction: On December 28, 2018, a jury in Leicester, UK, convicted Aram Kurd, Arkan Ali, and Hawkar Hassan of murder following a gas explosion at a shop in Leicester that killed five people in February 2018. The explosion was found to have been caused by a deliberate act, and the three men were sentenced to life imprisonment. source: bbc.com
- 29 Dec 2018 Hodeida port control dispute in Yemeni civil war: On December 29, 2018, reports indicated that forces loyal to the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels were engaged in a dispute over control of the Hodeida port, a critical entry point for humanitarian aid. The conflict threatened to derail a fragile ceasefire agreement reached earlier in the month. source: aljazeera.com
- 30 Dec 2018 2018 Bangladeshi general elections: The 2018 Bangladeshi general elections were held on December 30, 2018, amid allegations of voter suppression and violence. The ruling Awami League party won a significant majority, leading to widespread protests and international scrutiny. source: bbc.com
- 31 Dec 2018 Bangladesh election results announced: On December 31, 2018, the results of the Bangladeshi general elections were officially announced, confirming a landslide victory for the Awami League. The elections were marred by allegations of violence and voter intimidation. source: aljazeera.com