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Major Events of December 2019: 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 2019 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of December 2019: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Dec 2019 COVID-19 outbreak begins in Wuhan: On December 1, 2019, the first cases of a novel coronavirus were reported in Wuhan, China. This outbreak would later be identified as COVID-19, leading to a global pandemic. source: who.int
  • 02 Dec 2019 Maltese Prime Minister resigns over journalist murder: On December 2, 2019, Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced his resignation following public outcry over the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. His resignation was seen as a response to demands for accountability. source: bbc.com
  • 03 Dec 2019 Google co-founders step down from day-to-day roles: Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin announced they are stepping down from their roles at Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google. Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, will also take on the role of CEO of Alphabet, marking a significant leadership change in the tech giant. source: reuters.com
  • 04 Dec 2019 Deadly refugee boat disaster off Mauritania coast: A tragic boat disaster off the coast of Mauritania resulted in the deaths of numerous refugees attempting to reach Europe. The incident underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis and dangers faced by migrants in the region. source: aljazeera.com
  • 05 Dec 2019 Saudi Aramco's record-breaking IPO raises $25.6 billion: Saudi Aramco launched its initial public offering (IPO), raising a record $25.6 billion, making it the largest IPO in history. The offering attracted significant global interest and marked a pivotal moment for the Saudi economy. source: bbc.com
  • 07 Dec 2019 Taliban-US peace negotiations restart: On December 7, 2019, the Taliban and the United States resumed peace negotiations aimed at ending the long-standing conflict in Afghanistan. The talks focused on a potential agreement that would lead to the withdrawal of U.S. troops in exchange for Taliban commitments to prevent terrorist activities. source: reuters.com
  • 08 Dec 2019 First confirmed COVID-19 case in Wuhan, China: On December 8, 2019, health authorities in Wuhan, China, reported the first confirmed case of what would later be identified as COVID-19. This marked the beginning of a global pandemic that would have profound impacts worldwide. source: who.int
  • 09 Dec 2019 Washington Post reveals Afghanistan war deception: On December 9, 2019, The Washington Post published an investigation revealing that U.S. officials had misled the public about the progress of the war in Afghanistan. The report was based on a trove of documents that highlighted the failures and challenges faced in the conflict. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 10 Dec 2019 Iranian military base expansion in Syria: On December 10, 2019, reports emerged regarding the expansion of an Iranian military base in Syria. This development raised concerns among regional powers and highlighted ongoing tensions in the Middle East. source: reuters.com
  • 11 Dec 2019 India passes controversial citizenship amendment bill: On December 11, 2019, the Indian Parliament passed a controversial citizenship amendment bill that provides a pathway to citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from neighboring countries. The bill sparked widespread protests and debates about its implications for secularism in India. source: bbc.com
  • 12 Dec 2019 Evo Morales seeks asylum in Argentina: Following his resignation amid political unrest in Bolivia, former President Evo Morales sought asylum in Argentina. Morales fled Bolivia after weeks of protests and allegations of electoral fraud, leading to his departure and the subsequent political crisis in the country. source: aljazeera.com
  • 13 Dec 2019 US-China trade war: initial deal reached: The United States and China announced a preliminary trade agreement, marking a de-escalation in the ongoing trade war. The deal addressed tariffs and intellectual property issues, signaling a potential shift in international trade relations. source: reuters.com
  • 14 Dec 2019 Joe Burrow wins Heisman Trophy: On December 14, 2019, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow was awarded the Heisman Trophy, recognizing him as the best player in college football for that year. source: heisman.com
  • 15 Dec 2019 UN Climate Talks conclude in Madrid: The 2019 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP25) concluded in Madrid on December 15, 2019, without reaching an agreement on global carbon markets, postponing key decisions to the next summit in Glasgow. source: abc.net.au
  • 16 Dec 2019 Mariah Carey's Christmas Hit Tops Charts After 25 Years: On December 16, 2019, Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, 25 years after its original release. source: billboard.com
  • 17 Dec 2019 Australia Experiences Record-Breaking Extreme Heat: On December 17, 2019, Australia experienced record-breaking extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented levels across the country. source: abc.net.au
  • 18 Dec 2019 Impeachment of Donald Trump: On December 18, 2019, the House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. This marked the third impeachment of a U.S. president in history, leading to a Senate trial in early 2020. source: nytimes.com
  • 19 Dec 2019 European Court of Justice rules on Oriol Junqueras' MEP immunity: On December 19, 2019, the European Court of Justice ruled that Oriol Junqueras, a Catalan separatist leader, was entitled to immunity as a Member of the European Parliament. This decision had significant implications for his legal status in Spain and the ongoing Catalan independence movement. source: bbc.com
  • 20 Dec 2019 ICC launches investigation into Palestinian territories: On December 20, 2019, the International Criminal Court announced the opening of an investigation into alleged war crimes in the Palestinian territories. This decision was met with mixed reactions from various international stakeholders. source: bbc.com
  • 21 Dec 2019 UK House of Commons approves Brexit bill: On December 21, 2019, the UK House of Commons approved the Brexit bill, paving the way for the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union. This was a significant step in the ongoing Brexit process following the 2016 referendum. source: bbc.com
  • 22 Dec 2019 Michael Thomas Sets NFL Single-Season Reception Record: In a remarkable performance during the 2019 NFL season, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas broke the long-standing record for most receptions in a single season. During a game against the Tennessee Titans, which the Saints won 38-28, Thomas secured his 144th catch, surpassing the previous record of 143 catches held by Marvin Harrison for 17 years. This achievement highlighted Thomas's exceptional skill, consistency, and importance to the Saints' offensive strategy.
  • 23 Dec 2019 Hong Kong Protesters Plan Christmas Week Demonstrations: Pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong prepared for a series of demonstrations during Christmas week, following recent confrontations with local law enforcement. These planned rallies represented continued resistance against perceived governmental restrictions on civil liberties and democratic processes.
  • 24 Dec 2019 Syrian Army Advances in Idlib Offensive: The Syrian Army continued its offensive in southern Idlib Governorate, advancing towards the rebel-held city of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man. The military operation resulted in the capture of several towns and villages, including Jarjnaz and Sarman, and triggered the displacement of approximately 30,000 civilians.
  • 25 Dec 2019 Deadly militant ambush in Niger: On December 25, 2019, Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) militants ambushed a convoy of Nigerien soldiers in Sanam, Tillabéri Region, resulting in the deaths of 16 soldiers and injuries to four others. The soldiers were escorting electoral officials when attacked. The ISGS claimed responsibility for the attack on January 14, 2020. source: aljazeera.com
  • 26 Dec 2019 Turkey announces military support for Libya: On December 26, 2019, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced plans to send troops to Libya to support the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli. This followed a formal request from the GNA for military assistance to counter the offensive by Khalifa Haftar's forces. source: aljazeera.com
  • 28 Dec 2019 LSU dominates Oklahoma in 52nd Peach Bowl: On December 28, 2019, Louisiana State University (LSU) defeated the University of Oklahoma 63-28 in the 52nd Peach Bowl, securing their spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship. source: espn.com
  • 29 Dec 2019 J.K. Rowling sparks controversy with Maya Forstater support: On December 29, 2019, author J.K. Rowling expressed support for Maya Forstater, a researcher who lost her job over tweets about transgender issues, leading to widespread debate over freedom of speech and transgender rights. source: theguardian.com
  • 30 Dec 2019 Trump impeachment proceedings initiated: On December 30, 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives initiated impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump, charging him with abuse of power and obstruction of Congress related to the Ukraine scandal. source: cnbc.com
  • 31 Dec 2019 US Embassy in Baghdad attacked by protesters: On December 31, 2019, protesters breached the outer wall of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, in response to U.S. airstrikes on the Kata'ib Hezbollah militia. The protesters set fire to a reception area and vandalized the compound. U.S. personnel were unharmed, and no evacuation was planned. The U.S. deployed additional troops to secure the embassy. source: aljazeera.com