Events on December 12 - Key Moments Throughout History

Historical Events on December 12: 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 12, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

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Events on December 12 - Key Moments Throughout History

  • 1900 Quantum Mechanics foundational theory published: On December 12, 1900, German physicist Max Planck presented his groundbreaking study on black-body radiation, introducing the concept of energy quanta. This work laid the foundation for quantum mechanics, revolutionizing modern physics. source: history.com
  • 1901 First transatlantic radio signal transmission: On December 12, 1901, Italian physicist Guglielmo Marconi successfully received the first transatlantic radio signal. The message, consisting of the Morse code for the letter 'S' ('...'), was transmitted from Poldhu, Cornwall, England, to Signal Hill in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, a distance of approximately 2,100 miles. This achievement demonstrated the potential of wireless communication over long distances. source: history.com
  • 1902 Hokkaido Railway Company opens Ranshima Station: On December 12, 1902, the Hokkaido Railway Company opened Ranshima Station on the Hakodate Main Line in Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan. This development improved transportation infrastructure in the region. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1903 Birth of Ozu Yasujirō: On December 12, 1903, Japanese film director and screenwriter Yasujirō Ozu was born. He is renowned for his influential works in Japanese cinema, including 'Tokyo Story' and 'Late Spring.' source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1904 Leah Kleschna Theater Premiere: On December 12, 1904, the play 'Leah Kleschna' by C.M.S. McLellan premiered at the Manhattan Theatre in New York City. The production, directed by Mr. Fiske, featured set designs by Frank E. Gates and E.A. Morange. The play received positive reviews, with The New York Times highlighting the exceptional performances of the cast, including George Arliss and John Mason. source: nytimes.com
  • 1905 Birth of Manès Sperber: Manès Sperber, an Austrian-French novelist, essayist, and psychologist, was born on December 12, 1905, in Zabłotów, Austrian Galicia (now Ukraine). He wrote under various pseudonyms and was known for his works on philosophy, politics, literature, and psychology. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1906 Oscar Straus Becomes First Jewish Cabinet Member: On December 12, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt appointed Oscar Solomon Straus as Secretary of Commerce and Labor, making him the first Jewish U.S. Cabinet member. source: britannica.com
  • 1911 Delhi becomes capital of British India: During the Delhi Durbar on December 12, 1911, King George V announced the transfer of the capital of British India from Calcutta to a new city near Delhi. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1912 Premiere of 'Firefly' musical in New York: The musical 'Firefly' premiered in New York on December 12, 1912. This production was notable for its music and choreography, contributing to the evolution of American musical theater. source: britannica.com
  • 1915 Yuan Shikai proclaims himself emperor: On December 12, 1915, Yuan Shikai declared himself emperor of China, an act that sparked significant political unrest and opposition. His attempt to establish a monarchy was short-lived, leading to his abdication in March 1916. source: britannica.com
  • 1918 Estonian flag raised at Pikk Hermann Tower: On December 12, 1918, the Estonian national flag was first raised atop the Pikk Hermann Tower in Tallinn, symbolizing the nation's independence. This event marked a significant moment in Estonia's history, as the blue, black, and white tricolour became a national emblem. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1925 Establishment of Chilean National Zoo: The Chilean National Zoo was established on December 12, 1925, in Santiago, marking an important development in wildlife conservation and education in the region. source: britannica.com
  • 1930 Jaca Uprising in Spain: On December 12, 1930, Captain Fermín Galán led a military revolt in Jaca, Spain, aiming to overthrow the monarchy. The uprising was quickly suppressed, and its leaders were executed or imprisoned. This event contributed to political upheavals that led to the declaration of the Second Spanish Republic a few months later. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1931 Gandhi's meeting with Mussolini: On December 12, 1931, Mahatma Gandhi met with Italian dictator Benito Mussolini in Rome. Gandhi's purpose was to advocate for non-violence and guide authoritarian leaders toward peaceful governance. The meeting lasted approximately half an hour, with Gandhi noting in his diary: "At 6 o'clock Mussolini." source: biography.com
  • 1932 USSR and China restore diplomatic relations: On December 12, 1932, the Soviet Union and China resumed diplomatic relations that had been severed in 1929 over the Chinese Eastern Railway dispute. source: paperspast.natlib.govt.nz
  • 1933 Ace Bailey severely injured by Eddie Shore in Boston Garden: On December 12, 1933, during a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins, Bruins defenseman Eddie Shore hit Maple Leafs forward Ace Bailey from behind. Bailey fell, fracturing his skull upon hitting the ice, and was knocked unconscious. The incident led to Bailey's career-ending injury and a 16-game suspension for Shore. source: nhl.com
  • 1934 Birth of Miguel de la Madrid: Miguel de la Madrid, the 52nd President of Mexico, was born on December 12, 1934. He served as president from 1982 to 1988, overseeing significant economic and political changes in Mexico during his tenure. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1936 Xi'an Incident: Chiang Kai-shek kidnapped: On December 12, 1936, Chinese Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek was kidnapped by his own generals in Xi'an. This event led to a temporary halt in the Chinese Civil War and a focus on resisting Japanese invasion. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1937 USS Panay incident: On December 12, 1937, the Japanese Imperial Army Air Service attacked the USS Panay, a U.S. Navy gunboat, on the Yangtze River near Nanjing, China. The attack resulted in the sinking of the Panay and the deaths of three Americans. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1939 Winter War: Battle of Tolvajärvi: The Battle of Tolvajärvi, fought on December 12, 1939, was a key engagement in the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union. Finnish troops successfully repelled Soviet forces, marking a significant early victory for Finland in the conflict. source: britannica.com
  • 1940 Plutonium first synthesized: On December 12, 1940, plutonium was first synthesized by a team of scientists at the University of California, Berkeley. This marked a significant milestone in nuclear chemistry and contributed to the development of nuclear weapons during World War II. source: osti.gov
  • 1941 Soviet counter-offensive near Moscow: On December 12, 1941, Soviet forces launched a counter-offensive against German troops near Moscow, recapturing Solnechnogorsk and Klin after several days of modest advance. source: alonereaders.com
  • 1942 Operation Winter Storm: German attempt to break Soviet encirclement at Stalingrad: On December 12, 1942, the German 4th Panzer Army initiated Operation Winter Storm, aiming to relieve the encircled German 6th Army in Stalingrad. Despite initial progress, the offensive faced stiff Soviet resistance and logistical challenges, ultimately failing to break the encirclement. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1943 Birth of Dickey Betts, Southern Rock Guitarist: Dickey Betts, a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band and influential Southern rock guitarist, was born on December 12, 1943. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1944 Harold Alexander promoted to Field Marshal: On December 12, 1944, General Sir Harold Alexander was promoted to Field Marshal. He served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Armies in Italy during World War II. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1946 UN Security Council Resolution 13: On December 12, 1946, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 13, recommending the General Assembly admit Siam (now Thailand) as a member state. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1947 Mass migration and partition violence in India and Pakistan: On December 12, 1947, the aftermath of the partition of India and Pakistan led to significant mass migration and violence. Millions were displaced, and communal tensions escalated, marking a tragic chapter in the subcontinent's history. source: bbc.com
  • 1949 Birth of Rajinikanth: On December 12, 1949, Indian film actor Rajinikanth was born in Bangalore, India. He became one of the most influential and highest-paid actors in the Indian film industry. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1950 First Woman Performing Rabbinical Functions in the US: On December 12, 1950, the first woman to perform rabbinical functions in the United States was ordained. This milestone marked a significant step towards gender equality in religious leadership within Judaism. The event was celebrated by many as a progressive change in the traditionally male-dominated field. source: jta.org
  • 1952 Ajit De Silva: Sri Lankan Cricket Player: Ajit de Silva, a former Sri Lankan international cricketer, was born on December 12, 1952, in Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. He played four Test matches and six One Day Internationals for Sri Lanka between 1975 and 1982. source: wisden.com
  • 1953 Chuck Yeager breaks sound barrier speed record: On December 12, 1953, U.S. Air Force pilot Chuck Yeager became the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound. Yeager piloted the Bell X-1 aircraft, achieving a speed of Mach 1.06, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1954 BBC's live adaptation of Nineteen Eighty-Four: On December 12, 1954, the BBC broadcast a live adaptation of George Orwell's 'Nineteen Eighty-Four,' starring Peter Cushing. This was a groundbreaking event in television history. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1956 Japan joins the United Nations: Japan was admitted to the United Nations on December 12, 1956, after a long period of post-war reconstruction. This marked a significant step in Japan's reintegration into the international community following World War II. source: un.org
  • 1957 First artificial heart experiment: On December 12, 1957, the first successful experiment with an artificial heart was conducted. This groundbreaking procedure marked a significant step in medical technology and cardiac surgery, paving the way for future developments in artificial organs. The experiment demonstrated the potential for mechanical devices to assist or replace biological functions. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • 1958 Guinea Joins the United Nations: On December 12, 1958, Guinea was admitted as the 82nd member of the United Nations, following its declaration of independence from France on October 2, 1958. source: digitallibrary.un.org
  • 1959 Birth of cricket player Krishnamachari Srikkanth: Krishnamachari Srikkanth, a prominent Indian cricketer, was born on December 12, 1959. He is known for his aggressive batting style and has made significant contributions to Indian cricket. source: britannica.com
  • 1960 US Supreme Court Strikes Down Louisiana Segregation Laws: On December 12, 1960, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in the case of 'Green v. New Kent County,' ruling that the 'freedom-of-choice' plans used to maintain racial segregation in public schools were unconstitutional. This decision mandated that public schools must take affirmative action to eliminate segregation, marking a significant step forward in the Civil Rights Movement. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1962 United States nuclear test in Nevada: On December 12, 1962, the United States conducted a nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site. This test was part of a series of atmospheric tests that were conducted during the Cold War, aimed at developing and demonstrating nuclear capabilities. source: osti.gov
  • 1963 Kenya gains independence: On December 12, 1963, Kenya achieved independence from the United Kingdom, becoming a sovereign nation. Jomo Kenyatta, a prominent leader in the independence movement, became the country's first Prime Minister. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1965 Vivian Beaumont Theater opens at Lincoln Center: The Vivian Beaumont Theater, located in the Lincoln Center complex in Manhattan, opened on October 21, 1965. It was the first Broadway theater outside the traditional Theater District, designed by architect Eero Saarinen. The theater has since hosted numerous notable productions. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1966 Eldridge Cleaver paroled from Folsom State Prison: Eldridge Cleaver, a prominent member of the Black Panther Party, was paroled from Folsom State Prison on December 12, 1966. His release marked a significant moment in the civil rights movement, as he had been imprisoned for assault and was a vocal advocate for racial justice. source: nytimes.com
  • 1967 US Space Mission: Pioneer 8 Solar Orbit Launch: Pioneer 8 was launched on December 12, 1967, as part of NASA's Pioneer program to study solar phenomena. The spacecraft was designed to gather data on solar wind and cosmic rays, contributing to our understanding of the solar system. It successfully entered solar orbit and transmitted valuable information back to Earth. source: nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov
  • 1968 Rolling Stones film 'Rock and Roll Circus': The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus was a concert film featuring The Rolling Stones, filmed in December 1968. The film was not released until 1996, but it has since been recognized as a significant document of the band's early career. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1969 Piazza Fontana bombing in Milan: The Piazza Fontana bombing occurred in Milan, Italy, resulting in 17 deaths and over 80 injuries. It was one of the first major terrorist attacks in Italy, attributed to far-right extremists. The event marked a significant moment in Italy's political history, leading to widespread unrest and investigations into state involvement. source: britannica.com
  • 1970 Small Astronomy Satellite Explorer 42 launch: On December 12, 1970, NASA launched the Explorer 42 satellite, designed to study cosmic rays and solar particles. This mission contributed valuable data to the field of space science and our understanding of the Earth's atmosphere. source: nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov
  • 1972 First Haitian boat people arrive in Florida: On December 12, 1972, the first group of Haitian boat people arrived in Florida, fleeing political instability and economic hardship in Haiti. This marked the beginning of a significant wave of Haitian immigration to the United States during the 1970s. source: britannica.com
  • 1976 Walter Stolle completes record-breaking bicycle tour: On December 12, 1976, Walter Stolle completed a bicycle journey covering over 646,960 kilometers (402,000 miles), visiting 159 countries since January 24, 1959. This achievement set a Guinness World Record for the longest journey by bicycle. source: guinnessworldrecords.tr
  • 1977 Historic Israeli civilian flight to Egypt: On December 12, 1977, an Israeli civilian flight landed in Egypt, marking a significant step towards peace between the two nations and leading to the Camp David Accords.
  • 1979 Rhodesia reverts to British colonial status as Southern Rhodesia: On December 12, 1979, Rhodesia reverted to British colonial status, becoming Southern Rhodesia. This transition followed the Lancaster House Agreement, which aimed to resolve the Rhodesian Bush War and led to the establishment of Zimbabwe as an independent nation in April 1980. source: news.bbc.co.uk
  • 1980 US Copyright Law expanded to include software: On December 12, 1980, the United States expanded its copyright law to explicitly include software as a protected form of intellectual property. This change was significant in recognizing software as a creative work, thus providing legal protections against unauthorized copying and distribution. The amendment aimed to foster innovation in the software industry by ensuring that creators could benefit from their work. source: copyright.gov
  • 1981 Solidarity's Democratic Push in Poland: On December 12, 1981, the Polish independent trade union Solidarity held a meeting in Gdańsk to discuss lobbying for a referendum aimed at establishing multiparty elections in the Polish People's Republic. This initiative was part of Solidarity's broader efforts to promote democratic reforms within the country. However, the following day, December 13, the government declared martial law, leading to the arrest of Solidarity leaders and the suppression of the movement. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1982 Massive Women's Peace Protest at Greenham Common: On December 12, 1982, approximately 30,000 women formed a human chain around the nine-mile perimeter of the Greenham Common U.S. Air Force base in Berkshire, England, protesting the stationing of American cruise missiles there. This event, known as 'Embrace the Base,' was a significant demonstration against nuclear weapons and marked a pivotal moment in the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp movement. source: theguardian.com
  • 1983 Terrorist attack on U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City: On December 12, 1983, a truck laden with explosives rammed into the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City, causing significant damage and resulting in five fatalities, including the suicide bomber. The attack was part of a series of coordinated bombings targeting multiple sites in Kuwait, including the French Embassy and the Kuwait International Airport. The perpetrators were believed to be members of Al Dawa, an Iranian-backed group. In response, Kuwait tightened security measures and arrested several individuals in connection with the attacks. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1984 Mauritanian Presidential Coup: On December 12, 1984, Colonel Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya led a bloodless military coup in Mauritania, overthrowing President Mohamed Khouna Ould Haidalla while he was attending a summit in Burundi. Taya assumed leadership of the Military Committee for National Salvation. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1985 Arrow Air Flight 1285R crashes in Gander, Newfoundland: On December 12, 1985, Arrow Air Flight 1285R, a McDonnell Douglas DC-8-63CF, crashed shortly after takeoff from Gander International Airport in Newfoundland, Canada. The flight was carrying 248 U.S. Army personnel from the 101st Airborne Division and 8 crew members, all of whom perished. The crash remains the deadliest aviation accident in Canada, with all 256 occupants killed. source: dncr.nc.gov
  • 1986 Aeroflot Flight 892 crashes near Berlin-Schönefeld Airport: On December 12, 1986, Aeroflot Flight 892, a Tupolev Tu-134A, crashed while approaching Berlin-Schönefeld Airport in East Germany, resulting in 72 fatalities and 10 survivors. The accident occurred due to a miscommunication between the crew and air traffic control, leading the aircraft to land on a closed runway. The crash was exacerbated by dense fog and poor visibility conditions. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1987 Oklahoma sets NCAA steals record: On December 12, 1987, the University of Oklahoma men's basketball team achieved a remarkable defensive feat by recording 33 steals in a game against Centenary College. This performance was highlighted by Mookie Blaylock's individual record of 12 steals, setting a new NCAA individual record at the time. The Sooners dominated the game, winning 152-84. source: vice.com
  • 1988 New York City Subway Expansion: On December 11, 1988, the Archer Avenue subway extension opened, marking the first addition to the New York City subway system since 1968. This extension introduced new stations and service changes, including the introduction of the Z line, which began operating on December 12, 1988. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1989 Helen Flanagan - English actress birth: Helen Flanagan, an English actress and model, was born on December 12, 1989. She is best known for her role in the soap opera 'Coronation Street' and has appeared in various television shows and films since her debut. source: britannica.com
  • 1990 US Ambassador Leaves Kuwait: In December 1990, amid escalating tensions in the Gulf region, the U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait, April Glaspie, departed Kuwait City. This move was part of the U.S. diplomatic response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, which had occurred earlier that year. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1991 Maastricht Treaty signed: The Maastricht Treaty was officially signed on December 12, 1991, marking a significant step towards European integration. It established the European Union and set the stage for the Euro as a common currency. source: europarl.europa.eu
  • 1992 Devastating Flores earthquake and tsunami: A powerful earthquake struck the Flores region of Indonesia, triggering a tsunami that caused widespread destruction. The disaster resulted in significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure. source: usgs.gov
  • 1993 GATT Uruguay Round concludes successfully: The Uruguay Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) concluded successfully on December 12, 1993. This agreement aimed to enhance global trade and reduce tariffs among member countries. source: bbc.com
  • 1994 First Chechen War begins with attack on Grozny: On December 12, 1994, Russian forces launched a three-pronged ground offensive into Chechnya, aiming to blockade Grozny and force President Dzhokhar Dudayev to negotiate on Moscow's terms. This marked the beginning of the First Chechen War. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1995 Flag desecration amendment fails in Senate: On December 12, 1995, the U.S. Senate voted on a proposed amendment to prohibit flag desecration. The amendment failed to pass, reflecting the ongoing debate over free speech and patriotism in America. source: congress.gov
  • 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
  • 1997 Australian protests against global economic organizations: On December 12, 1997, Australia witnessed significant protests against global economic organizations. These demonstrations were part of a broader global movement expressing concerns over the influence and policies of institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. source: theguardian.com
  • 1998 Arrow Air Flight 1285R disaster: On December 12, 1985, Arrow Air Flight 1285 crashed shortly after takeoff from Gander International Airport in Newfoundland, killing all 256 people on board. The incident remains one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Canadian history. Investigations pointed to ice on the wings as a contributing factor. source: cbc.ca
  • 1999 Powerful earthquake strikes Luzon, Philippines: On December 12, 1999, a powerful earthquake struck Luzon, Philippines, causing significant damage and loss of life. The quake registered a magnitude of 6.8 and was felt across a wide area, prompting emergency responses. source: usgs.gov
  • 2000 Bush v. Gore Supreme Court decision: On December 12, 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling in Bush v. Gore, affirming its previous decision to stop the Florida recount. This ruling solidified George W. Bush's presidency following a contentious election. source: supremecourt.gov
  • 2001 Milosevic charged with genocide by UN tribunal: On December 12, 2001, former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic was formally charged with genocide by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. This charge was part of the tribunal's efforts to address war crimes committed during the Balkan conflicts. source: un.org
  • 2002 Remembering Nikolai Amosov: Ukrainian Medical Pioneer: Nikolai Amosov, a renowned Soviet and Ukrainian heart surgeon, inventor, and author, passed away on December 12, 2002, at the age of 89. He was celebrated for his contributions to heart surgery and his promotion of physical fitness. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2003 Queen Elizabeth II undergoes medical procedures: On December 12, 2003, Queen Elizabeth II underwent knee and facial surgeries. As a result, Prince Charles presided over the knighthood ceremony for Mick Jagger at Buckingham Palace. The Queen's absence was noted, and Prince Charles stepped in to perform the duties typically carried out by the monarch. source: abc.net.au
  • 2004 U.S. House Judiciary Committee election irregularities forum: On December 12, 2004, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee held a forum to investigate allegations of election irregularities during the recent presidential election. The discussions focused on ensuring electoral integrity and addressing public concerns. source: congress.gov
  • 2005 ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur: The 11th ASEAN Summit took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on December 12, 2005, focusing on regional cooperation and integration among Southeast Asian nations. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2006 Arctic Ice Melt Warning: On December 12, 2006, scientists issued a warning about the rapid melting of Arctic sea ice. They reported that the Arctic was experiencing unprecedented ice loss, with significant implications for global sea levels and climate patterns. source: nationalgeographic.com
  • 2007 Lebanese Military Leader Assassinated: Brigadier General François al-Hajj, head of Lebanese army operations, was assassinated by a car bomb in Baabda, Lebanon, on December 12, 2007. He was 54 years old and was expected to become the new army commander-in-chief. source: dawn.com
  • 2008 Bernard Madoff Ponzi scheme exposed: The Ponzi scheme orchestrated by Bernard Madoff was publicly exposed, revealing massive financial fraud. This scandal shook the investment community and led to significant regulatory scrutiny. source: nytimes.com
  • 2009 CIA terminates Blackwater drone contract: The CIA ended its contract with Blackwater Worldwide (now Xe Services), which had been responsible for loading bombs onto CIA drones in Pakistan and Afghanistan. This decision followed reports of Blackwater's involvement in covert operations and concerns over its role in sensitive intelligence activities. source: abc.net.au
  • 2010 Julian Assange legal challenges: Julian Assange faced multiple legal challenges in December 2010, including extradition requests from Sweden related to sexual assault allegations. His legal battles drew significant media attention and raised questions about press freedom and whistleblowing. source: bbc.com
  • 2011 Obama demands return of captured US drone from Iran: President Obama called for the return of a US surveillance drone that had been captured by Iran. This incident raised tensions between the two nations and highlighted ongoing concerns regarding military operations in the region. source: reuters.com
  • 2012 US recognizes Syrian Opposition Coalition as legitimate representative: On December 12, 2012, President Obama announced that the United States formally recognized the Syrian Opposition Coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people, aiming to support efforts to end President Bashar al-Assad's regime. source: abc.net.au
  • 2013 Nelson Mandela's state funeral preparations: Preparations for Nelson Mandela's state funeral were underway on December 12, 2013, as the world mourned his passing. The funeral was set to be a significant event honoring his legacy and contributions to humanity. source: bbc.com
  • 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
  • 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21): The 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) concluded in Paris, where nations agreed on a global accord to combat climate change, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. source: unfccc.int
  • 2016 Battle for Aleppo Concludes: On December 12, 2016, Syrian government forces, with Russian support, declared victory in the battle for Aleppo, Syria's largest city. The capture of Aleppo marked a significant turning point in the Syrian Civil War. source: bbc.com
  • 2017 Arctic climate change report: On December 12, 2017, the U.S. Global Change Research Program released a report detailing the impacts of climate change in the Arctic. The report highlighted significant warming trends and their implications for ecosystems and communities in the region, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change. source: nytimes.com
  • 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
  • 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
  • 2020 UN Chief Calls for Global Climate Emergency Declaration: On the 5th anniversary of the Paris Climate Accord, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a powerful and urgent plea to world leaders, calling for an immediate and comprehensive declaration of a 'climate emergency'. His address highlighted the critical need for immediate, coordinated global action to mitigate the escalating risks of catastrophic global warming and its potential devastating impacts on human societies and ecosystems.
  • 2021 G7 Warns Russia Against Ukraine Invasion: The G7 nations issued a stern warning to Russia, emphasizing that any invasion of Ukraine would incur 'massive consequences' and severe economic and diplomatic repercussions, escalating international tensions.
  • 2022 Putin Hints at Potential Nuclear Doctrine Change: Russian President Vladimir Putin raised global tensions by suggesting Russia might modify its nuclear doctrine to allow for a preemptive first strike, citing U.S. policy as justification and potentially escalating international nuclear rhetoric.
  • 2023 UN General Assembly Demands Humanitarian Ceasefire in Gaza: The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to demand a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting the devastating humanitarian crisis. Reports indicate approximately 18,000 Palestinians have been killed, with 70% of casualties being children and women. Over 80% of the population has been displaced, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian intervention.

What Is special about December 12?

December 12 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 12.