Historical Events on December 14: 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 14, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

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Events on December 14 - Key Moments Throughout History

  • 1900 Birth of Quantum Mechanics: Max Planck's Revolutionary Radiation Law: On December 14, 1900, Max Planck presented his quantum theory to the German Physical Society in Berlin, introducing the concept of energy quanta. This marked the birth of quantum mechanics, fundamentally changing the understanding of physics. source: history.com
  • 1901 First table tennis tournament in London: On December 14, 1901, the first table tennis tournament in London was held. This event marked the beginning of organized table tennis competitions in the city, contributing to the sport's growing popularity in England. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1902 First Pacific Telegraph Cable Established: On December 14, 1902, the Commercial Pacific Cable Company began laying the first trans-Pacific telegraph cable from San Francisco to Honolulu, marking a significant advancement in global communication. source: history.house.gov
  • 1903 Wright Brothers' First Flight Attempt: On December 14, 1903, Wilbur Wright made the first attempt at powered flight near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The flight lasted 3.5 seconds, covering 105 feet, but ended in a crash due to over-correction of the elevator control. source: nationalmuseum.af.mil
  • 1907 Tragic shipwreck of the Thomas W. Lawson: On December 14, 1907, the seven-masted schooner Thomas W. Lawson was wrecked off the Isles of Scilly, resulting in the deaths of 16 of its 18 crew members and a harbor pilot. The ship was carrying 58,000 barrels of light paraffin oil, leading to one of the first large marine oil spills. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1908 Birth of Morey Amsterdam, American actor and comedian: Morey Amsterdam, born Moritz Amsterdam on December 14, 1908, in Chicago, Illinois, was an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer. He is best known for his role as Buddy Sorrell on CBS's 'The Dick Van Dyke Show' from 1961 to 1966. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1912 General Louis Botha resigns as Prime Minister of South Africa: On December 14, 1912, General Louis Botha resigned as Prime Minister of South Africa. He returned to the position on December 20, 1912, forming a new cabinet. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1913 Launch of Japanese battlecruiser Haruna: The Japanese battlecruiser Haruna was launched on December 14, 1913. It was one of the first ships of the Imperial Japanese Navy to be built in Japan and played a significant role in World War I. source: history.navy.mil
  • 1917 French cruiser Châteaurenault torpedoed by German U-boat UC-38: On December 14, 1917, the French cruiser Châteaurenault, carrying 985 troops to Salonika, was torpedoed by German U-boat UC-38 in the Gulf of Corinth. The ship sank slowly, allowing the crew and passengers to be rescued by escorting destroyers and nearby vessels. The German U-boat was subsequently sunk by French forces. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1918 United Kingdom General Election of 1918: On December 14, 1918, the United Kingdom held a general election, resulting in a significant victory for the coalition government led by David Lloyd George, which had been formed during World War I. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1922 Birth of Nikolay Basov, renowned physicist: Nikolay Gennadiyevich Basov, a Soviet physicist and educator, was born in Usman, Russian SFSR. He is renowned for his work in quantum electronics, leading to the development of lasers and masers. In 1964, he shared the Nobel Prize in Physics with Alexander Prokhorov and Charles Hard Townes. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1927 USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier Commissioned: The USS Lexington (CV-2), the fourth ship named after the Battle of Lexington, was commissioned into the U.S. Navy on December 14, 1927. Originally designated as a battle cruiser, she was converted into an aircraft carrier to comply with the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922. The ship was launched on October 3, 1925, and after fitting out and shakedown, she joined the battle fleet at San Pedro, California, on April 7, 1928. source: patriotspoint.org
  • 1928 Death of Theodore Roberts, Silent Film Actor: Theodore Roberts, an American film and stage actor known for his roles in silent films, died of uremic poisoning in Hollywood, California, at the age of 67. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1929 Death of Admiral Sir Henry Jackson: Admiral of the Fleet Sir Henry Bradwardine Jackson, a distinguished British Royal Navy officer known for his pioneering work in ship-to-ship wireless technology, passed away at his home in Hayling Island, Hampshire. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1934 First streamlined steam locomotive introduced: On December 14, 1934, the first streamlined steam locomotive was introduced. This innovation marked a significant advancement in railway technology, improving speed and efficiency. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1935 James Chadwick's Nobel Lecture on the Neutron: On December 14, 1935, James Chadwick delivered his Nobel Lecture on the discovery of the neutron, a fundamental particle in atomic physics. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1936 Carl von Ossietzky hospitalized: Carl von Ossietzky, a German pacifist and journalist, was hospitalized on December 14, 1936. He had been imprisoned since 1933 for his anti-Nazi activities and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1935 while still incarcerated. His health deteriorated during his imprisonment, leading to his hospitalization. source: nobelprize.org
  • 1937 First Philippine election with women's suffrage: On December 14, 1937, the Philippines held its first election in which women were allowed to vote, marking a significant milestone in the country's history of women's rights. This election was a pivotal moment in the advancement of gender equality in the Philippines. source: britannica.com
  • 1938 Nazi Germany's Anti-Semitic Economic Policy: On December 14, 1938, Nazi Germany issued an executive order under the Law on the Organization of National Work, canceling all state contracts held with Jewish-owned firms. This measure aimed to economically isolate and further marginalize the Jewish community by stripping them of state business and resources. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1939 Hitler plans invasion of Denmark and Norway: On December 14, 1939, Adolf Hitler approved plans for the invasion of Denmark and Norway, known as Operation Weserübung. This strategic move aimed to secure German access to Swedish iron ore and to prevent British intervention in Scandinavia. source: britannica.com
  • 1940 First isolation of plutonium at Berkeley: On December 14, 1940, scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, successfully isolated plutonium for the first time. This achievement was crucial for advancements in nuclear science and technology. source: osti.gov
  • 1941 Churchill's wartime diplomatic journey: On December 14, 1941, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill embarked on a perilous transatlantic voyage aboard the battleship HMS Duke of York to meet U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This journey aimed to strengthen the alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States following the attack on Pearl Harbor. source: whitehousehistory.org
  • 1944 US Congress establishes five-star general rank: On December 14, 1944, the U.S. Congress passed legislation creating the five-star ranks of Fleet Admiral and General of the Army. This move aimed to place American military leaders on equal footing with their Allied counterparts. The rank was initially temporary, becoming permanent in 1946. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1945 Maurice Baring, renowned English writer, dies: Maurice Baring, an English author known for his works as a dramatist, poet, novelist, translator, and essayist, died on December 14, 1945, at Beaufort Castle, Scotland. He was 71 years old. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1946 First Cannes Film Festival: The first Cannes Film Festival took place from September 20 to October 5, 1946, but the official opening was celebrated on December 14, 1946. This festival has since become one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. source: britannica.com
  • 1949 Guangxi Campaign concludes with Communist victory: The Guangxi Campaign, a significant military operation during the Chinese Civil War, concluded on December 14, 1949, with the People's Liberation Army capturing Guangxi province from the Nationalist forces. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1950 UN establishes High Commissioner for Refugees: The United Nations established the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on December 14, 1950, to lead and coordinate international efforts to protect refugees worldwide. This agency succeeded the earlier United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration and has since been instrumental in safeguarding the rights and well-being of refugees globally. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1952 First successful surgical separation of Siamese twins: On December 14, 1952, Dr. Alfred Blalock and his team successfully separated conjoined twins, Patricia and Phyllis, in a groundbreaking surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. This operation marked a significant advancement in surgical techniques and pediatric medicine, showcasing the potential for complex surgical interventions. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • 1953 Sandy Koufax signs with Brooklyn Dodgers: Sandy Koufax, a legendary baseball pitcher, signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers on December 14, 1953. He would go on to become one of the most celebrated pitchers in Major League Baseball history. source: britannica.com
  • 1954 WOAY TV Channel 4 launches in West Virginia: WOAY-TV, the first television station in southern West Virginia, began operations on December 14, 1954, on channel 4. Founded by local businessman Robert R. Thomas Jr., it operated as a sister station to WOAY radio and initially affiliated with the DuMont Television Network before becoming a primary ABC affiliate. source: woay.com
  • 1956 Paul-Henri Spaak becomes NATO Secretary-General: On December 14, 1956, Paul-Henri Spaak was appointed as the Secretary-General of NATO. His leadership played a crucial role in shaping NATO's policies during the Cold War era. source: nato.int
  • 1957 Broadway musical 'Most Happy Fella' concludes its run: The Broadway musical 'Most Happy Fella' concluded its run on December 14, 1957. The show had been a significant production during its time on Broadway. source: ibdb.com
  • 1958 Soviet Antarctic Expedition reaches Pole of Inaccessibility: On December 14, 1958, the 3rd Soviet Antarctic Expedition, led by Yevgeny Tolstikov, established a temporary research station at the Southern Pole of Inaccessibility, the point in Antarctica furthest from any ocean. The station performed meteorological observations from December 14 to 26, 1958. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1959 Xerox 914 commercial copier introduced: On December 14, 1959, the Xerox 914, the first commercial plain paper copier, was introduced. This innovation revolutionized office document reproduction. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1960 OECD formation: On December 14, 1960, the Convention on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) was signed in Paris, transforming the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC) into the OECD. source: oecd.org
  • 1961 Tanzania Joins the United Nations: On December 14, 1961, Tanzania was admitted as the 99th member of the United Nations, following its independence from Britain on December 9, 1961. The country's admission marked a significant step in its post-independence international relations. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1962 Mariner 2 spacecraft launches to Venus: On December 14, 1962, NASA launched Mariner 2, the first successful spacecraft to fly by Venus. This mission provided valuable data about the planet's atmosphere and surface, marking a milestone in space exploration. source: nasa.gov
  • 1965 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations takes effect: The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations officially came into effect on December 14, 1965. This landmark treaty established the framework for diplomatic relations between independent countries, promoting international cooperation and understanding. source: un.org
  • 1968 The Rolling Stones Release 'Beggars Banquet': On December 14, 1968, The Rolling Stones released their album 'Beggars Banquet,' featuring tracks like 'Sympathy for the Devil' and 'Street Fighting Man,' which became iconic in the rock genre. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1969 Jackson Five debut on Ed Sullivan Show: The Jackson Five made their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, performing "Stand," "Who's Loving You," and "I Want You Back." Diana Ross was in the audience and took credit for discovering them. source: primetimer.com
  • 1970 Polish government implements significant price increases: On December 14, 1970, the Polish government announced significant price increases on basic goods, which triggered public outrage and protests. This decision was part of an economic strategy that ultimately led to widespread unrest in the country. source: bbc.com
  • 1971 Martyred Intellectuals Day in Bangladesh: On December 14, 1971, during the Bangladesh Liberation War, Pakistani forces and their local collaborators abducted and executed over 200 Bengali intellectuals, including professors, journalists, doctors, and artists, aiming to cripple the emerging nation's intellectual class. This day is now observed annually as Martyred Intellectuals Day in Bangladesh. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1972 UN Environment Programme established in Nairobi, Kenya: On December 14, 1972, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established in Nairobi, Kenya, to coordinate global environmental efforts. source: unep.org
  • 1977 Egypt-Israel peace conference: The Egypt-Israel Peace Conference took place in December 1977, marking a significant step towards peace in the Middle East. This conference was part of the broader Camp David Accords initiated by U.S. President Jimmy Carter. source: history.com
  • 1978 China's nuclear test at Lop Nor: On December 14, 1978, China conducted a nuclear test at its Lop Nor test site. This test was part of China's ongoing development of its nuclear arsenal, which began in the 1960s. The test was significant in demonstrating China's capabilities in nuclear technology. source: brookings.edu
  • 1979 The Clash releases iconic album 'London Calling': On December 14, 1979, The Clash released their third studio album, 'London Calling.' The album is widely regarded as one of the greatest in rock history, blending punk rock with reggae, ska, and rockabilly influences. Its themes of social unrest and political commentary resonated with listeners, solidifying The Clash's status as a leading band in the punk movement. source: britannica.com
  • 1980 Worldwide vigils honor John Lennon after his death: On December 14, 1980, millions of fans worldwide participated in silent vigils to honor John Lennon, who was tragically murdered on December 8. The largest gathering took place in New York's Central Park, where over 100,000 people, including actress-activist Jane Fonda and Mayor Edward Koch, braved the cold to listen to recorded music and pray in silence at 2 p.m. EST. Similar tributes were held in cities like Memphis and Chicago, reflecting Lennon's global impact. source: theguardian.com
  • 1981 Israel passes Golan Heights Law, extending sovereignty: On December 14, 1981, Israel's Knesset enacted the Golan Heights Law, applying Israeli laws, jurisdiction, and administration to the Golan Heights, effectively annexing the territory captured from Syria in 1967. This move was met with international condemnation, leading the United Nations Security Council to adopt Resolution 497, declaring Israel's decision "null and void and without international legal effect." source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1982 Marcel Dionne scores 500th NHL goal with Los Angeles Kings: On December 14, 1982, Marcel Dionne became the ninth player in NHL history to reach 500 career goals, achieving this milestone while playing for the Los Angeles Kings. The goal was scored against the Washington Capitals, with goaltender Al Jensen in net. Dionne's 500th goal contributed to the Kings' 4-2 victory over the Capitals. source: espn.com
  • 1983 3rd Congress of the Communist Youth of Greece: The Communist Youth of Greece (KNE) held its 3rd Congress from December 14 to 18, 1983. This congress was part of KNE's regular congresses, which are significant events for the organization. The 3rd Congress was preceded by the 2nd Congress in April 1979 and followed by the 4th Congress in June 1988. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1984 Birth of Northern Irish footballer Chris Brunt: Christopher Colin Brunt, a Northern Irish former professional footballer, was born on December 14, 1984, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He played as a midfielder for clubs including Sheffield Wednesday and West Bromwich Albion. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1985 Wilma Mankiller becomes Cherokee Nation's first female Principal Chief: On December 14, 1985, Wilma Mankiller was sworn in as the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, becoming the first woman to hold this position. She had previously served as Deputy Principal Chief since 1983 and succeeded Ross Swimmer, who resigned to join the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs. Mankiller's leadership focused on improving healthcare, education, and economic development within the Cherokee Nation. source: britannica.com
  • 1986 Qasba Aligarh massacre occurred on December 14, 1986: The Qasba Aligarh massacre took place on December 14, 1986, in Aligarh, India, where a mob attacked a Muslim community, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. This incident was part of a larger pattern of communal violence in India during that period, highlighting tensions between different religious groups. The massacre led to widespread outrage and calls for justice, impacting communal relations in the region. source: thehindu.com
  • 1987 Devastating West Memphis-Shelby County Tornado: On December 14, 1987, an F3 tornado struck West Memphis, Arkansas, and Shelby County, Tennessee, causing significant destruction. The tornado killed six people, injured over 100, and left 1,500 homeless. It destroyed 235 homes, 35 businesses, and a school in West Memphis, with damage estimates ranging from $22 million to $35 million. The tornado's path was approximately 25 miles long and up to 300 feet wide. source: weatherbug.com
  • 1988 US agrees to talk with PLO: On December 14, 1988, the United States announced its willingness to engage in dialogue with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), marking a pivotal moment in U.S.-Middle East relations. This decision was part of broader efforts to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. source: reuters.com
  • 1989 Chile's first free election after military rule: Chile held its first free elections on December 14, 1989, after nearly two decades of military dictatorship. This election was a landmark event in the country's history, leading to the restoration of democracy and significant political reforms. source: bbc.com
  • 1990 Death of Friedrich Dürrenmatt: Swiss author and dramatist Friedrich Dürrenmatt died on December 14, 1990, in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, at the age of 69. He was known for his avant-garde dramas, philosophical crime novels, and macabre satire. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1991 Salem Express ferry disaster in Red Sea: On December 14, 1991, the Egyptian ferry Salem Express sank in the Red Sea near the Egyptian coast, resulting in the deaths of at least 470 people. The disaster occurred when the ferry struck a submerged reef, leading to a rapid sinking. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1993 Philadelphia film premiere in Los Angeles: The film 'Philadelphia' premiered in Los Angeles on December 14, 1993, benefiting the AIDS Project Los Angeles. Directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, the film addresses themes of HIV/AIDS and homophobia. It was released in limited theaters on December 22, 1993, and expanded to wide release on January 14, 1994. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1994 Construction of Three Gorges Dam begins: On December 14, 1994, China officially began the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, a massive hydroelectric project on the Yangtze River, which would become the world's largest power station upon completion. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement signed in Paris: On December 14, 1995, the Dayton Peace Agreement was signed in Paris, officially ending the Bosnian War. This agreement was a significant step towards peace in the Balkans and involved multiple parties including Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia. source: state.gov
  • 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
  • 1997 Diners Club Senior Golf Match held: On December 14, 1997, the Diners Club Senior Golf Match was held, featuring prominent senior golfers competing in a prestigious tournament. This event showcased the talents of veteran golfers and contributed to the popularity of senior golf competitions. source: pgatour.com
  • 1998 Yugoslav Army ambushes Kosovo Liberation Army: On December 14, 1998, the Yugoslav Army ambushed a group of 140 Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) militants attempting to smuggle weapons and supplies from Albania into Kosovo. The five-hour battle resulted in 36 militants killed, 12 wounded, and 9 captured, with the Yugoslav forces suffering no casualties. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1999 Devastating Venezuela floods: On December 14, 1999, catastrophic floods struck Venezuela, particularly affecting the coastal region of Vargas. The disaster resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction, prompting a national emergency response. source: bbc.com
  • 2000 Arabidopsis genome sequencing breakthrough: On December 14, 2000, scientists announced a significant breakthrough in the sequencing of the Arabidopsis genome, which has implications for plant biology and genetics. This achievement marked a milestone in genomic research. source: nature.com
  • 2001 Annular Solar Eclipse on December 14, 2001: An annular solar eclipse occurred on December 14, 2001, with a magnitude of 0.9681. The path of annularity was mostly over the Pacific Ocean, with the central shadow passing just south of Hawaii in the early morning and ending over Central America near sunset. A partial eclipse was visible for parts of North America, Central America, northwestern South America, and Hawaii. source: eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov
  • 2003 Jeanne Crain Dies: Jeanne Crain, a notable American actress from Hollywood's golden era, passed away at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of memorable film performances.
  • 2004 Death of Fernando Poe Jr.: On December 14, 2004, Filipino actor and politician Fernando Poe Jr. passed away at the age of 65. He had been hospitalized on December 11 after experiencing dizziness and later slipped into a coma due to a stroke. His death was widely mourned in the Philippines, where he was a cultural icon. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2005 Iranian President calls Holocaust 'myth' in latest assault on Jews: On December 14, 2005, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad publicly denied the Holocaust, referring to it as a "myth" and criticizing European laws against Holocaust denial. His remarks drew widespread international condemnation, including from the United States and European Union. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 2006 Israeli Supreme Court Ruling on Targeted Assassinations: On December 14, 2006, Israel's Supreme Court ruled that targeted assassinations of Palestinian militants were legal under international law, provided they were conducted in accordance with Israeli law and did not violate the rights of innocent civilians. source: haaretz.com
  • 2007 European Union Summit in Brussels: The European Council held a summit in Brussels on December 14, 2007, focusing on global challenges such as competitiveness, employment, secure energy, and climate change. The summit also addressed security issues in Kosovo, Iran, and Burma. source: hansard.parliament.uk
  • 2008 Bush shoe incident in Baghdad: On December 14, 2008, during a press conference in Baghdad, an Iraqi journalist threw his shoes at U.S. President George W. Bush, symbolizing protest against the Iraq War. The incident garnered international media attention. source: nytimes.com
  • 2009 Abu Dhabi Bailout for Dubai World: The government of Abu Dhabi agreed to provide a $10 billion bailout to Dubai World, a state-owned conglomerate, to help it meet its debt obligations. This intervention aimed to stabilize Dubai's economy amid the global financial crisis. source: reuters.com
  • 2010 Garment factory fire in Bangladesh claims lives: On December 14, 2010, a fire at a garment factory near Dhaka, Bangladesh, claimed the lives of at least 20 people. The incident raised concerns about safety standards in the garment industry. source: bbc.com
  • 2011 Syrian uprising violence in Hama: On December 14, 2011, violence erupted in Hama, Syria, as government forces clashed with protesters. This incident was part of the broader conflict that had been escalating since the beginning of the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad. source: bbc.com
  • 2012 Chenpeng Primary School stabbing incident: On December 14, 2012, a tragic stabbing incident occurred at Chenpeng Primary School in China, where a man attacked students, resulting in multiple injuries. This incident raised concerns about school safety and mental health issues in the region. source: bbc.com
  • 2013 Nelson Mandela's state funeral and final journey: Nelson Mandela's state funeral took place on December 14, 2013, in Qunu, South Africa. The event was attended by global leaders and marked the culmination of a week of mourning for the anti-apartheid icon, celebrating his legacy and contributions to peace. source: bbc.com
  • 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
  • 2015 Metrojet Flight 9268 investigation concludes no evidence of terrorism: Egypt’s Civil Aviation Ministry reported that their investigation into the deadly 31 October 2015 crash of Russian Metrojet Flight 9268 over Sinai failed to uncover any evidence of terrorism. The working assumption was that the plane was struck by a bomb and that an ISIL-affiliated group was responsible. source: aljazeera.com
  • 2016 China militarizes Spratly Islands: On December 14, 2016, reports emerged that China had militarized the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, deploying military equipment and personnel to artificial islands it had constructed. This action heightened tensions in the region, as the Spratlys are claimed by multiple countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia. China's militarization raised concerns about freedom of navigation and regional security. source: reuters.com
  • 2017 US accuses Iran of nuclear agreement violation: On December 14, 2017, the United States accused Iran of violating the terms of the nuclear agreement, citing concerns over its missile program and regional activities. This accusation heightened tensions between the two countries and raised questions about the future of the nuclear deal. source: reuters.com
  • 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
  • 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
  • 2020 Initial COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution: 6.4 million coronavirus vaccine doses were initially distributed across the United States, representing the first large-scale rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in the country.
  • 2021 Global COVID-19 Pandemic Milestones: The United States reached a grim milestone of over 800,000 COVID-19 deaths, maintaining the world's highest mortality rate. Meanwhile, Indonesia expanded its vaccination efforts by initiating COVID-19 vaccine administration for children aged 6-11. South Korea reported a record 94 COVID-19 deaths in a 24-hour period, underscoring the ongoing global pandemic challenges.
  • 2022 Iran Expelled from UN Women's Commission: Iran was expelled from the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women due to the government's role in Mahsa Amini's death and the violent suppression of women's rights protests, marking a significant international condemnation.
  • 2023 Israel-Hamas War and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict escalated with significant civilian casualties. As of December 14, 2023, approximately 18,700 Palestinians, including 7,700 children, were reported killed during Israeli military operations in Gaza. The conflict also involved a complex hostage situation, with Hamas holding over 200 people captive according to Israeli authorities.

What Is special about December 14?

December 14 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 14.