Historical Events on December 18: 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 18, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on December 18 - Key Moments Throughout History

1902 British House of Lords Prorogation by King Edward VII: On December 18, 1902, King Edward VII prorogued the British House of Lords, temporarily suspending its sessions.
1903 United States-China Commercial Treaty of 1903: The United States Senate advised ratification of the Treaty between the United States and China for the extension of commercial relations on December 18, 1903. The treaty was signed at Shanghai on October 8, 1903, and aimed to enhance commercial ties between the two nations. source: history.state.gov
1910 Eric Tindill: New Zealand Cricket Player: Eric William Thomas Tindill, a New Zealand sportsman, was born on December 18, 1910, in Nelson, New Zealand. He played domestic first-class cricket for Wellington from 1932–33 to 1949–50 as a wicket-keeper/batsman and left-handed opening batsman. source: en.wikipedia.org
1911 Der Blaue Reiter Art Exhibition Opens in Munich: The 'Der Blaue Reiter' (The Blue Rider) art exhibition opened in Munich on December 18, 1911. This exhibition was pivotal in the development of Expressionism in art.
1912 Piltdown Man presented to Geological Society of London: On December 18, 1912, Piltdown Man, thought to be the fossilized skull of a hitherto unknown form of early human, was presented to the Geological Society of London. source: en.wikipedia.org
1913 Ray Meyer birth: Ray Meyer, an American basketball coach renowned for his tenure at DePaul University, was born on December 18, 1913. source: en.wikipedia.org
1914 Battle of Givenchy begins: The Battle of Givenchy began on December 18, 1914, as part of the ongoing conflict on the Western Front. This battle involved British and German forces, with the British attempting to capture German positions. The fighting was intense, leading to significant casualties and a stalemate. source: britannica.com
1916 Battle of Verdun concludes in World War I: On December 18, 1916, the Battle of Verdun concluded with French forces achieving a strategic consolidation. They recaptured significant positions, including the forts at Douaumont and Vaux, marking a turning point in the battle. source: en.wikipedia.org
1917 Congress passes Prohibition Amendment Resolution: On December 18, 1917, the U.S. Congress passed the Eighteenth Amendment, initiating the Prohibition era by banning the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. This amendment was ratified on January 16, 1919, and took effect on January 17, 1920. source: congress.gov
1918 United States approves Prohibition Amendment: On December 18, 1918, the United States Congress approved the 18th Amendment, which established Prohibition. This amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages, marking a significant shift in American social policy. source: archives.gov
1923 Robert J. Grant appointed as U.S. Mint Director: In December 1923, President Calvin Coolidge appointed Robert J. Grant, Superintendent of the Denver Mint, as the 27th Director of the United States Mint, succeeding Frank Edgar Scobey. source: usmint.gov
1928 First Autogiro Flight in the United States: On December 18, 1928, the Cierva C.8W autogiro, piloted by Harold Pitcairn, made its first flight in the United States at Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. This marked the introduction of rotary-wing aircraft to the U.S. source: smithsonianmag.com
1929 Birth of Józef Glemp, Polish Cardinal and Primate: Józef Glemp, a prominent Polish cardinal and Primate of Poland, was born on December 18, 1929, in Inowrocław, Poland. He served as Archbishop of Warsaw from 1981 to 2006 and was elevated to the cardinalate in 1983. source: en.wikipedia.org
1931 Birth of New Zealand cricketer Noel McGregor: Spencer Noel McGregor, a future Test cricketer for New Zealand, was born in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. He would go on to play 25 Test matches between 1955 and 1965. source: en.wikipedia.org
1934 Fascist Conference in Moreaux: The Fascist Conference in Moreaux took place on December 18, 1934, as part of ongoing efforts to unify fascist movements in Europe. This conference aimed to discuss strategies and policies among various fascist leaders. It was a continuation of the collaboration seen in earlier congresses. source: britannica.com
1935 Mussolini introduces 'Faith Day' in Italy: On December 18, 1935, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini inaugurated 'Faith Day' during the opening of the new municipality of Pontinia. Italians were encouraged to donate their wedding rings so the material could be melted down for state use. source: en.wikipedia.org
1936 Death of computing pioneer Leonardo Torres Quevedo: Leonardo Torres Quevedo, a Spanish civil engineer and inventor known for his contributions to computing and robotics, died on December 18, 1936, in Madrid, Spain. source: en.wikipedia.org
1939 First major air battle of World War II: The first major air battle of World War II occurred on December 18, 1939, involving the German Luftwaffe and the British Royal Air Force. This battle marked a significant escalation in aerial combat during the war, showcasing the strategic importance of air power. source: britannica.com
1940 Hitler's Operation Barbarossa Directive: On December 18, 1940, Adolf Hitler issued Directive No. 21, known as Operation Barbarossa, ordering the German Wehrmacht to prepare for an invasion of the Soviet Union. The directive outlined plans for a swift offensive aimed at destroying the Soviet Army and establishing a defensive line from the Volga River to the Arctic Ocean. source: germanhistorydocs.org
1941 Roosevelt's Pearl Harbor Investigation Commission: On December 18, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed a commission to investigate the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The commission, chaired by Supreme Court Justice Owen J. Roberts, aimed to ascertain the facts surrounding the attack and determine if any derelictions of duty had occurred. source: presidency.ucsb.edu
1942 Allied victory at El Agheila and Operation Lilliput: On December 18, 1942, Allied forces achieved a significant victory at El Agheila, Libya, during World War II. This operation, known as Operation Lilliput, was part of the broader North African campaign against Axis powers. source: britannica.com
1943 US 5th Army advances in Italian Campaign: On December 18, 1943, the U.S. 5th Army made significant progress in the Italian Campaign during World War II. They successfully captured the town of San Pietro Infine, overcoming German defenses in the area. This victory was part of the broader effort to advance through the Italian peninsula towards Rome. source: britannica.com
1944 Korematsu v. United States Supreme Court decision: On December 18, 1944, the Supreme Court upheld the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II in the case of Korematsu v. United States. This decision has been widely criticized for its implications on civil liberties. source: archives.gov
1945 Uruguay joins the United Nations: Uruguay became a member of the United Nations on December 18, 1945, following the signing of the UN Charter on June 26, 1945. source: research.un.org
1947 Pope Pius XII publishes encyclical on peace: On December 18, 1947, Pope Pius XII published an encyclical addressing the theme of peace, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and cooperation among nations in the post-World War II era. This document aimed to promote global harmony and understanding. source: vatican.va
1949 Khrushchev's rise in Soviet leadership: On December 18, 1949, Nikita Khrushchev began to solidify his position within the Soviet leadership, setting the stage for his eventual rise to power. His political maneuvers during this period were crucial in shaping Soviet policies in the following decades. source: britannica.com
1951 Birth of Andrew S.W. Thomas, Australian-American astronaut: Andrew Sydney Withiel Thomas, known as Andy Thomas, was born on December 18, 1951, in Adelaide, South Australia. He became the first Australian-born professional astronaut to enter space, flying on four Space Shuttle missions between 1996 and 2005. source: nasa.gov
1952 Passing of paleontologist Ernst Stromer: Ernst Stromer, a German paleontologist renowned for his discovery of Spinosaurus fossils in Egypt, passed away on December 18, 1952, in Erlangen, West Germany. source: en.wikipedia.org
1953 Piltdown Man hoax definitively exposed: The Piltdown Man hoax, which misled scientists for decades about human evolution, was definitively exposed on December 18, 1953. A team of scientists revealed that the skull fragments and jawbone, claimed to be the missing link, were actually a combination of human and orangutan remains. This discovery had significant implications for the field of paleoanthropology. source: britannica.com
1954 Ray Liotta born in Newark, New Jersey: Ray Liotta, the acclaimed American actor known for his roles in films such as 'Goodfellas' and 'Field of Dreams', was born on December 18, 1954, in Newark, New Jersey. His career spanned several decades, making him a prominent figure in Hollywood. source: nytimes.com
1955 Death of Anna Murray Vail, American botanist: Anna Murray Vail, an American botanist and the first librarian of the New York Botanical Garden, died on December 18, 1955, in Vieux Logis, France. She was 92 years old. source: en.wikipedia.org
1956 Japan joins the United Nations: On December 18, 1956, Japan was admitted to the United Nations after a long post-war period of rebuilding and international diplomacy. This marked a significant step in Japan's reintegration into the global community. source: un.org
1957 Significant Midwestern tornado outbreak: On December 18, 1957, a significant tornado outbreak affected the Midwest, resulting in numerous tornadoes across several states. This event caused considerable damage and loss of life, marking it as one of the notable weather events of the year. source: weather.gov
1958 Project SCORE: world's first communications satellite launch: On December 18, 1958, Project SCORE (Signal Communications by Orbiting Relay Equipment) was launched, becoming the world's first communications satellite. This event was crucial in the development of satellite communications technology. source: nasa.gov
1959 Iraqi territorial claim against Iran: On December 18, 1959, Iraq made a territorial claim against Iran, asserting rights over the Shatt al-Arab waterway, a strategic and economically significant area. source: britannica.com
1960 United Nations condemns apartheid: On December 18, 1960, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution condemning apartheid, marking a significant step in the international community's opposition to South Africa's system of racial segregation. source: history.com
1961 Indonesia invades Netherlands New Guinea: On December 18, 1961, Indonesia launched an invasion of Netherlands New Guinea, also known as West Irian. This military action was part of Indonesia's efforts to assert control over the territory, leading to international tensions and conflict with the Netherlands. The invasion marked a significant moment in Indonesian history. source: britannica.com
1962 WAIQ TV channel 26 in Montgomery, AL (PBS) begins broadcasting: On December 18, 1962, WAIQ TV channel 26, a PBS affiliate, began broadcasting in Montgomery, Alabama. This marked an important development in local media and educational programming. source: pbs.org
1963 The Pink Panther Film Premiere: The Pink Panther, a comedy film directed by Blake Edwards and starring David Niven and Peter Sellers, premiered in Italy on December 18, 1963. source: en.wikipedia.org
1964 The Pink Panther cartoon series premieres: The first Pink Panther animated short, "The Pink Phink," was released on December 18, 1964. This marked the beginning of a series of 124 animated shorts produced by DePatie–Freleng Enterprises between 1964 and 1980. source: en.wikipedia.org
1965 Kenneth LeBel sets barrel jumping record on ice skates: On December 18, 1965, American speed skater Ken LeBel set a world record by jumping over 17 barrels while wearing ice skates. source: omny.fm
1967 Gladys Knight tops R&B charts: On December 18, 1967, Gladys Knight and the Pips achieved a number one position on the R&B charts with their song 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine.' This success contributed to Knight's legacy as a prominent figure in R&B music. source: billboard.com
1969 US nuclear test in Nevada: On December 18, 1969, the United States conducted a nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site. This test was part of a series of underground nuclear tests aimed at advancing the country's nuclear capabilities during the Cold War. source: nytimes.com
1970 Rob Van Dam Born: Robert Alexander Szatkowski, known professionally as Rob Van Dam, was born on December 18, 1970, in Battle Creek, Michigan. He is an American professional wrestler and actor, best known for his tenure in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). source: robvandam.com
1971 Operation PUSH founded by Jesse Jackson: On December 18, 1971, Reverend Jesse Jackson founded Operation PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity) in Chicago, aiming to improve the economic status of African Americans. source: peoplesworld.org
1973 Islamic Development Bank establishment: The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) was established on December 18, 1973, during the first conference of Finance Ministers of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The bank officially began its activities on October 20, 1975. source: britannica.com
1975 Algerian expulsion of Moroccans: On December 18, 1975, Algerian President Houari Boumediene ordered the expulsion of all Moroccan nationals from Algeria, leading to the forced departure of approximately 45,000 Moroccan families. This action was a response to the Madrid Accords and the Green March in Western Sahara. source: en.wikipedia.org
1977 Portuguese naming convention reform: On December 18, 1977, Portugal enacted a reform of its naming conventions, which aimed to modernize and standardize the way names are given. This reform was part of broader social changes following the Carnation Revolution of 1974, which ended decades of dictatorship. source: bbc.com
1978 Dominica joins the United Nations: On December 18, 1978, the United Nations General Assembly admitted the Commonwealth of Dominica as its 153rd member state, following a recommendation from the Security Council. source: digitallibrary.un.org
1980 Alexei Kosygin, Soviet Premier, dies at 76: Alexei N. Kosygin, the Soviet Premier for 16 years, died on December 18, 1980, at the age of 76. He had resigned from his position on October 23, 1980, due to health issues, including a severe heart attack. Kosygin was known for his role in initiating East-West detente and managing the Soviet economy during his tenure. source: washingtonpost.com
1981 First flight of Tu-160 strategic bomber: The Tupolev Tu-160, a supersonic, variable-sweep wing heavy strategic bomber, made its maiden flight on December 18, 1981. Designed by the Tupolev Design Bureau in the Soviet Union, the Tu-160 entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1987. It is capable of carrying nuclear and conventional weapons deep into enemy territory. source: en.wikipedia.org
1982 Marvin Gaye's 'Sexual Healing' tops R&B charts: Marvin Gaye's 'Sexual Healing' reached number one on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart on November 6, 1982, and maintained the top position for ten consecutive weeks, including December 18, 1982. source: en.wikipedia.org
1985 First woman receives Jarvik VII artificial heart: On December 18, 1985, Dr. Barney Clark became the first person to receive the Jarvik VII artificial heart, marking a significant milestone in medical technology. This procedure was groundbreaking as it was the first time an artificial heart was implanted in a human patient, paving the way for future advancements in cardiac care. The surgery was performed at the University of Utah and garnered widespread media attention. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
1986 Robert Gates appointed Acting CIA Director: On December 18, 1986, Robert M. Gates was appointed Acting Director of Central Intelligence, following the illness of William J. Casey. Gates had been serving as Deputy Director for Intelligence since January 1982 and was promoted to Deputy Director of Central Intelligence in April 1986. He served as Acting Director until May 26, 1987, when William H. Webster succeeded him. source: cia.gov
1987 First release of the Perl programming language: The Perl programming language was first released on December 18, 1987, by Larry Wall. Initially developed for text processing, Perl has since evolved into a versatile language used for various applications, including web development and system administration. Its flexibility and powerful text manipulation capabilities have made it a popular choice among programmers. source: perl.org
1989 I Love Lucy Christmas Episode Rebroadcast: CBS re-broadcasted the 1956 'I Love Lucy Christmas Show' on December 18, 1989. This special episode, featuring flashbacks to earlier episodes, had been previously excluded from syndication due to its Christmas theme and extensive use of past footage. The 1989 airing attracted over 29 million viewers, surpassing the ratings of Monday Night Football on ABC. source: tvobscurities.com
1991 General Motors announces major plant closures: On December 18, 1991, General Motors announced significant plant closures as part of a restructuring plan. This decision was influenced by declining sales and the need to improve efficiency within the company. source: nytimes.com
1992 South Korean presidential election milestone: On December 18, 1992, South Korea held a landmark presidential election, marking the first peaceful transfer of power since the end of military rule. Kim Young-sam was elected, symbolizing a significant step towards democracy in the country. source: bbc.com
1993 Gabon holds first multiparty presidential election: On December 18, 1993, Gabon conducted its first multiparty presidential election, marking a significant step towards democratic governance. The election was a pivotal moment in Gabon's political history, allowing for greater political pluralism. source: bbc.com
1994 Death of Roger ApTry, French Mathematician: Roger ApTry, a notable French mathematician who made significant contributions to mathematical research, passed away. Born in 1916, he was a respected academic and researcher in his field.
1996 Oakland School Board recognizes Ebonics: On December 18, 1996, the Oakland School Board passed a resolution recognizing Ebonics as a legitimate language. This decision aimed to improve the educational outcomes for African American students by acknowledging their linguistic heritage. source: npr.org
1997 Chris Farley dies: Comedian and actor Chris Farley was found dead in his Chicago apartment at the age of 33. His death was ruled an accidental overdose, shocking fans and the entertainment community. source: nytimes.com
1998 Impeachment of President Bill Clinton: On December 18, 1998, the House of Representatives impeached President Bill Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. This marked only the second time in U.S. history that a president was impeached, leading to a Senate trial in early 1999. source: archives.gov
2002 Indian court sentences men for Parliament attack: On December 18, 2002, an Indian court sentenced several men to death for their involvement in the December 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament. The attack had resulted in the deaths of several individuals and heightened tensions in the region. source: thehindu.com
2003 Sharon's ultimatum to Palestinians: On December 18, 2003, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon issued an ultimatum to the Palestinians regarding peace negotiations. This statement was part of ongoing tensions in the region and aimed to push for a resolution to the conflict. The ultimatum highlighted the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian situation. source: reuters.com
2004 Unusual Electoral College protest: Protests occurred across the United States as citizens expressed their dissatisfaction with the Electoral College system. Activists called for reforms to ensure a more democratic electoral process. source: nytimes.com
2005 Democratic Republic of Congo holds historic election: The Democratic Republic of Congo held its first multiparty elections in over 40 years, marking a significant step towards democracy. The elections were part of a peace process aimed at ending years of conflict and instability in the country. source: bbc.com
2006 Palestinian President Abbas calls for early elections amid rising tensions: On December 18, 2006, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced plans for early presidential and parliamentary elections in an effort to resolve the political deadlock and lift international sanctions. This announcement intensified tensions between the rival factions Hamas and Fatah, leading to street clashes and accusations of a coup by Hamas. The call for elections was seen as a response to the escalating factional violence and the need for a new mandate to address the ongoing crisis. source: oneindia.com
2007 CIA interrogation videos controversy: On December 18, 2007, reports emerged that the CIA had destroyed videotapes of interrogations involving harsh techniques, leading to significant controversy. The tapes were believed to document the interrogation of detainees, raising questions about the agency's transparency and adherence to legal standards. source: nytimes.com
2008 Massive flooding displaces thousands in Papua New Guinea: In December 2008, severe flooding in Papua New Guinea led to the displacement of thousands of residents. The floods were caused by heavy rainfall, affecting various regions and prompting emergency responses from local authorities. source: reuters.com
2009 Auschwitz sign theft: A sign reading 'Arbeit Macht Frei' was stolen from the entrance of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland. source: en.wikipedia.org
2010 Tunisian Revolution begins: On December 18, 2010, widespread protests erupted in Tunisia, marking the beginning of the Tunisian Revolution. The protests were sparked by Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation and were fueled by demands for political reform, economic opportunities, and social justice. source: history.com
2011 US Army completes Iraq war withdrawal: On December 18, 2011, the United States officially completed its military withdrawal from Iraq, ending nearly nine years of military presence. This marked a significant moment in U.S.-Iraq relations and the broader Middle East. source: bbc.com
2012 Queen Elizabeth II attends first-ever cabinet meeting: On December 18, 2012, Queen Elizabeth II attended a UK Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street, marking the first time a British monarch participated in such a meeting since 1781. The Queen, celebrating her Diamond Jubilee, was greeted by Prime Minister David Cameron and presented with a gift of 60 placemats from Cabinet ministers. source: abc.net.au
2013 Russia's Ukraine bailout sparks protests: On December 18, 2013, protests erupted in Ukraine following Russia's announcement of a bailout package. Many Ukrainians opposed the deal, viewing it as a threat to their sovereignty and a move towards closer ties with Russia. source: reuters.com
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
2015 Russian airstrike kills civilians in Syria: On December 18, 2015, a Russian airstrike in Syria's Idlib province resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children. The attack targeted opposition-held areas, raising concerns about the safety of non-combatants in conflict zones. source: aljazeera.com
2016 Methanol poisoning tragedy in Irkutsk: In December 2016, over 70 people died in Irkutsk, Russia, due to methanol poisoning from consuming adulterated surrogate alcohol. The victims drank hawthorn-scented bath oil labeled as containing ethanol, which was actually made with methanol. This incident was the deadliest mass methanol poisoning in Russia's post-Soviet history. source: en.wikipedia.org
2017 Trump's national security strategy targets Russia and China: On December 18, 2017, President Trump unveiled a national security strategy that identified Russia and China as primary threats to the United States. The strategy emphasized a shift in focus towards great power competition. source: whitehouse.gov
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
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
2020 Multiple Armed Conflicts in Africa and Afghanistan: On December 18, 2020, multiple violent incidents occurred across different conflict zones. In Afghanistan, a tragic explosion during a Quran recitation ceremony in Ghazni resulted in at least 15 civilian deaths and 20 injuries. In Somalia, a suicide bombing outside a stadium in Galkayo claimed the lives of seven civilians and three soldiers. Meanwhile, in Ethiopia, the ongoing Tigray conflict escalated as the government offered a substantial reward of 10 million birr (approximately US$250,000) for information leading to the capture of Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) officials, including their leader Debretsion Gebremichael, who were in hiding after the fall of Mekelle.
2022 Argentina Wins 2022 FIFA World Cup in Thrilling Final Against France: In a dramatic and historic match, Argentina defeated France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final, securing their third World Cup title. The match was an intense, nail-biting encounter that went to penalties after a 3-3 draw in regular and extra time, with Lionel Messi leading his team to a memorable victory.
2023 Volcanic Eruption Forces Mass Evacuation in Iceland: The Sundhnúkur volcanic eruption occurred on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula following weeks of seismic activity, necessitating the evacuation of approximately 4,000 residents. The event highlights the dynamic geological landscape of Iceland and the ongoing volcanic risks in the region.

What Is special about December 18?

December 18 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 18.