Events on December 21 - Key Moments Throughout History

Historical Events on December 21: 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 21, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

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Events on December 21 - Key Moments Throughout History

  • 1902 Pierre Nord Alexis becomes President of Haiti: On December 21, 1902, Pierre Nord Alexis, a military general, assumed the presidency of Haiti after leading troops into the Chamber of Deputies and compelling legislators to declare him president. source: britannica.com
  • 1905 Japan Establishes Resident-General in Korea: On December 21, 1905, Japan established the position of Resident-General in Korea, marking a significant step in its increasing control over the Korean Peninsula during the early 20th century. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1907 First Commercial Color Photography Process: In 1907, the first commercial color photography process, known as the Autochrome plate, was introduced. Developed by the Lumière brothers, it utilized dyed grains of starch to produce color images. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1910 Pretoria Pit mining disaster: An explosion at the Hulton Colliery's Pretoria Pit in Westhoughton, England, resulted in the deaths of 344 miners. The blast occurred at 7:50 am, and the subsequent filling of the mine with carbon monoxide led to the fatalities. The youngest victim was 13, and the oldest was 61. source: bbc.co.uk
  • 1914 First feature-length silent film comedy released: On December 21, 1914, 'Tillie's Punctured Romance' premiered, marking the first feature-length silent comedy film. Directed by Mack Sennett, it starred Marie Dressler, Mabel Normand, and Charlie Chaplin. The film was a significant milestone in cinematic history, running over an hour and showcasing the talents of its leading actresses. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1918 Donald Regan born: Donald Regan, an influential American politician and businessman, was born on December 21, 1918. He later served as Secretary of the Treasury and Chief of Staff under President Ronald Reagan, playing a significant role in U.S. economic policy. source: britannica.com
  • 1920 Alicia Alonso: Cuban ballet legend born: Alicia Alonso, born on December 21, 1920, in Havana, Cuba, was a renowned Cuban prima ballerina assoluta and choreographer. She gained international acclaim for her performances in roles such as Giselle and Carmen, and founded the National Ballet of Cuba in 1955. source: britannica.com
  • 1926 Formation of DOS Struggle soccer team: On December 21, 1926, the DOS Struggle soccer team was formed, contributing to the development of soccer in the region. This team played a significant role in local sports culture. source: soccerhistory.org
  • 1928 Stalin Launches First Five-Year Plan: On December 21, 1928, Joseph Stalin announced the First Five-Year Plan, aiming to rapidly industrialize the Soviet Union and collectivize agriculture. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1931 Japanese offensive in Manchuria: The Japanese military launched an offensive in Manchuria, leading to the establishment of the puppet state of Manchukuo. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1932 Collier Beer Bill passes House of Representatives: On December 21, 1932, the Collier Beer Bill was passed by the House of Representatives, marking a significant step in the movement towards the repeal of Prohibition in the United States. This legislation aimed to legalize the sale of beer and light wines, reflecting changing public attitudes towards alcohol. source: congress.gov
  • 1933 Shirley Temple signs with 20th Century Fox: On December 21, 1933, at age 5, Shirley Temple signed a one-year contract with Fox Film Corporation, earning $150 per week, with a seven-year option. Her mother was also hired as her hairdresser and personal coach. source: newsweek.com
  • 1934 Birth of Hanif Mohammad, Pakistani cricket legend: Hanif Mohammad, renowned as the 'Little Master,' was born on December 21, 1934, in Junagadh, British India. He became one of Pakistan's most celebrated cricketers, playing 55 Test matches between 1952 and 1969, scoring 3,915 runs at an average of 43.98, including 12 centuries. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1935 Birth of John G. Avildsen, Notable Film Director: John G. Avildsen, an American film director best known for directing 'Rocky' (1976) and 'The Karate Kid' (1984), was born in Oak Park, Illinois. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1937 Cricket Match Performance: O'Reilly achieved a notable performance in a cricket match between New South Wales and South Australia, completing 14-98.
  • 1939 Nazi leadership appointment: Adolf Eichmann's role in Jewish affairs: On December 21, 1939, Adolf Eichmann was appointed to oversee Jewish affairs in Nazi Germany. This role would later become infamous for his involvement in the logistics of the Holocaust during World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 1940 Death of F. Scott Fitzgerald: F. Scott Fitzgerald, the renowned American novelist, died of a heart attack on December 21, 1940, in Hollywood, California, at the age of 44. He had been struggling with alcoholism, which likely contributed to his early death. At the time of his passing, Fitzgerald was working on his fifth novel, 'The Last Tycoon,' which remained unfinished. source: britannica.com
  • 1941 Chicago Bears win NFL Championship against New York Giants: On December 21, 1941, the Chicago Bears defeated the New York Giants 37-9 at Wrigley Field in Chicago to clinch the NFL Championship. The Bears secured their second consecutive title, becoming the first team to do so in the NFL's championship game era. The game was attended by 13,341 fans, the smallest crowd in NFL Championship history, likely due to wartime restrictions following the attack on Pearl Harbor. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1942 British military operation in Burma: On December 21, 1942, British forces launched a military operation in Burma as part of their efforts to regain control over the region during World War II. This operation was significant in the context of the broader conflict in Southeast Asia. source: britannica.com
  • 1943 Arrest of Pierre-Étienne Flandin in Algiers: On December 21, 1943, Pierre-Étienne Flandin, a prominent French politician, was arrested in Algiers. His arrest was part of the broader context of political turmoil in France during WWII, as the Vichy regime faced increasing opposition. source: britannica.com
  • 1944 American victory in Battle of Ormoc Bay: The Battle of Ormoc Bay concluded with a decisive American victory, marking a significant step in the liberation of the Philippines during World War II. This battle was part of the larger campaign to secure the island of Leyte from Japanese forces. source: britannica.com
  • 1945 World Bank establishment: The World Bank was established on December 21, 1945, to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. Its primary goal is to reduce poverty and support development by providing loans and grants for various projects. source: britannica.com
  • 1946 It's a Wonderful Life premieres in USA: The classic film 'It's a Wonderful Life,' directed by Frank Capra, premiered in New York City on December 21, 1946. The movie, starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, has since become a beloved holiday tradition. source: loc.gov
  • 1947 Paco de Lucía birth: Paco de Lucía, born Francisco Sánchez Gómez, was a renowned Spanish flamenco guitarist and composer, born on December 21, 1947, in Algeciras, Spain. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1948 Ireland becomes a republic: On December 21, 1948, President Seán T. O'Kelly signed the Republic of Ireland Act, declaring Ireland as a republic and ending the British monarchy's statutory role in the country. The Act came into force on April 18, 1949. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1949 Dutch Parliament recognizes Indonesian sovereignty: On December 21, 1949, the Dutch Parliament officially recognized Indonesian sovereignty, marking the end of colonial rule and the establishment of Indonesia as an independent nation. This was a significant moment in post-war decolonization. source: britannica.com
  • 1950 MacArthur's Korean War media censorship: On December 21, 1950, General Douglas MacArthur implemented media censorship during the Korean War. This decision aimed to control the flow of information regarding military operations and maintain morale on the home front. source: archives.gov
  • 1952 WSBT TV Channel 22 begins broadcasting in South Bend, Indiana: On December 21, 1952, WSBT TV Channel 22 commenced operations in South Bend, Indiana, as a CBS affiliate. This marked a significant development in the region's television broadcasting history. source: onthisday.com
  • 1955 Ibrahim Hashem becomes acting Prime Minister of Jordan: On December 21, 1955, Ibrahim Hashem was appointed as the acting Prime Minister of Jordan, following the resignation of Hazza' al-Majali. His term lasted until January 8, 1956. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1956 Death of Lewis M. Terman: Lewis M. Terman, an influential American psychologist known for his work in intelligence testing, died on December 21, 1956. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1958 French presidential election of 1958: On December 21, 1958, Charles de Gaulle was elected as the first President of the French Fifth Republic. He received 78.5% of the vote, defeating Georges Marrane of the French Communist Party and Albert Châtelet of the Union of Democratic Forces. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1959 Significant NYC snowfall: On December 21, 1959, New York City experienced a significant snowfall, disrupting transportation and daily activities. The storm was notable for its intensity and impact on the city. source: nytimes.com
  • 1961 UK Music Chart Topper: 'Poetry In Motion' by Johnny Tillotson was the number one song in the United Kingdom, reflecting the popular music trends of the early 1960s.
  • 1962 Britain purchases Polaris missiles: On December 21, 1962, the United Kingdom announced the purchase of Polaris missiles from the United States, enhancing its nuclear deterrent capabilities during the Cold War. source: theguardian.com
  • 1963 TIROS-8 weather satellite launch: The TIROS-8 weather satellite was launched on December 21, 1963, as part of the TIROS program aimed at improving weather forecasting. This satellite provided valuable data on atmospheric conditions and contributed to advancements in meteorology. The TIROS series was instrumental in the development of satellite-based weather observation. source: nasa.gov
  • 1964 Dhanushkodi Cyclone Disaster: On December 21, 1964, a powerful cyclone struck Dhanushkodi, India, with wind speeds up to 280 km/h and tidal waves reaching 7 meters. The storm caused extensive damage, leading to the destruction of the town and resulting in approximately 1,800 fatalities across India and Sri Lanka. The Indian government declared Dhanushkodi unfit for habitation, rendering it a ghost town. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1965 UN adopts International Convention Against Racial Discrimination: On December 21, 1965, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. This treaty aims to eliminate racial discrimination and promote equality among all races. source: un.org
  • 1967 First human heart transplant recipient dies: On December 21, 1967, Louis Washkansky, the first recipient of a human heart transplant, died in Cape Town, South Africa. The surgery, performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard, marked a significant milestone in medical history, despite Washkansky's short survival post-operation. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • 1968 Joseph W. Barr becomes US Treasury Secretary: Joseph W. Barr was appointed as the U.S. Treasury Secretary on December 21, 1968, serving under President Lyndon B. Johnson. His tenure was marked by economic challenges, including inflation and the need for fiscal reforms. source: treasurydirect.gov
  • 1969 Gay Activists Alliance established: The Gay Activists Alliance (GAA) was founded in New York City on December 21, 1969, by members of the Gay Liberation Front who sought to focus exclusively on gay and lesbian rights. The organization aimed to secure basic human rights, dignity, and freedom for all gay people. source: nyclgbtsites.org
  • 1970 First flight of F-14 Tomcat: On December 21, 1970, the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, a supersonic, twin-engine, two-seat, variable-sweep wing fighter aircraft, made its first flight. The F-14 would later become a prominent aircraft in the U.S. Navy's fleet. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1971 United Nations Security Council elects Kurt Waldheim as Secretary-General: On December 21, 1971, Kurt Waldheim was elected as the Secretary-General of the United Nations. His tenure was marked by significant global events and challenges, including the Cold War dynamics and various international conflicts. source: un.org
  • 1972 Basic Treaty signed between East and West Germany: On December 21, 1972, the Basic Treaty was signed in East Berlin, marking the first mutual recognition between the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic. This agreement paved the way for both German states to be recognized by the international community. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1973 Geneva Conference on Arab-Israeli Conflict convenes: On December 21, 1973, the Geneva Conference on the Arab-Israeli Conflict began in Geneva, Switzerland. The conference aimed to address the ongoing conflict between Israel and its Arab neighbors. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1975 Madagascar adopts new constitution: On December 21, 1975, Madagascar held a constitutional referendum in which 95.57% of voters approved a new constitution. This transformed the country into a presidential republic, with President Didier Ratsiraka serving a seven-year term without election. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1976 US conducts nuclear test at Nevada Test Site: On December 21, 1976, the United States conducted a nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site. This test was part of the U.S. nuclear weapons testing program, which continued until 1992, when the U.S. declared a moratorium on nuclear testing. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1977 Interstate 75 Final Stage Completed: On December 21, 1977, the final stage of the Interstate 75 highway was completed, marking a significant milestone in the development of the US interstate system.
  • 1978 John Wayne Gacy Jr. arrested for multiple murders: On December 21, 1978, John Wayne Gacy Jr., a Chicago-area contractor and part-time clown, was arrested for the murders of at least 33 young men and boys. His arrest led to one of the most notorious serial killer cases in U.S. history. source: chicagotribune.com
  • 1979 Congress approves $1.5 billion loan guarantees for Chrysler Corporation: On December 21, 1979, the U.S. Congress approved $1.5 billion in loan guarantees for Chrysler Corporation to prevent its bankruptcy. This decision was made after Chrysler faced significant financial losses and sought federal assistance to continue operations. The loan guarantees were contingent upon Chrysler meeting certain conditions, including raising additional funds from private sources and implementing cost-cutting measures. source: nytimes.com
  • 1980 1980 Riohacha Transportes Aéreos del Cesar Caravelle crash: On December 21, 1980, a Sud Aviation SE-210 Caravelle VI-R aircraft operated by Transportes Aéreos del Cesar (TAC Colombia) crashed near Riohacha, Colombia, shortly after takeoff. The explosion, whose origin remains undetermined, led to the loss of all 70 occupants, including 63 passengers and 7 crew members. The aircraft was en route from Riohacha to Medellín when the incident occurred. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1981 Treaty establishing the Preferential Trade Area for Eastern and Southern Africa signed in Lusaka: On December 21, 1981, in Lusaka, Zambia, the Treaty establishing the Preferential Trade Area (PTA) for Eastern and Southern Africa was signed. This agreement aimed to promote economic integration among member states by reducing trade barriers and fostering regional cooperation. The PTA served as a precursor to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), which was later established in 1994. source: globaledge.msu.edu
  • 1982 Philip Humber's birth date: Philip Humber, a former professional baseball pitcher, was born on December 21, 1982, in Nacogdoches, Texas. source: espn.com
  • 1983 NCAA rescinds controversial two-shot foul rule: On December 21, 1983, the NCAA Men's Basketball Committee unanimously voted to rescind a rule that awarded two free throws for fouls committed in the last two minutes of regulation and all overtime periods. The rule, intended to reduce excessive fouling late in games, led to unintended consequences, including increased fouling and physical play. Coaches and officials expressed concerns over its impact on game flow and safety. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1985 ARCO Anchorage runs aground in Port Angeles Harbor, Washington: On December 21, 1985, the tanker ARCO Anchorage ran aground in Port Angeles Harbor, Washington, while anchoring. The vessel, carrying 814,000 barrels of Alaska North Slope crude oil, sustained two hull breaches, releasing approximately 5,690 barrels (239,000 gallons) of oil into the harbor. The spill led to significant environmental impacts, including the contamination of beaches and the death of over 4,000 birds. Cleanup efforts were initiated promptly, and the spill was considered the eighth largest in Washington state history at that time. source: incidentnews.noaa.gov
  • 1986 Death of Willy Coppens, Belgian Military Pilot: Willy Omer François Jean Coppens de Houthulst, Belgium's leading fighter ace and champion 'balloon buster' of World War I, died on December 21, 1986, in De Panne, Belgium. He was credited with 37 confirmed victories and six probables during the war. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1987 Soyuz TM-4 mission to Mir: On December 21, 1987, the Soviet Union launched Soyuz TM-4, carrying cosmonauts Vladimir Titov, Musa Manarov, and Anatoli Levchenko to the Mir space station. Titov and Manarov embarked on a long-duration mission, setting a new spaceflight record by spending nearly 366 days in orbit. Levchenko returned to Earth a week later with the crew of Soyuz TM-3. The mission was notable for its scientific experiments and spacewalks. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1988 Lockerbie bombing - Pan Am Flight 103 terrorist attack: On December 21, 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 was bombed over Lockerbie, Scotland, resulting in the deaths of 270 people. The attack was attributed to Libyan terrorists, leading to significant international repercussions and a long investigation. source: bbc.com
  • 1989 Military Crackdown in Bucharest: At 4:37 PM, General Vasile Milea orders the dispersal of demonstrators from key locations in Bucharest. A military lorry driver is struck by a brick, escalating tensions. Demonstrators construct barricades, and armored personnel carriers charge the crowd, resulting in intense shooting and multiple casualties.
  • 1990 Saddam Hussein defies UN withdrawal deadline: On December 21, 1990, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein publicly defied the United Nations' deadline for withdrawal from Kuwait. This act escalated tensions and set the stage for military action by coalition forces in the Gulf War. source: reuters.com
  • 1991 Jane Fonda marries Ted Turner: Actress Jane Fonda married CNN founder Ted Turner on December 21, 1991, at a ranch near Capps, Florida. The couple separated in 2000 and divorced in 2001. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1992 Martinair Flight 495 Crash in Faro, Portugal: On December 21, 1992, Martinair Flight 495 crashed while attempting to land at Faro Airport in Portugal, resulting in the deaths of 54 people. The incident was one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Portugal's history and raised concerns about airline safety regulations. Investigations followed to determine the causes of the crash. source: bbc.com
  • 1994 Popocatépetl volcano erupts after 70 years of dormancy: On December 21, 1994, Mexico's Popocatépetl volcano erupted, marking the end of a 70-year period of inactivity. The eruption produced ash columns up to 2 kilometers high and led to the evacuation of approximately 25,000 people from nearby towns. The activity continued intermittently until August 1995. source: usgs.gov
  • 1995 Martina Ertl wins giant slalom World Cup: On December 21, 1995, German alpine skier Martina Ertl secured a victory in the giant slalom event at Veysonnaz, Switzerland, contributing to her overall World Cup standings. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1996 Death of Margaret E. Rey, children's book author: Margaret E. Rey, co-author of the beloved 'Curious George' series, passed away on December 21, 1996, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at the age of 90. source: myheritage.com
  • 1997 Barry Sanders becomes third player to rush for 2,000 yards in a season: On December 21, 1997, Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders rushed for 184 yards against the New York Jets, surpassing 2,000 rushing yards for the season. This achievement made him the third player in NFL history to reach this milestone, following O.J. Simpson and Eric Dickerson. Sanders finished the season with 2,053 rushing yards, earning co-MVP honors with Brett Favre. source: profootballhof.com
  • 1999 ETA terrorist plot intercepted in Madrid: On December 21, 1999, Spanish authorities intercepted a terrorist plot by the Basque separatist group ETA in Madrid, preventing a potential attack. source: elibrary.imf.org
  • 2001 Hamid Karzai Becomes Afghan Leader: On December 21, 2001, Hamid Karzai was appointed as the interim leader of Afghanistan following the fall of the Taliban regime. Karzai played a pivotal role in the establishment of the new Afghan government and was later elected as the country's president. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2002 Landmark DNA exoneration case: On December 21, 2002, a landmark DNA exoneration case in the United States highlighted the potential of DNA evidence to overturn wrongful convictions, leading to increased scrutiny of forensic practices. source: nytimes.com
  • 2003 Conflicting reports about Saddam Hussein's capture: Reports emerged with conflicting details about the capture of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, leading to confusion and speculation about the circumstances of his arrest. source: reuters.com
  • 2004 Deadly suicide attack on US military base in Mosul: On December 21, 2004, a suicide attack targeted a U.S. military base in Mosul, Iraq, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The attack underscored the ongoing security challenges in the region.
  • 2005 US Senate extends PATRIOT Act: The US Senate voted to extend key provisions of the PATRIOT Act, which were set to expire. The extension was part of ongoing debates about national security and civil liberties in the post-9/11 era. source: congress.gov
  • 2006 Somalia's regional conflict escalates amid Ethiopian intervention: On December 21, 2006, reports indicated an escalation in regional conflict in Somalia, particularly in the south, as Ethiopian forces intervened to support the Somali government against Islamist insurgents. The intervention aimed to stabilize the government and prevent the spread of Islamist control. The situation raised concerns about regional stability and the potential for a broader conflict. source: bbc.com
  • 2007 Mosque explosion in Pakistan: A mosque explosion in Pakistan on December 21, 2007, resulted in multiple casualties and injuries. The attack was part of ongoing violence in the region, often linked to extremist groups. source: reuters.com
  • 2008 Cassini's Titan flyby: On December 21, 2008, NASA's Cassini spacecraft conducted a flyby of Titan, Saturn's largest moon. This mission provided valuable data about Titan's atmosphere and surface, enhancing our understanding of this intriguing celestial body. source: nasa.gov
  • 2009 Auschwitz 'Arbeit Macht Frei' Sign Recovered: On December 21, 2009, the infamous 'Arbeit Macht Frei' sign was recovered after being stolen from the Auschwitz concentration camp. The sign's recovery was a significant event, highlighting the ongoing importance of Holocaust remembrance. source: nytimes.com
  • 2010 Rare total lunar eclipse coincides with winter solstice: On December 21, 2010, a total lunar eclipse occurred, coinciding with the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. This rare event marked the first time since 1638 that a total lunar eclipse and the winter solstice fell on the same calendar day. The eclipse was visible across North and South America, Europe, and parts of Asia and Africa. The totality phase lasted approximately 72 minutes, during which the moon took on a reddish hue due to Earth's shadow. source: aljazeera.com
  • 2011 Soyuz Mission to International Space Station: Soyuz TMA-03M spacecraft launches from Baikonur Cosmodrome, carrying a three-person crew to the International Space Station, continuing international space exploration efforts.
  • 2012 John Kerry nominated as Secretary of State: On December 21, 2012, President Barack Obama nominated Senator John Kerry to be the next Secretary of State, succeeding Hillary Clinton. Kerry's nomination was part of a broader cabinet reshuffle following Obama's re-election. source: obamawhitehouse.archives.gov
  • 2013 NASA spacewalk to repair ISS coolant pump: NASA astronauts conducted a spacewalk to repair a malfunctioning coolant pump on the International Space Station. This repair was crucial to maintain the station's cooling system, ensuring the safety and functionality of the ISS. source: nasa.gov
  • 2014 Tunisia elects secularist president: On December 21, 2014, Tunisia elected Beji Caid Essebsi, a secularist candidate, as its president. Essebsi won the presidential election with 55.68% of the vote, defeating his rival Moncef Marzouki. source: aljazeera.com
  • 2015 Taliban captures Sangin district in southern Afghanistan: On December 21, 2015, Taliban forces overran the Sangin district in Helmand province, Afghanistan, seizing all police and military installations. The assault resulted in the deaths of up to 90 Afghan soldiers over two days. Despite the Taliban's claims of full control, Afghan officials reported ongoing resistance and reinforcements being sent to the area. source: aljazeera.com
  • 2016 2016 Berlin attack manhunt: Following the Berlin Christmas market attack, a manhunt was launched for Anis Amri, the suspect. Authorities issued a Europe-wide alert, and Amri was eventually located and killed by police in Italy on December 23, 2016. source: bbc.com
  • 2017 UN resolution on Jerusalem: On December 21, 2017, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital 'null and void.' The resolution was adopted with 128 votes in favor, 9 against, and 35 abstentions. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2018 James Mattis Resigns as Defense Secretary: On December 21, 2018, James Mattis resigned as U.S. Secretary of Defense, citing disagreements with President Trump's policies, particularly regarding the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria. source: cnbc.com
  • 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
  • 2020 COVID-19 Relief Package Approved: Congressional Democrats and Republicans finalized a $900 billion coronavirus relief package. The legislation included $600 stimulus checks per person, with reduced benefits for higher-income earners, and enhanced unemployment benefits of $300 per week starting December 27th.
  • 2021 U.S. Arms Sale to Lithuania Amid Russia Tensions: The U.S. State Department approved a significant military equipment sale to Lithuania, a NATO ally, consisting of 341 FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missiles and 30 command launch units. This arms transfer occurred during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions with Russia, signaling strategic military support for Eastern European NATO members.
  • 2022 Ukrainian President Zelensky's Historic Washington DC Visit: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a significant diplomatic trip to Washington, DC during the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War. During this crucial visit, he met with US President Joe Biden at the White House to discuss continued military and financial support for Ukraine's defense against Russian invasion. Zelensky also delivered a powerful address to a joint session of Congress, appealing for continued American assistance and highlighting Ukraine's struggle for sovereignty.
  • 2023 Lockerbie Pan Am Flight 103 Bombing: On December 21, 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 was destroyed by a terrorist bomb while flying from London to New York over Lockerbie, Scotland. The explosion killed all 259 passengers and crew members aboard, as well as 11 residents on the ground. The bomb, hidden inside an audio cassette player in the cargo area, caused one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in UK history and a significant international incident.

What Is special about December 21?

December 21 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 21.