On This Day in History

December 12

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2015
Politics

United Nations Adopts the Paris Agreement on Climate Change

The Paris Agreement was adopted by 196 parties at COP21, committing nations to limit global warming to well below 2ยฐC above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5ยฐC.

๐Ÿ“ Paris, France

Politics Environment UN
2010
Politics

U.S. House of Representatives Impeaches Federal Judge G. Thomas Porteous

The U.S. Senate convicted and removed Judge G. Thomas Porteous for corruption and perjury, marking the rare impeachment and removal of a federal judge in American history.

๐Ÿ“ Washington, D.C., United States

Politics Judiciary United States
2003
Politics

Death of Heydar Aliyev, Former President of Azerbaijan

Heydar Aliyev, former president of Azerbaijan and key post-Soviet leader who shaped the nation's political stability and energy strategy, died after over a decade in power.

๐Ÿ“ Cleveland, Ohio, United States

Politics Azerbaijan Post-Soviet
2000
Politics

U.S. Supreme Court Halts Florida Recount in Bush v. Gore

The U.S. Supreme Court issued its final ruling in Bush v. Gore, halting Floridaโ€™s presidential election recount and effectively awarding the presidency to George W. Bush over Al Gore.

๐Ÿ“ Washington, D.C., United States

Politics Law Elections
1999
Culture

Death of Joseph Heller, Author of 'Catch-22'

Joseph Heller, the American author best known for the satirical war novel 'Catch-22', died at age 76. His work coined the term and influenced antiwar literature and discourse.

๐Ÿ“ East Hampton, New York, United States

Culture Literature United States
1998
Culture

Frank Sinatra Dies on His 82nd Birthday

Frank Sinatra, legendary American singer and actor whose influence spanned music, film, and culture, passed away on his 82nd birthday. He left behind a legacy of timeless hits and iconic performances.

๐Ÿ“ Los Angeles, California, United States

Culture Music Cinema
1998
Science

Opening of Akashi Kaikyล Bridge, Longest Suspension Bridge

Japan inaugurated the Akashi Kaikyล Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time, spanning 1,991 meters and connecting Kobe to Awaji Island across the Akashi Strait.

๐Ÿ“ Hyลgo Prefecture, Japan

Science Engineering Japan
1984
Politics

United Nations Convention Against Torture Enters Into Force

The UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment entered into force, strengthening international legal frameworks to prevent and punish torture worldwide.

๐Ÿ“ New York City, United States

Politics Human Rights UN
1972
Science

Apollo 17 Astronauts Drive Moon Rover for Final Time

During NASAโ€™s Apollo 17 mission, astronauts used the Lunar Roving Vehicle for the final time on the Moon, collecting samples and performing scientific tasks before returning to Earth.

๐Ÿ“ Taurus-Littrow Valley, Moon

Science Space NASA
1971
War

India Declares Victory in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War

India formally declared military success over Pakistan in the 1971 war, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. The conflict reshaped South Asian geopolitics and ended in Pakistanโ€™s surrender days later.

๐Ÿ“ New Delhi, India

War India Pakistan Bangladesh
1966
Politics

First Recorded Use of Kenyan Shilling as Official Currency

Three years after independence, Kenya introduced the Kenyan Shilling (KES) as its official national currency, replacing the East African shilling and asserting financial sovereignty.

๐Ÿ“ Nairobi, Kenya

Politics Currency Africa
1965
Politics

UN General Assembly Establishes UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was created to coordinate global development efforts and promote sustainable growth, poverty reduction, and human development worldwide.

๐Ÿ“ New York City, United States

Politics Development UN
1963
Politics

Kenya Gains Independence from the United Kingdom

Kenya officially gained independence from British colonial rule and became a sovereign nation with Jomo Kenyatta as its first prime minister, marking a key moment in Africaโ€™s decolonization movement.

๐Ÿ“ Nairobi, Kenya

Politics Independence Africa
1963
Culture

Flag of Kenya Officially Adopted

On the day of its independence, Kenya officially adopted its national flag, incorporating black, red, and green stripes with a Maasai shield and spears, symbolizing unity and resistance.

๐Ÿ“ Nairobi, Kenya

Culture National Symbols Africa
1960
Politics

UNESCO Adopts Convention Against Discrimination in Education

UNESCO adopted the Convention Against Discrimination in Education, establishing legal standards to ensure equality in access to education regardless of race, gender, or social status.

๐Ÿ“ Paris, France

Politics Education UNESCO
1950
Culture

Birth of Rajinikanth, Indian Cinema Icon

Rajinikanth, one of the most influential actors in Indian cinema and a cultural icon known for his unique style and mass appeal, was born in Bangalore, India.

๐Ÿ“ Bangalore, India

Culture Cinema India
1901
Science

First Transatlantic Radio Signal by Marconi Confirmed

Guglielmo Marconi successfully received the first transatlantic wireless signal from Cornwall to Newfoundland, revolutionizing global communication and confirming the feasibility of wireless telegraphy.

๐Ÿ“ St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada

Science Technology Communication
1863
Culture

Birth of Edvard Munch, Norwegian Painter of 'The Scream'

Norwegian painter Edvard Munch, best known for his iconic expressionist work 'The Scream', was born. His haunting visual style influenced modern art and psychological expressionism.

๐Ÿ“ Lรธten, Norway

Culture Art Expressionism
1821
Culture

Birth of Gustave Flaubert, French Realist Author

Gustave Flaubert, one of Franceโ€™s most influential novelists and a pioneer of literary realism, was born. His most famous work, 'Madame Bovary', challenged norms and redefined narrative technique.

๐Ÿ“ Rouen, France

Culture Literature France
1750
Culture

Opening of Londonโ€™s Westminster Bridge

Westminster Bridge, one of the earliest permanent bridges over the River Thames, officially opened to traffic, enhancing connectivity and urban development in central London.

๐Ÿ“ London, United Kingdom

Culture Architecture Infrastructure