On This Day in History

December 15

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2012
Science

Decommissioning of the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), First Nuclear Aircraft Carrier

The U.S. Navy held an inactivation ceremony for the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), the worldโ€™s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, marking the end of over 50 years of naval service.

๐Ÿ“ Norfolk, Virginia, United States

Science Navy Nuclear
2006
Politics

Execution of Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein Approved

Iraqโ€™s highest court upheld the death sentence of former president Saddam Hussein for crimes against humanity. The decision paved the way for his execution later that month.

๐Ÿ“ Baghdad, Iraq

Politics Iraq Justice
1997
Science

First Flight of the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

The F-22 Raptor, a fifth-generation stealth tactical fighter aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Air Force, completed its first flight, revolutionizing modern aerial combat.

๐Ÿ“ Marietta, Georgia, United States

Science Defense Aviation
1995
Politics

Bosnia and Herzegovina Peace Agreement Signed in Paris

The Dayton Accords, formally signed in Paris, officially ended the Bosnian War and established a framework for the future governance of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

๐Ÿ“ Paris, France

Politics Peace Balkans
1991
Politics

Estonia Gains Admission to the United Nations

Estonia was formally admitted as a member state of the United Nations following its regained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union, rejoining the global diplomatic community.

๐Ÿ“ New York City, United States

Politics UN Baltic States
1978
Culture

Opening of the National Gallery of Art East Building

The East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., designed by architect I. M. Pei, officially opened, expanding the museumโ€™s collection of modern and contemporary art.

๐Ÿ“ Washington, D.C., United States

Culture Architecture Art
1975
Politics

Mozambique Admitted to the United Nations

Following its independence from Portugal, Mozambique was formally admitted to the United Nations, marking its integration into the international community amid Cold War tensions in Africa.

๐Ÿ“ New York City, United States

Politics UN Africa
1974
Politics

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Formally Established

The United States Congress created the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to oversee civilian nuclear safety, separating its functions from those of the Atomic Energy Commission.

๐Ÿ“ Washington, D.C., United States

Politics Energy United States
1966
Culture

Death of Walt Disney, Icon of Animation and Entertainment

Walt Disney, pioneer of the animation industry and founder of the Disney entertainment empire, died at age 65. His legacy includes iconic films, theme parks, and cultural innovations.

๐Ÿ“ Burbank, California, United States

Culture Animation United States
1965
Science

Launch of the Pioneer 6 Solar Research Satellite

NASA launched Pioneer 6, one of a series of solar-orbiting satellites designed to study the Sunโ€™s solar wind, magnetic fields, and cosmic rays, enhancing long-term space weather monitoring.

๐Ÿ“ Cape Canaveral, Florida, United States

Science Space NASA
1963
Science

Completion of the Glen Canyon Dam

The Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River was completed, creating Lake Powell and significantly altering the regional water supply and hydroelectric capacity of the southwestern United States.

๐Ÿ“ Page, Arizona, United States

Science Infrastructure Environment
1934
Politics

Soviet Union Admitted to the League of Nations

The League of Nations admitted the Soviet Union as a member, marking a shift in international relations and an attempt to integrate the USSR into global diplomatic frameworks before WWII.

๐Ÿ“ Geneva, Switzerland

Politics Soviet Union International Relations
1923
Science

Death of Gustave Eiffel, Engineer of the Eiffel Tower

Gustave Eiffel, French civil engineer renowned for designing the Eiffel Tower and contributing to the Statue of Liberty's internal structure, died in Paris at age 91.

๐Ÿ“ Paris, France

Science Engineering France
1893
Science

Eugรจne Dubois Announces Discovery of Java Man

Dutch paleoanthropologist Eugรจne Dubois presented his discovery of 'Java Man', one of the first fossil remains of Homo erectus, providing crucial evidence in support of human evolution.

๐Ÿ“ Leiden, Netherlands

Science Anthropology Evolution
1893
Culture

First Performance of Antonรญn Dvoล™รกkโ€™s New World Symphony

Dvoล™รกkโ€™s Symphony No. 9, 'From the New World', premiered at Carnegie Hall in New York City, blending American folk elements with classical forms and becoming one of the most beloved symphonic works.

๐Ÿ“ New York City, United States

Culture Music Classical
1892
Culture

Birth of J. Paul Getty, Oil Tycoon and Art Collector

J. Paul Getty, American industrialist who founded Getty Oil and became one of the wealthiest men of his time, was born. He later established the Getty Museum and cultural trust.

๐Ÿ“ Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Culture Business Philanthropy
1890
Politics

Death of Sitting Bull, Lakota Sioux Leader

Sitting Bull, spiritual leader and symbol of Native American resistance, was killed during an arrest attempt by Indian police on the Standing Rock Reservation, leading to greater unrest among the Sioux.

๐Ÿ“ Standing Rock Reservation, South Dakota, United States

Politics Native American United States
1832
Science

Birth of Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, French Civil Engineer

Gustave Eiffel, who would later design the Eiffel Tower and contribute to the Statue of Libertyโ€™s framework, was born. He became one of the most renowned engineers of the 19th century.

๐Ÿ“ Dijon, France

Science Engineering France
1791
Politics

U.S. Bill of Rights Ratified

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified, guaranteeing civil liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and due process under the law.

๐Ÿ“ Washington, D.C., United States

Politics Law United States
37
Politics

Birth of Nero, Future Roman Emperor

Nero, who would become the fifth emperor of Rome and is remembered for his controversial rule, artistic pursuits, and the Great Fire of Rome, was born in Antium.

๐Ÿ“ Antium, Roman Empire (modern Anzio, Italy)

Politics Rome Ancient History