History is a tapestry woven with the threads of significant events that have shaped the world we live in today. December 15th has seen its fair share of such momentous occasions, spanning centuries and continents. In this blog, we embark on a journey through time to explore “Major Historical Events on December 15 – Today in History”. From battles and revolutions to cultural milestones and scientific breakthroughs, December 15th has been an important date in the annals of history.
Major Historical Events on December 15 – Today in History
37 AD – Birth of Nero, Roman Emperor
The infamous Roman Emperor Nero, known for his tyrannical rule and extravagance, was born on this day. His reign would be marked by a series of controversies and power struggles that left a lasting impact on the Roman Empire.
533 AD – Byzantine Victory at Battle of Tricamarum
In the midst of the Byzantine-Vandal Wars, General Belisarius secured a decisive victory against the Vandals under King Gelimer at the Battle of Tricamarum, a significant event in the Byzantine Empire’s history.
1256 – Fall of Alamut to Hulagu Khan
The Hashshashin stronghold at Alamut, an enigmatic and formidable fortress, fell to the Mongol forces led by Hulagu Khan. This marked a crucial moment in the Mongol offensive in southwest Asia.
1791 – Ratification of the United States Bill of Rights
A pivotal moment in American history, the United States Bill of Rights became law when ratified by the Virginia General Assembly. These first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution laid the foundation for the protection of individual rights and freedoms.
1794 – Abolition of France’s Revolutionary Tribunal
The turbulent period of the French Revolution saw the abolition of the Revolutionary Tribunal in France. This marked a shift in the Reign of Terror, a time of extreme political upheaval and violence.
1836 – U.S. Patent Office Fire
Tragedy struck as a fire engulfed the U.S. Patent Office, destroying numerous records and models of inventions. This event led to efforts to rebuild and preserve intellectual property.
1864 – Battle of Nashville Begins
During the American Civil War, the Battle of Nashville commenced, with Union forces under George H. Thomas ultimately defeating Confederate troops under John Bell Hood.
1890 – Death of Sioux Chief Sitting Bull
Sitting Bull, a prominent Hunkpapa Lakota leader and spiritual figure, was killed on Standing Rock Indian Reservation, a tragic event that would lead to the Wounded Knee Massacre.
1914 – Mitsubishi Hojyo Coal Mine Disaster
Japan experienced a devastating gas explosion at the Mitsubishi Hojyo coal mine in Kyushu, resulting in the tragic loss of 687 workers.
1917 – WWI Armistice Between Russia and Central Powers
In the midst of World War I, an armistice between Russia and the Central Powers was signed, reshaping the dynamics of the war.
1939 – Premiere of “Gone with the Wind”
On this day, the iconic American film “Gone with the Wind” had its grand premiere at Loew’s Grand Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. Directed by Victor Fleming, this epic historical romance film, set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era, would go on to become one of the most beloved and enduring classics in cinematic history.
1941 – Holocaust: Mass Murder at Chelmno
During the Holocaust, a tragic event unfolded as German troops began the mass murder of Jews at Chelmno, Poland. Chelmno was one of the first extermination camps where gas vans were used to kill thousands of innocent people, marking a horrifying chapter in the Holocaust’s dark history.
1944 – Battle of Mindoro in WWII
World War II saw the commencement of the Battle of Mindoro on December 15th. This important battle took place in the Philippines and was a part of the larger Pacific Theater. It involved significant naval and ground operations, ultimately contributing to the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation.
1945 – End of Shinto as Japan’s State Religion
In the aftermath of World War II, General Douglas MacArthur ordered the end of Shintoism as the state religion of Japan. This marked a significant change in Japan’s religious landscape, as Shinto had played a central role in the nation’s identity and ideology.
1960 – Arrest in Plot to Assassinate JFK
On this day, Richard Pavlick was arrested for plotting to assassinate U.S. President-Elect John F. Kennedy. Pavlick’s arrest foiled a potentially tragic event, and Kennedy would go on to become the 35th President of the United States.
1961 – Sentencing of Adolf Eichmann
In 1961, Nazi official Adolf Eichmann was sentenced to death by an Israeli court for his role in the Holocaust, symbolizing accountability for genocide. His capture and trial brought global attention to the pursuit of justice for war crimes.
1962 – Opening of Vail Ski Resort
Winter enthusiasts celebrated the opening of the Vail Ski Resort in Colorado. This world-renowned ski destination has since become synonymous with winter sports and attracts visitors from around the globe.
1970 – Soviet Spacecraft Venera 7 Lands on Venus
In a historic achievement in space exploration, the Soviet spacecraft Venera 7 successfully landed on Venus. It was the first successful soft landing on another planet, providing valuable data about our neighboring world.
1973 – APA Removes Homosexuality from DSM-II
A significant moment in the field of psychology, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) voted unanimously to remove homosexuality from the second edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-II). This marked a major step in recognizing LGBTQ+ rights and challenging stigmatization.
1978 – U.S. Recognition of People’s Republic of China
U.S. President Jimmy Carter announced the formal recognition of the People’s Republic of China and the establishment of diplomatic relations, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy.
1989 – Adoption of Protocol Against Death Penalty
The Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, was adopted. This international treaty marked a commitment to ending capital punishment worldwide.
1993 – Downing Street Declaration on Northern Ireland
British Prime Minister John Major and Irish Taoiseach Albert Reynolds issued the Downing Street Declaration, affirming Northern Ireland’s right to self-determination and setting the stage for peace negotiations in the region.
1994 – Release of Netscape Navigator
On December 15, 1994, Netscape Navigator, a pivotal web browser, was released. It played a key role in popularizing the internet and making it accessible to a wider audience.
2000 – Shutdown of Chernobyl’s Third Reactor
On this day in 2000, Chernobyl’s third reactor was officially shut down, marking a crucial step in containing radiation and ensuring safety.
2001 – Reopening of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
After 11 years of stabilization and restoration efforts, the Leaning Tower of Pisa reopened in 2001, delighting cultural enthusiasts worldwide.
2005 – Introduction of Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
The introduction of the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor into the USAF in 2005 marked a significant advancement in fighter aircraft technology, emphasizing stealth and cutting-edge capabilities.
2010 – Christmas Island Boat Disaster
In 2010, a tragic event occurred as a boat carrying asylum seekers to Christmas Island, Australia, capsized. The disaster led to a significant loss of lives and underscored the challenges of immigration and refugee policies.
2011 – Formal End of the Iraq War
December 15, 2011, marked the formal end of the Iraq War. The last U.S. military personnel crossed the border from Iraq into Kuwait, closing a chapter in the country’s history characterized by conflict and reconstruction.
Also read: Major Historical Events on December 14 – Today in History
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