December 16th marks a day rich in history with many significant events. From decisive battles that changed the course of wars to groundbreaking political decisions, each event on this date has left a lasting impact. It’s a day that has seen the rise of new nations, shifts in power, and important cultural milestones. Let’s take a look at list of the ”Major Historical Events on December 16 – Today in History” that shaped our world in various ways.
Major Historical Events on December 16 – Today in History
1575 – Valdivia Earthquake
A significant earthquake occurs in Valdivia, which is remembered as one of the major seismic events in the region’s history.
1598 – Noryang Point Battle
The Korean navy achieves a decisive victory over the Japanese forces at the Battle of Noryang Point, marking a crucial turning point in the Seven Year War.
1659 – Scottish Electoral Reform
General George Monck advocates for free parliamentary elections in Scotland, demonstrating a push towards more democratic processes in British governance.
1689 – Bill of Rights Passed
The English Parliament passes the Bill of Rights, setting foundational limits on crown powers and establishing the requirement for regular elections, a significant step in the development of constitutional monarchy.
1707 – Mount Fuji Eruption
The last recorded eruption of Mount Fuji occurs, a significant geological event in Japan’s history.
1773 – Boston Tea Party
In a pivotal protest against the British-imposed Tea Act, the Sons of Liberty throw tea shipments into Boston harbor, sparking a series of events leading to the American Revolution.
1777 – Virginia Ratifies Confederation
Virginia becomes the first state to ratify the Articles of Confederation, marking a significant step in the formation of the United States’ first constitutional framework.
1824 – North Holland Canal Opens
The Great North Holland Canal is opened, enhancing transportation and trade routes in the Netherlands.
1850 – Canterbury Pilgrims’ Arrival
The Charlotte-Jane and Randolph ships bring the first Canterbury Pilgrims to Lyttelton, New Zealand, marking a significant moment in New Zealand’s settler history.
1864 – Battle of Nashville
The Battle of Nashville concludes with significant casualties, marking a major event in the American Civil War.
1880 – First Boer War
The First Boer War begins between the British Empire and the Boer South African Republic, a significant conflict in the history of South Africa.
1883 – Tonkin Campaign Victory
The French capture the citadel in Hanoi during the Tonkin Campaign, marking a key moment in colonial history.
1892 – First Sheffield Shield
The inaugural Sheffield Shield cricket match, between South Australia and New South Wales, commences, marking the beginning of an enduring sporting tradition.
1897 – Submarine Innovation
The first demonstration of a submarine equipped with an internal combustion engine takes place, showcasing a significant advancement in naval technology.
1900 – Civc Federation Formed
The National Civic Federation is formed in the United States, aiming to arbitrate labor disputes and promote industrial peace.
1903 – Women Ushers Employed
The Majestic Theater in New York City becomes the first in the U.S. to employ women as ushers, a notable step in gender equality in the workplace.
1903 – Taj Mahal Palace Opens
The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower hotel in Mumbai opens its doors for the first time, becoming an iconic landmark.
1905 – Variety Magazine Launch
“Variety,” covering all phases of show business, is first published, becoming a key publication in entertainment journalism.
1908 – First US Credit Union
The establishment of the first credit union in Manchester, NH, marks the beginning of the credit union movement in the US.
1911 – UK National Insurance Act
The UK’s National Insurance Act becomes law, providing health insurance for a significant portion of industrial workers, a landmark in social welfare.
1912 – First Airplane Stamp
The United States issues its first postage stamp featuring an airplane, highlighting the growing importance of aviation.
1912 – Battle of Eli
The Royal Hellenic Navy defeats the Ottoman Navy at the Battle of Eli during the First Balkan War, a significant naval confrontation.
1914 – WWI Coastal Bombardment
German battleships bombard the English ports of Hartlepool and Scarborough in World War I, a significant military event.
1926 – WOW-AM Radio Launch
WOW-AM in Omaha, Nebraska, begins radio transmissions, marking a development in the American radio industry.
1944 – Battle of the Bulge Begins
Nazi Germany launches a major counteroffensive against the Allies in the Ardennes, known as the Battle of the Bulge, a critical moment in World War II.
1946 – NFL Draft
Bob Fenimore is chosen as the first pick in the NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, highlighting the evolution of professional American football.
1946 – Thailand Joins UN
Thailand becomes a member of the United Nations, signaling its growing international engagement post-WWII.
1957 – Pakistan PM Change
Sir Feroz Khan Noon replaces Ibrahim Ismail Chundrigar as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, indicative of political shifts.
1962 – Nepal’s Constitution
Nepal establishes its constitution, transitioning to a Constitutional Hindu Monarchy, a significant political development.
1968 – Edict of Expulsion Revoked
The Second Vatican Council officially revokes the Edict of Expulsion of Jews from Spain, a momentous act of reconciliation.
1991 – Kazakhstan Independence
Kazakhstan declares its independence, a key moment in the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
1995 – Euro Adoption
The official adoption of the name “Euro” for the European single currency, a major step in European economic integration.
2004 – Voyager 1 Milestone
NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft becomes the first to cross the termination shock, where solar and interstellar winds merge, a landmark in space exploration.
2012 – India Bus Incident
A gang rape on a bus in India leads to national and international outrage, sparking significant conversations and reforms regarding women’s safety.
2016 – Beijing Pollution Alert
A severe pollution red alert is declared in Beijing and 21 other Chinese cities, highlighting serious environmental issues.
2020 – China-Australia Coal Ban
China blocks coal imports from Australia, impacting the global coal market and indicating tensions in international trade relations.
2020 – Landmark Pollution Ruling
A nine-year-old girl’s death from asthma is officially attributed to air pollution, a groundbreaking legal and environmental development.
2022 – Japan’s Military Expansion
Japan announces its largest military build-up since World War II, amid rising concerns over China and North Korea, indicating a significant shift in its defense policy.
2022 – Ash Ketchum’s Departure
Producers of Pokémon announce that Ash Ketchum and Pikachu will leave the anime series after 25 years, marking the end of an era for a beloved global franchise.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on December 15 – Today in History
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