Europa
- Battle of Nineveh (627)
A pivotal battle took place on December 12, 627, when the Byzantine army under Emperor Heraclius defeated the Persian forces led by General Rhahzadh. This victory marked a turning point in the Byzantine–Sassanid War, significantly weakening the Persian Empire. - Sale of Argos and Nauplia (1388)
On this day in 1388, Maria of Enghien sold the lordship of Argos and Nauplia to the Republic of Venice. This transaction expanded Venetian influence in Greece during the late Middle Ages. - Oaks Mining Disaster (1866)
The Oaks explosion, the worst mining disaster in England, occurred on December 12, 1866. The tragedy claimed the lives of 361 miners and rescuers, highlighting the dangers of coal mining during the Industrial Revolution. - First Transatlantic Radio Signal (1901)
Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi received the first transatlantic radio signal on December 12, 1901. The letter “S” was transmitted in Morse code from Poldhu, Cornwall, England, to St. John’s, Newfoundland, marking a milestone in global communications. - Piazza Fontana Bombing (1969)
On December 12, 1969, a bomb exploded at the headquarters of the Banca Nazionale dell’Agricoltura in Piazza Fontana, Milan, Italy. The attack killed 17 people and wounded 88, marking the beginning of Italy’s “Years of Lead,” a period of political violence and terrorism. - Clapham Junction Rail Crash (1988)
The Clapham Junction rail crash, one of the worst train accidents in the United Kingdom, happened on December 12, 1988. Thirty-five people were killed and hundreds injured after two collisions involving three commuter trains. - In 1939, the Battle of Tolvajärvi began during the Winter War, marking the first major Finnish victory against the Soviet Union.
- In 1939, HMS Duchess sank after a collision with HMS Barham off the coast of Scotland, resulting in the loss of 124 men.
- In 1896, Marconi gave the first public demonstration of radio in London, furthering the development of wireless communication.
America
- Pennsylvania Ratifies the U.S. Constitution (1787)
On December 12, 1787, Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the United States Constitution, following Delaware. This was a significant step in the formation of the United States as a nation. - Joseph H. Rainey Sworn into Congress (1870)
Joseph H. Rainey of South Carolina became the first African American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives on December 12, 1870. He filled a seat declared vacant and served until 1879, marking a milestone in American political history. - John Jay’s Birthday (1745)
December 12 marks the birth of John Jay in 1745. Jay was a Founding Father, the first Chief Justice of the United States, and a key diplomat in the early years of the nation. - U.S. Capital Moves to Washington, D.C. (1800)
On this day, the U.S. capital was officially moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., establishing the city as the seat of the federal government. - USS Cairo Sinks (1862)
During the American Civil War, the USS Cairo became the first armored warship sunk by an electrically detonated mine, sinking in the Yazoo River, Mississippi, on December 12, 1862. - First Public Appearance of “The Katzenjammer Kids” (1897)
The comic strip “The Katzenjammer Kids” debuted in the New York Journal on this day, becoming the longest-running comic strip in history. - Houston Elects First Openly Gay Mayor (2009)
On December 12, 2009, Houston, Texas, became the largest U.S. city to elect an openly gay mayor, Annise Parker. - U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Bush v. Gore (2000)
The U.S. Supreme Court effectively decided the outcome of the 2000 presidential election on December 12, halting the Florida ballot recount and awarding the presidency to George W. Bush.
Asia
- 1911: Capital of India Moved to Delhi
On December 12, 1911, the British colonial administration announced the transfer of the capital of India from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to Delhi. This move was proclaimed during the Delhi Durbar attended by King George V and Queen Mary, marking a pivotal shift in India’s political and administrative landscape. - 1915: Yuan Shikai Declares Himself Emperor of China
On this day in 1915, Yuan Shikai, then President of the Republic of China, announced his intention to restore the monarchy and proclaimed himself Emperor. This controversial move was met with widespread opposition and ultimately failed, leading to a period of political instability in China. - 1936: Xi’an Incident in China
The Xi’an Incident occurred on December 12, 1936, when Chinese leader Chiang Kai-shek was kidnapped by his own generals (notably Zhang Xueliang) in an effort to force him to form a united front with the Communists against Japanese aggression. The event was a turning point in Chinese history, leading to a temporary alliance between the Nationalists and Communists against Japan. - 1937: USS Panay Incident
On December 12, 1937, Japanese aircraft bombed and sank the American gunboat USS Panay on the Yangtze River in China. The incident heightened tensions between Japan and the United States in the lead-up to World War II. - 1941: World War II – Japanese Attack on the Philippines
Fifty-four Japanese A6M Zero fighters raided Batangas Field in the Philippines on December 12, 1941. Filipino pilots, led by Jesús Villamor, successfully defended against the attack, marking a notable episode in the Pacific theater of World War II. - 1948: Batang Kali Massacre in Malaya
British troops killed 24 unarmed villagers in Batang Kali, Malaya (now Malaysia), during the Malayan Emergency on December 12, 1948. The event remains a controversial and tragic chapter in British colonial history. - 1979: South Korean Coup d’État
On December 12, 1979, Major General Chun Doo-hwan led a military coup in South Korea, arresting the Army Chief of Staff and consolidating power, which set the stage for years of military rule in the country. - 2012: North Korea Launches First Satellite
North Korea successfully launched its first satellite, Kwangmyŏngsŏng-3 Unit 2, on December 12, 2012. The launch was condemned internationally due to concerns over ballistic missile technology.
Africa
- Kenya Gains Independence (1963)
On December 12, 1963, Kenya achieved independence from British colonial rule, marking a pivotal moment in African history. This day is celebrated annually as Jamhuri Day (Republic Day), commemorating both the end of colonial rule and, a year later, Kenya’s establishment as a republic with Jomo Kenyatta as its first president. Jamhuri Day is one of Kenya’s most important national holidays, celebrated with parades, speeches, feasts, and dancing throughout the country. - Kenya Becomes a Republic (1964)
On December 12, 1964, exactly one year after independence, Kenya was officially declared a republic and admitted to the Commonwealth of Nations, further solidifying its sovereignty and international status. - Rhodesia’s Transition to Zimbabwe (1979): On December 12, 1979, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) established majority rule, paving the way for recognized independence as Zimbabwe the following year.
- Political Events Across the Continent: Various political milestones, such as coups, independence movements, and significant leadership changes, have also occurred on this date in different African countries, reflecting the continent’s dynamic history.
This day in history: 12 december