Europa
- Romanian Revolution: Overthrow of Nicolae Ceaușescu (1989)
On December 22, 1989, Romanian Communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu was overthrown after days of mass protests and violent clashes across the country. This marked the only violent overthrow of a communist regime in Eastern Europe during the 1980s. Ceaușescu and his wife Elena attempted to flee but were captured, tried, and executed days later. The fall of Ceaușescu signaled the end of 24 years of dictatorial rule in Romania and was a pivotal moment in the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe. - Brandenburg Gate Reopens (1989)
On the same day, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin was reopened, symbolizing the reunification of East and West Germany. The event was a powerful image of the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era for Germany and Europe as a whole. - Alfred Dreyfus Sentenced (1894)
In France, on December 22, 1894, Captain Alfred Dreyfus was sentenced to life imprisonment for treason. The Dreyfus Affair exposed deep divisions in French society and was a catalyst for debates on anti-Semitism, justice, and civil rights in Europe. Dreyfus was later exonerated, but the controversy divided France for over a decade. - Poland’s First Popularly Elected President (1990)
On December 22, 1990, Lech Wałęsa, leader of the Solidarity movement, was sworn in as Poland’s first popularly elected president, marking a significant step in the country’s transition from communism to democracy. - Constitution of Croatia (1990)
The Constitution of the Republic of Croatia was promulgated on December 22, 1990, laying the foundation for Croatia’s independence and establishing civil rights and freedoms for its citizens. - 1481: The Swiss Confederation concluded the Diet of Stans, averting civil war among its member states.
- 1216: Pope Honorius III sanctioned the Dominican Order, an important development in European religious history.
- 1715: James Stuart, known as the “Old Pretender,” landed in Scotland, continuing the Jacobite efforts to restore the Stuart monarchy in Britain.
America
- The Embargo Act Passed (1807)
On December 22, 1807, the U.S. Congress passed the Embargo Act at the urging of President Thomas Jefferson. This act forbade American trade with all foreign countries, aiming to pressure Britain and France during the Napoleonic Wars but ultimately had significant negative effects on the U.S. economy. - Savannah Captured in the Civil War (1864)
During the American Civil War, Union General William T. Sherman captured Savannah, Georgia. He famously sent a telegram to President Abraham Lincoln stating, “I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah”. - First Electrically Lit Christmas Tree (1882)
Edward H. Johnson, a colleague of Thomas Edison, became the first person to decorate a Christmas tree with electric lights at his New York City home, marking a milestone in holiday traditions and the use of electricity in daily life. - United States Golf Association Founded (1894)
The United States Golf Association (USGA) was formed in New York City, becoming the governing body for golf in the U.S. and helping to standardize the game nationwide. - Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (2010)
President Barack Obama signed legislation repealing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, allowing LGBTQ individuals to serve openly in the U.S. military. The policy had been in place since 1994. - Lincoln Tunnel Opens (1937)
The Lincoln Tunnel, connecting New Jersey and New York City under the Hudson River, opened to traffic, becoming a critical piece of infrastructure for the metropolitan area. - Richard Reid “Shoe Bomber” Incident (2001)
Richard Reid attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on American Airlines Flight 63 from Paris to Miami. He was subdued by passengers and crew, and later sentenced to life in prison in the U.S.. - First U.S. Postal Savings Stamps Issued (1910): The U.S. issued its first postal savings stamps, part of a program to encourage savings among Americans.
- American Bicycling Journal Debuts (1877): The first issue of the “American Bicycling Journal” was published, reflecting the growing popularity of cycling in the U.S..
- Continental Navy Organized (1775): Esek Hopkins was appointed to command the Continental Navy, marking a foundational moment for the U.S. naval forces.
Asia
- Dongzhi Festival (East Asia)
December 22 is often the date of the Dongzhi Festival, a traditional East Asian celebration marking the winter solstice. Observed in China and other countries influenced by Chinese culture, it is a time for family gatherings and the consumption of special foods like tangyuan (glutinous rice balls). - 1906: Xinjiang Earthquake, China
On December 22, 1906, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of approximately 7.9 struck Xinjiang, China, resulting in at least 280 deaths. - 1921: Opening of Visva-Bharati University, India
Visva-Bharati College (now Visva-Bharati University) was inaugurated in Santiniketan, India, by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The institution became a prominent center for education and culture in India. - 1939: Day of Deliverance, India
Indian Muslims observed a “Day of Deliverance” on December 22, 1939, to celebrate the resignation of Indian National Congress ministries. The event highlighted political divisions in pre-independence India, particularly regarding the country’s involvement in World War II without consultation with Indian leaders. - 1941: Japanese Invasion of Luzon, Philippines (World War II)
On December 22, 1941, Japanese forces invaded Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, as part of their broader campaign in Southeast Asia during World War II. This marked a significant escalation in the Pacific War and led to the eventual occupation of the Philippines by Japanese forces. - Armed Forces Day (Vietnam)
December 22 is celebrated as Armed Forces Day in Vietnam, commemorating the founding of the Vietnam People’s Army in 1944.
Africa
- Chad Adopts Its Constitution (1989)
On December 22, 1989, Chad officially adopted its constitution, a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to establish a legal and political framework following years of instability. - South Africa: Ratification of the 1993 Constitution
On December 22, 1993, South Africa ratified its interim constitution, a crucial step in the transition from apartheid to democracy. This constitution laid the groundwork for the country’s first multiracial elections and the establishment of the Transitional Executive Council, which included representatives from various political groups. - South Africa Signs Accord Granting Independence to South West Africa (Namibia)
On December 22, 1988, South Africa signed an accord that granted independence to South West Africa (now Namibia), ending decades of South African administration and paving the way for Namibia’s independence in 1990. - Somalia: Step Toward Reconciliation (1997)
On December 22, 1997, Hussein Farrah Aidid relinquished his disputed claim to the presidency of Somalia by signing the Cairo Declaration in Egypt. This was the first major step toward reconciliation in Somalia since the outbreak of civil war in 1991. - End of the Suez Crisis (1956)
On December 22, 1956, Britain and France completed their withdrawal from Port Said, Egypt, ending their 50-day occupation during the Suez Crisis. The conflict had erupted after Egypt nationalized the Suez Canal, previously controlled by British and French interests. - Historical Note: End of the Third Punic War (146 BC)
December 22, 146 BC, marks the end of the Third Punic War, with the Roman destruction of Carthage. This event ended Carthaginian power in North Africa and established Rome as the dominant force in the region.
This day in history: 22 december