Europa
- 1170 – Murder of Thomas Becket
Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered by four knights of King Henry II in Canterbury Cathedral. This event had major religious and political repercussions across Europe, leading to Becket’s canonization and his shrine becoming a major pilgrimage site. - 1709 – Birth of Empress Elizabeth of Russia
Elizabeth, daughter of Peter the Great, was born. She would later become Empress of Russia and play a significant role in European politics during her reign. - 1922 – The Netherlands Adopts a New Constitution
The Netherlands adopted a new constitution, marking a key moment in the country’s modern political development. - 1937 – Ireland Adopts a New Constitution
The Irish Free State adopted a new constitution, officially changing its name to Ireland (Éire) and asserting greater independence from Britain. - 1940 – The Blitz: London Bombing
During World War II, German aircraft dropped thousands of incendiary bombs on central London, causing the worst fire damage since the Great Fire of 1666. St. Paul’s Cathedral survived, but many historic buildings were damaged. - 1949 – Nationalization of Industries in Hungary
Hungary, under Communist rule, nationalized its industries, a significant event in the post-war transformation of Eastern Europe. - 1959 – Lisbon Metro Begins Operation
Metro operations began in Lisbon, Portugal, marking a milestone in European urban transportation. - 1975 – Equal Rights Law in Britain
A law ensuring equal rights for women and men came into force in the United Kingdom, reflecting the broader European movement for gender equality. - 1978 – Spanish Constitution Comes into Force
Spain’s new constitution came into effect, establishing a parliamentary monarchy and marking the country’s transition to democracy after Franco’s dictatorship. - 1989 – Václav Havel Becomes President of Czechoslovakia
Playwright and dissident Václav Havel was sworn in as President of Czechoslovakia, symbolizing the end of Communist rule in Eastern Europe.
America
- 1778 – British Capture Savannah, Georgia
During the American Revolutionary War, British forces under Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell defeated American troops and captured Savannah, a key port city in Georgia. - 1835 – Treaty of New Echota Signed
The Treaty of New Echota was signed in Georgia, ceding all Cherokee lands east of the Mississippi River to the United States. This treaty led directly to the forced removal known as the Trail of Tears. - 1845 – Texas Admitted as the 28th State
The United States Congress approved the annexation of the Republic of Texas, making it the 28th state. This move heightened tensions with Mexico and contributed to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War. - 1890 – Wounded Knee Massacre
The U.S. 7th Cavalry killed more than 150 Lakota Sioux, including women and children, at Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota. This tragic event marked the end of major armed Native American resistance in the West. - 1972 – Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 Crash
Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 crashed in the Florida Everglades while approaching Miami, resulting in the deaths of 101 people. - 1975 – LaGuardia Airport Bombing
A bomb exploded at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, killing 11 people and injuring more than 75.
Asia
- 1911 – Mongolia Declares Independence from Qing Dynasty
On December 29, 1911, Outer Mongolia declared its independence from the Manchu Qing Dynasty, establishing the Bogd Khanate of Mongolia. This event ended over 200 years of Qing rule and is now celebrated as Mongolia’s National Independence Day. - 1911 – Sun Yat-sen Becomes First President of the Republic of China
On the same day, Sun Yat-sen was named the first provisional president of the Republic of China, marking a pivotal moment in the Xinhai Revolution and the end of imperial rule in China. - 1930 – Allahabad Address by Muhammad Iqbal
Sir Muhammad Iqbal delivered his famous presidential address in Allahabad, India, introducing the two-nation theory and outlining the vision for the creation of Pakistan. - 1934 – Japan Renounces the Washington and London Naval Treaties
Japan officially renounced both the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922 and the London Naval Treaty of 1930, signaling its intention to expand its naval power and contributing to the tensions leading up to World War II. - 1998 – Khmer Rouge Leaders Apologize
Leaders of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia issued a public apology for the genocide committed during their rule in the 1970s, an important moment in Southeast Asian history. - 2021 – Kazakhstan Celebrates Solidarity Day
Kazakhstan marked the 30th anniversary of its independence with Solidarity Day, a public holiday aimed at fostering unity among the nation’s diverse ethnic groups.
Africa
- 1956 – French Repression in Cameroon
Around December 29, 1956, French colonial forces intensified their violent crackdown on the independence movement in Cameroon. This period saw widespread atrocities, including massacres of civilians suspected of supporting the Union of the Peoples of Cameroon (UPC), as France sought to suppress nationalist aspirations. The conflict and repression continued even after Cameroon’s formal independence, shaping the country’s early post-colonial history. - 1923 – First Private Broadcasting Station in South Africa
On December 29, 1923, the first private broadcasting station in South Africa was established by the South African Railways in Johannesburg. This marked a significant milestone in the development of mass media and communication on the continent.
This day in history: 29 december