Europa
- Lech Wałęsa Elected President of Poland (1990)
On December 9, 1990, Lech Wałęsa, leader of the Solidarity movement and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, won Poland’s first direct presidential election by a landslide, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s transition from communism to democracy. - French Law on Separation of Church and State (1905)
On this day in 1905, France passed a landmark law establishing the separation of church and state, a foundational moment for French secularism and modern European governance. - Fascist Grand Council Gains Power in Italy (1928)
The Italian government passed a law on December 9, 1928, granting the Fascist Grand Council the authority to approve royal succession, further consolidating Mussolini’s power and weakening the monarchy. - Codogno Rail Crash in Italy (1957)
A tragic rail accident occurred in Codogno, Italy, when the Milan–Rome express train collided with a truck at a level crossing, resulting in 15 deaths and over 30 serious injuries. - Treaty of the Hague (1625)
England and the Netherlands signed the Treaty of the Hague, agreeing to subsidize Christian IV of Denmark in his campaign in Germany during the Thirty Years’ War. - Smallpox Eradication Declared (1979): The World Health Organization officially certified the global eradication of smallpox, a milestone in public health history.
- Birth of John Milton (1608): The influential English poet, author of “Paradise Lost,” was born in London.
- Sunningdale Agreement for Northern Ireland (1973): Talks concluded with an agreement to set up a Council of Ireland, an important step in the Northern Ireland peace process.
America
- Battle of Great Bridge Ends British Rule in Virginia (1775)
During the American Revolutionary War, British troops and Loyalists, misinformed about Patriot militia strength, lost the Battle of Great Bridge on December 9, 1775, effectively ending British rule in Virginia. - Texas Revolution: Capture of San Antonio (1835)
On December 9, 1835, the Texian Army captured San Antonio after the Siege of Béxar, marking a key victory in the Texas Revolution. - First YMCA in North America Established (1851)
The first YMCA in North America was established in Montreal on this date, expanding the movement from its origins in England to the American continent. - P.B.S. Pinchback Becomes First African American Governor of a U.S. State (1872)
P.B.S. Pinchback became the first African American governor of a U.S. state (Louisiana) following the impeachment of Henry C. Warmoth. - A Major Mining Disaster in Tennessee (1911)
A mine explosion near Briceville, Tennessee, killed 84 miners, despite rescue efforts led by the United States Bureau of Mines. - John Birch Society Founded (1958)
The John Birch Society, an influential ultraconservative group, was founded in the United States by Robert H.W. Welch, Jr., to combat communism. - A Charlie Brown Christmas Premieres (1965)
The beloved animated special “A Charlie Brown Christmas” premiered on American television, becoming a holiday classic and a cultural touchstone. - Illinois Governor Arrested for Corruption (2008)
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested on federal charges, including attempting to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.
Asia
- December 9th Movement in China (1935)
On December 9, 1935, the December 9th Movement erupted in Beiping (now Beijing), led by students demanding that the Chinese government actively resist Japanese aggression. This mass protest was a pivotal moment in the Chinese Anti-Japanese National Salvation Movement, galvanizing public opposition to Japanese imperialism and pushing for national unity against foreign encroachment. The movement was triggered by Japan’s increasing control over northern China and the Chinese government’s perceived inaction, leading to widespread student demonstrations and a call for a united front against Japan. - Battle of Nanjing Begins (1937)
On December 9, 1937, during the Second Sino-Japanese War, Japanese troops under Lt. Gen. Asaka Yasuhiko launched a major assault on the Chinese city of Nanjing. This marked the beginning of the Battle of Nanjing, which would soon lead to the infamous Nanjing Massacre. - China Declares War on Japan (1941)
On December 9, 1941, following the attack on Pearl Harbor and the escalation of the Pacific War, China formally declared war on Japan, aligning itself with the Allied powers against the Axis. - In 1991, the Pushkin State Library was renamed the National Library of the Kazakh SSR, later becoming the National Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
- In 2010, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Belarus signed a declaration to build a Common Economic Space, a significant step in regional economic integration.
- India: Establishment of Belur Math (1898)
On December 9, 1898, Swami Vivekananda inaugurated Belur Math near Kolkata, a spiritual and cultural center that became the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission. - International Anti-Corruption Day
December 9 is also marked globally as International Anti-Corruption Day, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.
Africa
- Tanganyika Gains Independence (1961)
On December 9, 1961, Tanganyika (now part of Tanzania) achieved independence from Great Britain, with Julius Nyerere becoming its first head of state. This marked a major milestone in Africa’s decolonization movement and was a pivotal moment in the continent’s modern history. - Madagali Bombing in Nigeria (2016)
On December 9, 2016, a tragic attack occurred in Madagali, Adamawa State, Nigeria, when two schoolgirl suicide bombers targeted a market area. The bombing resulted in at least 57 deaths and over 170 injuries, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region. - Cultural Celebrations in December
While not exclusive to December 9, December is a vibrant month for cultural festivals across Africa, especially in Nigeria. Major events include the Calabar Carnival, Ekpe Festival, Igue Festival, Ofala Festival, Abu Festival, Carnival Lagos, Ankara Festival, and sometimes the Eyo Festival. These festivals showcase the continent’s rich traditions, music, dance, and communal spirit.
This day in history: 9 december