December 20th: Today in History–15 Major Events
December 20 is an important day in history for a variety of reasons. It is a day that has seen significant political and economic changes…
December 20 is an important day in history for a variety of reasons. It is a day that has seen significant political and economic changes, as well as cultural and scientific achievements.
One reason that December 20 is significant is that it marks the end of an era in some cases and the beginning of a new one in others. For example, the transfer of sovereignty of Macau from Portugal to China in 1999 marked the end of over four centuries of Portuguese colonial rule in the region and the beginning of a new chapter in its history as a special administrative region of China. The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 similarly marked the beginning of a new era in the history of the United States, as the country doubled in size and gained control over a vast and diverse territory that would play a significant role in its future development.
In addition to these political and economic changes, December 20 has also seen significant cultural and scientific achievements. It has been the birth or death day of numerous notable figures in the fields of sports, entertainment, and science, including Bill O’Reilly, Uri Geller, Matt Neal, Aubrey Huff, Carl Sagan, John Steinbeck, and others. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have had a lasting impact on society.
Overall, December 20 is an important day in history because it reflects the complex and varied nature of human experience and the ways in which events and individuals can shape the course of history.
1722: The Kangxi Emperor of China dies. The Kangxi Emperor was the fourth Emperor of the Qing dynasty, ruling from 1661 to 1722. He was a skilled administrator and military strategist, and his reign saw the Qing empire expand and become more powerful.
1803: The United States officially takes control of the Louisiana territory from France in the Louisiana Purchase. The Louisiana Purchase was a land deal between the United States and France, in which the U.S. paid $15 million for the territory of Louisiana. The purchase doubled the size of the United States and included land that now makes up 15 present-day states and two Canadian provinces.
1812: Sacagawea, a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, passes away. Sacagawea was a Shoshone woman who played a crucial role in the Lewis and Clark expedition, serving as a translator and guide as the group explored the western United States. She is remembered for her bravery and resourcefulness. Her contributions to the expedition have been recognized with a statue in the United States Capitol and a place on the U.S. Sacagawea dollar coin.
1868: Harvey Samuel Firestone, an American businessman, is born. Firestone will go on to found the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, which becomes a major player in the automotive industry. He is also known for his philanthropy, establishing the Firestone Foundation to support education and other causes.
1905: Bill O’Reilly, an Australian cricketer, is born. O’Reilly was a successful cricketer, playing for the Australian national team and taking over 700 wickets in his career. He is considered one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the sport.
1946: Uri Geller, an Israeli psychic, is born. Geller is known for his alleged psychic abilities, including the power to bend spoons and move objects with his mind. He has been the subject of much controversy, with some critics claiming that his tricks are simply clever illusions.
1966: Matt Neal, an English race car driver, is born. Neal has had a successful career in motorsports, winning numerous championships in touring car racing.
1976: Aubrey Huff, an American baseball player, is born. Huff is a former Major League Baseball player known for his offensive prowess and versatility in the field. He played for several teams throughout his career, including the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Houston Astros, and San Francisco Giants.
1973: Spanish Prime Minister Carrero Blanco is assassinated by the Basque nationalist group ETA. Carrero Blanco was a close confidant of dictator Francisco Franco and served as Prime Minister of Spain from 1973 to 1973. His assassination was part of a campaign by ETA to seek independence for the Basque region of Spain.
1976: Richard J. Daley, the 48th Mayor of Chicago, passes away. Daley was a long-serving and influential mayor, serving from 1955 to 1976. He is known for his efforts to modernize Chicago and for his strong support of the city’s Democratic Party.
1989: The United States launches Operation Just Cause, a military invasion of Panama led by President George H. W. Bush. The invasion, which took place from December 1989 to January 1990, was aimed at deposing the dictator Manuel Noriega. It was the largest U.S. military operation since the Vietnam War and was controversial at the time.
1996: Carl Sagan, an American astronomer and author passes away. Sagan was a popular and influential scientist known for his work in astronomy, planetary science, and climate change. He was also a popular science communicator, hosting the television show “Cosmos” and writing many books that helped bring science to a wider audience.
1999: Portugal transfers sovereignty of Macau to China. Macau, a special administrative region of China, was ruled by Portugal from the mid-16th century to 1999. The transfer of sovereignty was peaceful and marked the end of an era of Portuguese colonial rule in the region.
2007: Queen Elizabeth becomes the longest-living British monarch, surpassing the previous record held by Queen Victoria. Queen Elizabeth, who was born in 1926, turned 81 years, 7 months, and 30 days old on this day, making her the longest-lived British monarch in history. Queen Victoria, the previous record-holder, died in 1901 at the age of 81 years, 7 months, and 29 days.
1968: John Steinbeck, an American author and Nobel Prize laureate, passes away. Steinbeck was a prolific and influential writer known for his novels “The Grapes of Wrath” and “Of Mice and Men,” among others. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1962 for his “realistic and imaginative writing, combining as it does sympathetic humour and keen social perception.”
In conclusion, December 20 is a day with a rich and fascinating history that reflects the complexity and diversity of human experience. From political and economic changes that have shaped the course of nations to cultural and scientific achievements that have had a lasting impact on society, this day has seen a wide range of significant events and notable figures.
As we look back on this day in history, we are reminded of the ways in which the actions of individuals and the forces of history can intersect and shape the world around us. Whether we are exploring the political and economic changes that have shaped the course of nations or delving into the cultural and scientific achievements that have had a lasting impact on society, there is always more to discover and appreciate about the past.
As we turn our attention to the future and the days ahead, we can be sure that history will continue to unfold in new and unexpected ways. Who knows what the future holds and what fascinating events and notable figures the coming days will bring? One thing is certain: there is always more to learn about the world around us, and the opportunity to be astounded by the wonders of history is always just around the corner.