On October 10, 1911, Chinese revolutionaries launched the Wuchang Uprising, which sparked the collapse of the Qing Dynasty. This marked the beginning of the 1911 Revolution, or Xinhai Revolution, which brought an end to over two millennia of imperial rule in China. It led to the establishment of the Republic of China, a pivotal shift in Chinese history that forever changed its political landscape. The revolutionaries’ success not only dismantled the dynasty but also paved the way for modernization efforts that still influence China today.
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In 1845, the U.S. Naval Academy was established in Annapolis, Maryland, with an inaugural class of 50 students. This institution became the foundation for training future Navy and Marine Corps officers, playing a crucial role in shaping U.S. military leadership. Today, the Naval Academy continues to uphold its reputation for excellence in developing military leaders.
In 1935, George Gershwin’s groundbreaking opera *Porgy and Bess*, featuring an all-Black cast, opened on Broadway, initiating a 124-performance run. The opera, which depicted African-American life in the South, was revolutionary for its time, showcasing Black performers in serious operatic roles, a rare feat in early 20th-century American theater. Over time, *Porgy and Bess* became an American classic, influencing the future of musical theater.
In 1964, the Summer Olympics began in Tokyo, Japan, marking the first time the event was telecast worldwide. These Olympics symbolized Japan’s post-war recovery and emerging role as a global power. The games also introduced innovations like satellite broadcasting and new technologies in athletics, setting the stage for the modern global spectacle we know today.
In 1966, The Beach Boys released their single “Good Vibrations,” written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love. The song became an instant hit, showcasing the band’s innovative approach to music production, including its use of unconventional instruments like the theremin. The track is often hailed as one of the greatest pop songs of all time and cemented The Beach Boys’ legacy in music history.
In 1973, Vice President Spiro T. Agnew resigned after being accused of accepting bribes during his time as governor of Maryland. He pled no contest to one count of federal income tax evasion, marking the first time a sitting U.S. vice president resigned due to criminal charges. This scandal was a precursor to the Watergate scandal, which would soon further rock the Nixon administration.
In 2001, just a month after the Sept. 11 attacks, U.S. jets launched airstrikes on the Afghan capital of Kabul as part of the War on Terror. On the same day, President George W. Bush revealed a list of 22 most-wanted terrorists, including Osama bin Laden. This marked the beginning of a global manhunt and the long-term U.S. military presence in Afghanistan, reshaping international politics for decades to come.
In 2014, Malala Yousafzai, a 17-year-old Pakistani advocate for girls’ education, and Kailash Satyarthi, a 60-year-old Indian child rights activist, were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Both risked their lives fighting for the rights of children to be educated and protected from exploitation. Their work continues to inspire global movements advocating for children’s rights and education equality.
In 2018, Hurricane Michael struck Florida, becoming the first Category 5 hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. mainland in 26 years. With winds reaching up to 160 mph, it caused widespread devastation, particularly in the Florida Panhandle, resulting in billions of dollars in damage. The storm highlighted the increasing intensity of Atlantic hurricanes, raising further concerns about climate change’s impact on extreme weather patterns.
Today in History: December 20
A Look Back At Today, December 20
The Louisiana Purchase was completed.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” premiered at the Globe Theater.
The United States launched Operation Just Cause.
The United States Space Force was established.
Today in History: December 19
Today in History: December 19
In 1777, General George Washington led an army of more than 12,000 soldiers to Valley Forge.
In 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, concluding the Apollo program.
In 2011, North Korean announced the death of Kim Jong Il and proclaimed Kim Jong Un as the leader.
In 2022, the House Jan. 6 Committee urged the Justice Department to bring criminal charges against the previous president
Today in History: December 18
Today in History: December 18
In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, was proclaimed in effect.
In 1892, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” publicly premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia; although now considered a classic, it received a generally negative reception from critics.
In 1957, the Shippingport Atomic Power Station in Pennsylvania, the first nuclear facility to generate electricity in the United States, went on line. (It was taken out of service in 1982.)
In 2011, the last convoy of heavily armored U.S. troops left Iraq, crossing into Kuwait in darkness in the final moments of a nearly nine-year war.
Today in History: December 17
Today in History: December 17
In 1903 The Wright brothers’ flight redefined the possibilities of travel and opened the skies to human exploration.
In 1933 The first NFL championship laid the foundation for professional football’s evolution into a national pastime.
In 1989 “The Simpsons” redefined animated television, blending humor with social commentary to leave an indelible mark on entertainment.
In 1992 NAFTA reshaped North American trade, fostering economic ties while sparking debates on globalization.
In 2014 The U.S.-Cuba rapprochement signaled a pivotal moment in the post-Cold War world, rekindling hopes for reconciliation.
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