1848 – The Gold Rush is Off and Running:
On this day, President James K. Polk, in an address to Congress, confirmed the discovery of gold in California, igniting the Gold Rush of 1849. This announcement marked the beginning of one of the largest migrations in U.S. history, with hundreds of thousands flocking westward in search of fortune. By the end of the Gold Rush, California’s population had increased dramatically, laying the foundation for its eventual statehood in 1850.
1933 – The Foolish Prohibition Ends in the United States:
Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment, repealing the 18th Amendment and officially ending national Prohibition. This marked a pivotal moment in U.S. social and economic history, allowing the legal sale of alcohol to resume. The repeal also provided a much-needed economic boost during the Great Depression, as the alcohol industry generated jobs and tax revenue.
1952 – The Great Smog of London Begins:
A dense and toxic fog enveloped London, lasting five days and causing an estimated 4,000 to 12,000 deaths. The smog, a mix of smoke and fog, resulted from the widespread burning of coal during cold weather. This environmental disaster spurred significant changes in air quality regulations, including the landmark Clean Air Act of 1956, which restricted the use of polluting fuels in urban areas.
1955 – Labor Unites with the Formation of the AFL-CIO:
The American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) officially merged, forming a unified labor federation under the leadership of George Meany. This union represented over 15 million workers, strengthening the voice of organized labor during a critical era of economic and social change in the United States.
2019 – Articles of Impeachment Against The Stupid 45th President Announced:
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi instructed House committee chairs to draft articles of impeachment against then-President Donald Trump, citing abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. This marked only the third impeachment of a U.S. president in history. Although Trump was acquitted by the Senate, the impeachment highlighted the deep political divides in the nation and underscored the importance of checks and balances in the U.S. government.
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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