1865: Ratification of the 13th Amendment
On December 6, 1865, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was officially ratified when Georgia became the 27th state to endorse it, legally abolishing slavery across the nation. This marked a pivotal moment in American history, cementing the legal end of centuries of enslavement and laying the groundwork for civil rights advancements in the decades to follow. The amendment was a cornerstone of the Reconstruction era, reflecting the nation’s struggle to rebuild and redefine itself after the Civil War.
1923: First Presidential Radio Address
On this day in 1923, President Calvin Coolidge delivered the first-ever presidential address broadcast on radio, speaking to a joint session of Congress. This event revolutionized political communication, allowing leaders to reach millions of citizens directly. At the time, roughly 500,000 radio sets were in use across the U.S., symbolizing the dawn of mass media’s role in shaping public opinion and politics.
1957: Failure of Vanguard TV3 Satellite Launch
America’s first attempt to launch a satellite ended in failure on December 6, 1957, when Vanguard TV3 rose a mere four feet before crashing and exploding at Cape Canaveral. The incident, which followed the Soviet Union’s successful launch of Sputnik, underscored the urgency of the Space Race. Despite the setback, this failure galvanized U.S. efforts, eventually leading to the creation of NASA in 1958.
1969: Tragedy at Altamont Speedway Concert
A free concert by The Rolling Stones at California’s Altamont Speedway on this day in 1969 turned into chaos, with four deaths overshadowing the event. Most notably, a young man was fatally stabbed by a member of the Hells Angels, who had been hired for security. Often referred to as the “death of the 1960s,” the incident highlighted the dark undercurrents of the counterculture movement and raised serious concerns about concert safety practices.
1973: Gerald Ford Becomes Vice President
On December 6, 1973, Gerald R. Ford was sworn in as vice president of the United States, replacing Spiro T. Agnew, who resigned amid scandal. Ford’s ascension marked the first use of the 25th Amendment, showcasing its role in ensuring continuity in leadership during political crises. Just months later, Ford would assume the presidency following Richard Nixon’s resignation, making him the only person to serve as both vice president and president without being elected to either office.
1998: Hugo Chavez Elected President of Venezuela
In Venezuela, former Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Chavez, who had led a failed coup attempt six years earlier, was elected president on December 6, 1998. His victory signaled a dramatic shift in Venezuelan politics, ushering in an era of “Bolivarian Revolution” that reshaped the nation’s policies and alliances. Chavez’s tenure had a profound impact on Latin America, influencing leftist movements and polarizing political discourse across the region.
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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