1773: The Boston Tea Party
On December 16, 1773, American colonists, frustrated by Britain’s Tea Act, boarded three British ships docked in Boston Harbor and dumped over 300 chests of tea into the water. This bold act of defiance, organized by the Sons of Liberty, symbolized colonial resistance to taxation without representation. The destruction of the tea, worth nearly £9,000 at the time (equivalent to millions today), escalated tensions between Britain and the colonies, ultimately leading to the American Revolution.
1907: The Great White Fleet Sets Sail
On December 16, 1907, 16 U.S. Navy battleships, painted white to symbolize peace, embarked on a 14-month, global voyage from Hampton Roads, Virginia. Ordered by President Theodore Roosevelt, the expedition showcased America’s growing naval strength and signaled its emergence as a global power. Covering over 43,000 miles and visiting more than 20 ports worldwide, the fleet served as a diplomatic and military demonstration during a time of rising international competition.
1944: The Battle of the Bulge Begins
On December 16, 1944, German forces launched a surprise offensive through the dense Ardennes Forest in Belgium and Luxembourg, marking the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge. Hitler’s aim was to split the Allied lines and capture Antwerp, disrupting supply routes and morale. Though initially caught off guard, Allied troops, led by General Dwight Eisenhower, mounted a fierce resistance. This was the largest and bloodiest battle fought by U.S. forces in World War II, with over 80,000 American casualties.
2000: Colin Powell Named Secretary of State
On December 16, 2000, President-elect George W. Bush announced the appointment of Colin Powell as the nation’s first Black secretary of state. A decorated four-star general and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Powell’s selection was a historic milestone in American governance. His leadership during the post-Cold War era and Gulf War had cemented his reputation as a pragmatic and influential statesman.
2014: The Peshawar School Massacre
On December 16, 2014, Taliban gunmen stormed the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan, killing at least 148 people, including over 130 children. The attack was one of the deadliest in Pakistan’s history and drew international condemnation. Targeting students and teachers, the massacre aimed to weaken the resolve of the Pakistani military, which had intensified operations against Taliban strongholds. The tragedy led to widespread national mourning and reforms in Pakistan’s counterterrorism policies.
America Sails Into Its Role As A World Leader
The Legacy Of The Great White Fleet
On December 16, 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt launched a formidable group of 16 modern battleships on a 14-month voyage around the world. Roosevelt’s purpose was threefold: to establish America as a world power with strong military capabilities, to give the naval personnel a chance to familiarize themselves with the planning needs when the fleet is deployed far away from home, and to promote goodwill at ports across the globe. The journey not only underscored America’s military might but also demonstrated its commitment to diplomacy and global cooperation. Since the ships were painted white to promote peace, the group was named “The Great White Fleet.”
After its victory in the Spanish-American War of 1898, the United States was officially a world power, with territorial holdings as far away as the Philippines in southeast Asia. In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt wanted the country to present itself to the world as a formidable leader in world affairs. He commissioned the Great White Fleet to sail around the world, stopping at various ports to bring good will.
The Great White Fleet had a dual purpose in sailing to Japan. Tensions had grown between Japan and the U.S. after anti-Japanese riots in San Francisco. Japan had signaled its capability of starting a war with America by invading one of America’s assets. Tensions de-escalated when the Great White Fleet stopped in Yokohama to a surprisingly very friendly reception. At the same time, the presence of the 16 naval vessels in Japan’s waters showcased America’s military capabilities to deploy far away from home and still protect its interests in the Philippines or Guam
Beyond its military and political implications, the Great White Fleet served as a goodwill mission. The fleet made stops at major ports across South America, Australia, Asia, and Europe, where it was met with celebrations and admiration. These visits were opportunities for the United States to strengthen diplomatic ties, build friendships, and foster mutual respect. Roosevelt’s peaceful intentions were symbolized by the fleet’s white-painted hulls, a striking visual reminder that America sought cooperation, not conquest.
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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