On September 13, 1993, history was made at the White House when Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat shook hands after signing a landmark agreement. The accord, which granted limited Palestinian autonomy, symbolized a significant step toward resolving decades of conflict in the Middle East. This moment could have been a profound commitment to peace, witnessed by the world. But there never really was commitment on the part of Palestinian leaders to have any kind of peaceful coexistence with Israel.
Also on this date:
– 1788: The Congress of the Confederation laid the foundation for modern American democracy by authorizing the nation’s first election and naming New York City as the temporary national capital. This decision set the stage for the United States’ transition to a federal government under the new Constitution, marking a turning point in the young nation’s history.
– 1948: Margaret Chase Smith, a trailblazer in American politics, became the first woman elected to both houses of Congress when she won a seat in the U.S. Senate. Her victory was a monumental stride forward for women’s representation in government, as she would go on to serve with distinction, advocating for strong defense policies and opposing McCarthyism.
– 1971: The Attica Correctional Facility in western New York became the epicenter of one of the most harrowing prison uprisings in U.S. history. A four-day rebellion, fueled by demands for better living conditions, ended in a violent crackdown that left 32 inmates and 11 hostages dead. The aftermath of the uprising drew national attention to the state of America’s prison system and called for reforms.
– 1997: A funeral was held in Calcutta, India, for Mother Teresa, the beloved Nobel peace laureate. Known for her lifelong dedication to the poor and sick, Mother Teresa’s passing was a moment of global mourning. Her work through the Missionaries of Charity changed the lives of countless individuals, and her legacy of compassion continues to inspire humanitarian efforts around the world.
– 2008: In the wake of Hurricane Ike’s devastation, rescue crews worked tirelessly to save thousands of Texans trapped in their homes. Ike was one of the most destructive hurricanes to hit the U.S., and the dramatic rescues highlighted both the power of nature and the resilience of human spirit in times of crisis.
– 2010: Rafael Nadal cemented his place in tennis history by defeating Novak Djokovic to win his first U.S. Open title, completing a career Grand Slam. This victory was a testament to Nadal’s relentless work ethic and determination, further establishing him as one of the sport’s greatest athletes.
– 2021: In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City public schools reopened for in-person learning, marking the nation’s largest educational experiment during this global crisis. The return to classrooms came with profound challenges, as educators and students adapted to new health protocols in an effort to restore a sense of normalcy to the nation’s largest school system.
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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