On this day in 1789, President George Washington signed the Judiciary Act, laying the foundation of America’s federal court system. This pivotal moment also established the post of attorney general, ensuring a vital legal framework for the young nation.
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In 1869, the infamous Wall Street panic, “Black Friday,” devastated thousands of businessmen. The crash followed an ill-fated attempt by financiers Jay Gould and James Fisk to corner the gold market, sparking financial chaos that reverberated across the economy.
In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt took a bold step in conservation by declaring Devil’s Tower in Wyoming the nation’s first national monument. This act signaled the beginning of a broader movement to preserve America’s natural landmarks for future generations.
In 1957, Brooklyn bid farewell to an era as the Dodgers played their final game at Ebbets Field. The Los Angeles-bound team closed the chapter with a 2-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking the end of an iconic period in New York baseball history.
In 1960, a new era of naval power was born as the USS Enterprise, the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, launched from Newport News, Virginia. The ship’s capabilities represented a turning point in naval warfare and strategic defense.
In 1963, the U.S. Senate ratified a landmark treaty with Britain and the Soviet Union, curbing the nuclear arms race by limiting nuclear testing. This treaty set a precedent for international cooperation on issues of global security during a tense period in the Cold War.
In 1968, CBS introduced viewers to “60 Minutes,” a news magazine that would revolutionize broadcast journalism. Over the decades, the show became synonymous with investigative reporting and in-depth analysis, shaping the media landscape.
In 1969, the trial of the Chicago Eight began, a case stemming from protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The trial, later known as the Chicago Seven, highlighted the deep political and social divisions of the time. Though five were initially convicted, those convictions were later overturned, symbolizing the volatile intersection of protest and justice in America.
In 1988, Jackie Joyner-Kersee cemented her legacy at the Seoul Summer Olympics, winning gold in the women’s heptathlon and setting a world record. Her achievement remains a milestone in the history of women’s athletics, inspiring generations of athletes.
In 2013, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck southwest Pakistan, leaving devastation in its wake. The quake claimed the lives of at least 376 people and reshaped the region, creating a new island off the coast.
In 2015, tragedy struck the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia, when a stampede led to the deaths of hundreds of Muslim pilgrims. While the official death toll was recorded at 769, reports from The Associated Press suggested the number exceeded 2,400, making it one of the deadliest disasters in pilgrimage history.
In 2017, a wave of protests swept across the NFL as over 200 players kneeled or sat during the national anthem in response to remarks made by President Donald Trump. His criticism sparked a national debate on the intersection of sports, protest, and free speech.
In 2022, Russian forces launched a new series of strikes on Ukrainian cities. Simultaneously, Kremlin-orchestrated votes were held in occupied regions of Ukraine, setting the stage for a controversial annexation by Moscow, further escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict.
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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