On September 25, 1789, the first United States Congress took a landmark step by adopting 12 proposed amendments to the Constitution. These amendments, sent to the states for ratification, laid the groundwork for safeguarding American civil liberties, with ten of them becoming the Bill of Rights. This monumental achievement underscored the new nation’s commitment to establishing fundamental protections for its citizens, shaping the legal framework that still governs the United States today.
Also on this date:
1513: Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa made history when he became the first European to cross the Isthmus of Panama and glimpse the Pacific Ocean. This discovery marked a pivotal moment in the age of exploration, linking the Old and New Worlds and solidifying Spain’s quest for dominance in the Americas.
1956: The first trans-Atlantic telephone cable, TAT-1, went live, forever transforming global communication. This technological breakthrough was celebrated with a ceremonial three-way call between New York, Ottawa, and London. The cable enabled direct voice communication between continents, laying the foundation for the interconnected world we know today.
1957: In one of the most critical moments of the U.S. civil rights movement, nine Black students, known as the Little Rock Nine, returned to Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, under the protection of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division. These brave students faced intense hostility from unruly white crowds, yet their courage and determination became a symbol of the fight for desegregation and equality in American education.
1978: A devastating mid-air collision over San Diego claimed 144 lives when a Pacific Southwest Airlines Boeing 727 and a private Cessna aircraft collided. This tragedy not only shocked the nation but also led to sweeping changes in aviation safety protocols, making the skies safer for travelers in the years to come.
2005: In a significant step towards peace, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) decommissioned its entire arsenal of weapons, ending a 36-year armed campaign for a united Ireland. Under the watchful eye of disarmament observers, this act marked a turning point in the Northern Ireland peace process, bringing hope for a future free of violence.
2012: Addressing the U.N. General Assembly, President Barack Obama condemned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for his brutal crackdown on dissenters. He reaffirmed U.S. support for the Syrian people in their fight to overthrow Assad, describing him as “a dictator who massacres his own people.” This speech emphasized the global stakes in Syria’s civil war, drawing attention to human rights violations on the international stage.
2013: Skipper Jimmy Spithill led Oracle Team USA to a historic victory in the America’s Cup, pulling off one of the greatest comebacks in sports history. After being down 8-1 in a best-of-17 series, Oracle Team USA stormed back to defeat Emirates Team New Zealand in a thrilling final race. This remarkable feat showcased the power of persistence, strategy, and innovation in the world of competitive sailing.
2018: Disgraced entertainer Bill Cosby was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman at his home in Pennsylvania. This sentencing was a landmark moment in the #MeToo movement, holding a once-beloved public figure accountable for his actions. Although Cosby’s conviction was overturned in 2021, the case highlighted the broader societal reckoning around sexual misconduct and abuse of power.
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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