December 2023 – Page 2 – Historic Moments Today

Dec

2023

By Dr. Sylvia K. Crawford, MA in Journalism

December 21st: The First Ever Basketball Game Played

What Went Down On December 21st? The sport of basketball, now a global phenomenon, had humble beginnings in the late 19th century. The first-ever basketball game was played on December 21, 1891, at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. Initiated by Dr. James Naismith, a Canadian physical education instructor, the game was designed to keep his students physically active during the winter months. Little did he know that he was laying the foundation for one of the most beloved and widely played sports in the world. In the winter of 1891, Dr. James Naismith faced the challenge of…

Dec

2023

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By Dr. Charles E. Whitman, Jr., Historian at Large

December 20th: 159 Casualties Incurred From Plane Crash

World History

What Happened On December 20th? On December 20, 1995, the world was gripped by devastation as American Airlines Flight 965 crashed into a mountain near Buga, Colombia. The incident, which claimed the lives of 159 individuals on board, is a somber reminder of the tragic toll that aviation accidents can exact. American Flight 965 was a regularly scheduled passenger flight from Miami International Airport in Florida to Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport in Cali, Colombia. On the evening of December 20, 1995, the Boeing 757 departed from Miami with 155 passengers and a crew of eight. Tragically, the flight ended…

Dec

2023

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By Professor Gregory J. Hayes, Ph.D. in Art History

December 19th: Bo Jackson Chosen For Both MLB & NFL All-Star Games

Sports History

What Happened On December 19th? Vincent Edward "Bo" Jackson, the unparalleled dual-sport athlete, received yet another accolade for his extraordinary abilities on December 19, 1990. After being named to the Pro Bowl team, Jackson's recognition underscored his exceptional talents in both Major League Baseball and the National Football League. Such an achievement not only celebrated Jackson's athletic prowess but also solidified his status as a trailblazer in the realm of professional sports. Bo Jackson's journey to the Pro Bowl started with a rare combination of speed, power, and versatility that set him apart in the world of sports. Born on…

Dec

2023

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By HistoricNews

December 18th: Operation Linebacker II Concluded The Vietnam War

U.S. History

What Occurred On December 18th? Today on December 18, 1972, the United States unleashed the Operation Linebacker II (President Nixon was a devoted football fan), also known as the "Christmas Bombing" which was a relentless aerial assault on North Vietnam. The bombing raids targeted Hanoi, Haiphong, and other strategic locations, causing widespread destruction and civilian casualties. The intensity of the bombings made it the heaviest and most concentrated air campaign of the entire Vietnam War. Prior to the bombings, the Paris Peace Accords were intended to bring about a ceasefire and facilitate the withdrawal of U.S. troops. However, the negotiations faced…

Dec

2023

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By HistoricNews

December 17th: The First ‘Simpsons’ Episode Aired

Hollywood History

What Happened On December 17th? The origins of "The Simpsons" can be traced back to a series of animated shorts that first appeared on "The Tracey Ullman Show" in 1987. Matt Groening, the creative mind behind the dysfunctional Simpson family, brought his unique brand of humor to the small screen, presenting a satirical take on the typical American family through the lens of the Simpsons—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. On December 17, 1989, television was changed forever as "The Simpsons" made its debut on the Fox network. Created by Matt Groening, this animated sitcom introduced viewers to the unconventional,…

Dec

2023

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By Dr. Charles E. Whitman, Jr., Historian at Large

December 16th: 342 Chests Of Tea Tossed Into Boston Harbor

U.S. History

What Went Down On December 16th? December 16, 1773 was a day America will never forget as a group of colonists in Boston staged a daring act of defiance against British taxation. This courageous act sparked a chain of events that would eventually lead to the American Revolution. Known as the Boston Tea Party, this memorable event exemplified the colonists' growing discontent with British rule and their determination to assert their rights and liberties. By the 1770s, the American colonies found themselves increasingly at odds with British policies, particularly regarding taxation without representation. The Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts…

Dec

2023

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By Professor Gregory J. Hayes, Ph.D. in Art History

December 15th: The Bill Of Rights Ratified

U.S. History

So What Happened On December 15th? On this historic day in 1791, the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, was officially ratified, laying the foundation for the protection of fundamental rights that continue to shape the American experience. The drafting of the United States Constitution in 1787 sparked intense debates among the Founding Fathers. Concerns were raised about the potential concentration of power in the federal government without adequate safeguards for individual rights. To address these concerns, James Madison, a key figure in the drafting of the Constitution, proposed a series of amendments to…

Dec

2023

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By Dr. Sylvia K. Crawford, MA in Journalism

December 14th: Roald Amundsen Conquered The South Pole

Arts & Culture

What Occurred On December 14th? December 14, 1911 is commemorated as a legendary day in the annals of exploration with Roald Amundsen's achievement of reaching the geographic South Pole. Norwegian explorer, Amundsen successfully expedited to the southernmost point on Earth, a testament to his meticulous planning, unwavering determination, and remarkable navigation skills. Accomplishing such an astonishing feat labeled Amundsen as one of the greatest polar explorers ever. At the turn of the 20th century, the race to reach the South Pole was an intense competition among explorers from various nations. Roald Amundsen, a seasoned Norwegian explorer, was determined to be…

Dec

2023

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By Dr. Charles E. Whitman, Jr., Historian at Large

December 13th: Saddam Hussein Captured

World History

So What Happened On December 13th? On this day in 2003, former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was subdued by U.S. forces near his hometown of Tikrit. The capture of Hussein was a defining moment in the aftermath of the Iraq War, symbolizing the end of an era and a newfound beginning in the quest for the region's stability. The Reign of Saddam Hussein Saddam Hussein, who ruled Iraq for nearly 24 years, was a controversial and authoritarian leader. His regime consisted of brutal oppression, human rights abuses, and aggressive military actions, including the invasion of Kuwait in 1990. The international community's…

Dec

2023

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By Dr. Sylvia K. Crawford, MA in Journalism

December 12th: Arthur Ashe Claimed The No. 1 Ranking

Sports History

So What Happened On December 12th? December 12, 1975 is a renown day in the world of tennis as Arthur Ashe, the iconic and record-breaking athlete, achieved the number one ranking in the world. Ashe's ascent to the top ranking was not only a personal triumph but also a transformative moment in the sport, attaining years of dedication, resilience, and excellence. Arthur Ashe was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1943, where he embarked on a remarkable tennis journey that would transform the game as a whole. In an era when tennis was predominantly white, Ashe faced racial barriers with poise…