1. December 3, 1818 – Illinois Becomes the 21st U.S. State
On December 3, 1818, Illinois was admitted to the Union as the 21st state of the United States. This marked a significant expansion of the country westward following the original thirteen colonies. The state’s admission helped set the stage for further development and settlement in the Midwest. Illinois would later become a hub for industry, agriculture, and transportation. Its capital, Springfield, became well-known as the home of Abraham Lincoln before he became president.
2. December 3, 1967 – First Successful Heart Transplant
The first successful human heart transplant was performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard in Cape Town, South Africa on December 3, 1967. This groundbreaking medical procedure involved transplanting the heart of a deceased donor into a living recipient. The operation was a milestone in cardiac surgery and opened new possibilities for treating heart disease. Although the patient survived only 18 days, the surgery demonstrated the feasibility of heart transplantation. This event marked the beginning of modern transplant medicine.
3. December 3, 1984 – Bhopal Gas Tragedy
On December 3, 1984, a catastrophic industrial disaster occurred in Bhopal, India, when a gas leak at the Union Carbide pesticide plant released toxic methyl isocyanate gas. Thousands of people died immediately, and many more suffered long-term health effects. The tragedy is considered one of the worst industrial accidents in history. It highlighted the need for improved industrial safety regulations worldwide. The event also led to ongoing legal battles and efforts to provide compensation to victims.
4. December 3, 1992 – The Church of England Votes to Ordain Women Priests
On this date, the Church of England took a historic step by voting to allow the ordination of women as priests. This decision ended centuries of male-only priesthood and marked a major shift in church policy. The move was both celebrated and criticized within religious communities. It paved the way for greater gender equality in the Anglican Church. The first women priests were ordained a few years later, changing the face of the clergy.
5. December 3, 1947 – The Transistor is Invented
On December 3, 1947, scientists John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley at Bell Labs announced the invention of the transistor. This device revolutionized electronics by allowing amplification and switching of electronic signals with much greater efficiency. The transistor is foundational to modern computing, telecommunications, and digital technology. It replaced bulky vacuum tubes and made possible the miniaturization of circuits. The invention earned its creators the Nobel Prize in Physics.
6. December 3, 1979 – The Soviet Union Invades Afghanistan
The Soviet Union launched a military invasion of Afghanistan on December 3, 1979. This event marked the beginning of a decade-long conflict that had global repercussions. The invasion aimed to support the communist government struggling against insurgent groups. It led to widespread resistance by Afghan guerrilla fighters known as the Mujahideen. The war contributed to Cold War tensions and eventually drained Soviet resources.
7. December 3, 1989 – The Velvet Revolution Begins in Czechoslovakia
On December 3, 1989, peaceful protests that would become known as the Velvet Revolution began in Czechoslovakia. Citizens demanded political reform and the end of communist rule. The movement quickly gained momentum, leading to the resignation of the communist government. It resulted in the establishment of a democratic government later that year. The Velvet Revolution was a pivotal moment in the broader collapse of Eastern European communist regimes.
8. December 3, 1912 – The Girl Scouts of the USA Founded
Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts of the USA on December 3, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia. The organization aimed to empower young girls through education, outdoor activities, and community service. It grew rapidly and became a major youth organization promoting leadership and citizenship. The Girl Scouts are known for their iconic cookie sales, which fund many of their activities. Today, the organization continues to inspire millions of girls worldwide.
9. December 3, 1990 – Channel Tunnel Construction Begins
On December 3, 1990, construction began on the Channel Tunnel, also known as the “Chunnel,” linking the United Kingdom and France beneath the English Channel. The tunnel is one of the longest underwater tunnels in the world. It was a massive engineering project that took six years to complete. The Channel Tunnel significantly improved transportation and trade between Britain and continental Europe. It remains a key symbol of European cooperation and engineering achievement.
10. December 3, 1973 – Skylab Launched into Space
The United States launched Skylab, its first space station, on December 3, 1973. Skylab orbited Earth and served as a laboratory for scientific experiments in microgravity. It hosted several astronaut crews who conducted research on solar astronomy, Earth observations, and biomedical studies. Skylab helped lay the groundwork for future space stations like the International Space Station. Its missions expanded human understanding of living and working in space.