1. December 15, 1791 – The Bill of Rights is Ratified in the United States
On December 15, 1791, the United States ratified the first ten amendments to the Constitution, collectively known as the Bill of Rights. These amendments guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Bill of Rights was introduced to address the concerns of Anti-Federalists who feared that the new Constitution did not sufficiently protect individual liberties. This historic ratification marked a significant milestone in American democracy, establishing a foundation for civil liberties that would influence future legal interpretations. Over two centuries later, the Bill of Rights remains a vital part of American law and culture, safeguarding the rights of citizens.
2. December 15, 1939 – The Winter War Between Finland and the Soviet Union Ends
On this day in 1939, the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union came to a close with the signing of the Moscow Peace Treaty. The conflict had begun in November 1939 when the Soviet Union invaded Finland shortly after the outbreak of World War II. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Finnish forces mounted a fierce resistance, earning international admiration for their resilience and tactical skill. The treaty forced Finland to cede 11% of its territory to the Soviet Union, but it preserved Finnish independence. The Winter War demonstrated the determination of a smaller nation to defend its sovereignty and influenced global perceptions of Soviet military strength.
3. December 15, 1793 – The First Public Demonstration of the Guillotine
The guillotine was publicly demonstrated for the first time in Paris on December 15, 1793, during the French Revolution. It was introduced as a more humane method of execution, designed to be quick and relatively painless compared to previous methods. The device became a symbol of the Reign of Terror, a period during which thousands were executed by guillotine, including King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. The guillotine’s use reflected the revolutionary ideals of equality, as it was intended to be a universal method of execution regardless of social status. Its legacy is complex, symbolizing both justice and the brutal consequences of political upheaval.
4. December 15, 1961 – Adolf Eichmann Sentenced to Death in Israel
Adolf Eichmann, a key architect of the Holocaust, was sentenced to death by an Israeli court on December 15, 1961. Eichmann had been captured in Argentina and brought to trial in Jerusalem for crimes against humanity, war crimes, and other offenses. The trial was one of the first to be widely televised, bringing global attention to the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. Eichmann’s defense tried to claim that he was merely following orders, but the court rejected this argument. His sentencing marked a significant moment in post-World War II justice, emphasizing accountability for those responsible for genocide.
5. December 15, 1890 – Sitting Bull Killed by Indian Agency Police
On December 15, 1890, Sitting Bull, the famous Hunkpapa Lakota leader, was killed by Indian agency police on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. The incident occurred during an attempt to arrest him because authorities feared that he would join the Ghost Dance movement, which they viewed as a threat to their control. Sitting Bull’s death was a tragic event that further escalated tensions between Native Americans and the U.S. government. It preceded the Wounded Knee Massacre, where hundreds of Lakota were killed by U.S. troops. Sitting Bull remains a symbol of Native American resistance and leadership.
6. December 15, 1935 – The First Flight of the Douglas DC-3 Airplane
The Douglas DC-3, one of the most significant aircraft in aviation history, made its first flight on December 15, 1935. This twin-engine propeller-driven plane revolutionized air travel by making it faster, more comfortable, and more reliable. The DC-3 was widely used both commercially and militarily, particularly during World War II, when it was adapted into the C-47 Skytrain for troop and cargo transport. Its design and efficiency helped establish commercial aviation as a viable industry. Many DC-3s remained in use for decades, a testament to their durability and impact.
7. December 15, 1970 – The Birth of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Day
December 15 is observed as UNICEF Day, commemorating the founding of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. Established in 1946 to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries devastated by World War II, UNICEF has grown into a global organization dedicated to improving the welfare of children worldwide. The day highlights the ongoing efforts to protect children’s rights, provide education, and promote health and nutrition. UNICEF’s work spans over 190 countries and territories, impacting millions of children’s lives every year. The observance encourages global awareness and support for child welfare initiatives.
8. December 15, 1989 – The Fall of Ceaușescu Regime in Romania
On December 15, 1989, the Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu fled Bucharest amid a popular uprising that marked the beginning of the end for his regime. The protests escalated into a full-scale revolution against decades of oppressive communist rule. Ceaușescu was captured, tried, and executed alongside his wife on Christmas Day. The events of December 15 were crucial in signaling the collapse of communist power in Romania and the transition toward democracy. This revolution was one of the most violent of the Eastern European uprisings that led to the fall of the Iron Curtain.
9. December 15, 1941 – United States Declares War on Germany and Italy
Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States declared war on Germany and Italy on December 15, 1941. This declaration marked the official entry of the U.S. into the European theater of World War II, aligning with the Allies against the Axis powers. The decision came after Germany and Italy declared war on the U.S. in support of their Japanese ally. The entry of America significantly bolstered Allied military and economic strength. This moment was a turning point in the war, leading to increased mobilization and eventual victory over the Axis powers.
10. December 15, 1977 – The Launch of Voyager 1 Spacecraft
NASA launched the Voyager 1 spacecraft on December 15, 1977, on a mission to study the outer planets and beyond. Voyager 1 provided unprecedented close-up images and scientific data about Jupiter and Saturn, revolutionizing our understanding of the solar system. After completing its primary mission, Voyager 1 continued its journey into interstellar space, becoming the farthest human-made object from Earth. It carries the Golden Record, a message for any potential extraterrestrial life, containing sounds and images from Earth. Voyager 1’s mission has expanded human knowledge and inspired generations of scientists and explorers.