1. 1911 – Discovery of Machu Picchu
On December 12, 1911, American explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru. This archaeological site, located high in the Andes Mountains, had been largely forgotten by the outside world since the Spanish conquest. Bingham was guided to the site by local indigenous farmers, and his findings brought international attention to the Incan civilization. Machu Picchu is now considered one of the most important cultural heritage sites in the world. It attracts millions of tourists each year and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. 1901 – Guglielmo Marconi receives the first transatlantic radio signal
On this day, Marconi successfully received the first transatlantic radio signal in Newfoundland, Canada. This achievement marked a major milestone in the history of wireless communication. The signal was transmitted from Poldhu, Cornwall, England, over 2,000 miles away. Marconi’s work laid the foundation for modern radio, television, and mobile communications. This breakthrough demonstrated the potential for long-distance wireless communication, changing the way information was shared globally.
3. 1963 – Kenya gains independence from the United Kingdom
On December 12, 1963, Kenya officially became an independent nation, ending British colonial rule. Jomo Kenyatta became the country’s first Prime Minister and later its first President. Independence was the result of years of struggle and negotiations, including the Mau Mau Uprising. This day is celebrated annually in Kenya as Jamhuri Day, a national holiday commemorating independence. The event marked a significant turning point in African decolonization movements during the 20th century.
4. 1979 – The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan begins
December 12, 1979, saw the start of the Soviet Union’s military intervention in Afghanistan. The invasion aimed to support the communist government facing internal rebellion. This conflict escalated into a prolonged war lasting nearly a decade. The invasion had significant geopolitical consequences, contributing to Cold War tensions. It also led to widespread resistance within Afghanistan and significant human suffering.
5. 1937 – The opening of the Lincoln Tunnel in New York City
The Lincoln Tunnel, connecting Manhattan to New Jersey beneath the Hudson River, officially opened on December 12, 1937. It was an engineering marvel of its time, designed to ease traffic congestion and improve transportation between the two states. The tunnel quickly became a critical commuter route for thousands of people daily. Its construction involved innovative techniques to tunnel under the riverbed. Today, the Lincoln Tunnel remains a vital piece of New York City’s infrastructure.
6. 2000 – The United Nations adopts the Millennium Development Goals
On December 12, 2000, the UN General Assembly formally adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These goals aimed to address global issues such as poverty, education, gender equality, and health by 2015. The MDGs represented a unified effort by nations to improve living conditions worldwide. They helped focus international aid and policy efforts on measurable targets. The MDGs were later succeeded by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015.
7. 1897 – The first issue of The Boston Globe is published
The Boston Globe released its inaugural edition on December 12, 1897. Founded by Charles H. Taylor, it quickly became a leading newspaper in the northeastern United States. The Globe has played a significant role in investigative journalism and reporting on critical social issues. Over the decades, it earned numerous Pulitzer Prizes for its work. The newspaper continues to be a major source of news and commentary in the region.
8. 1985 – The first version of Microsoft Windows is released
Microsoft launched Windows 1.0 on December 12, 1985, marking a significant step in personal computing. This graphical user interface allowed users to interact with their computers more intuitively than command-line interfaces. Although it had limited functionality compared to later versions, it laid the groundwork for Windows’ dominance in the operating system market. Windows 1.0 included simple programs like Paint and Notepad. It heralded a new era in software development and user experience.
9. 1941 – Japanese forces capture Guam during World War II
On December 12, 1941, Japanese troops took control of the American territory of Guam shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The capture of Guam was part of Japan’s rapid expansion in the Pacific. American and Filipino forces were overwhelmed and surrendered after several days of fighting. The occupation lasted until 1944, when American forces recaptured the island. Guam’s strategic importance lies in its location, serving as a military base in the Pacific region.
10. 1988 – The first World AIDS Day is observed
December 12, 1988, marked one of the early observances of World AIDS Day, which was officially recognized that year. This day was created to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and to remember those who had died from the disease. It aimed to reduce stigma and promote education about prevention and treatment. World AIDS Day became an annual event observed globally on December 1st in later years. The initial observance helped galvanize international efforts to combat the epidemic.