December 14 Events in History

December 14th has been a significant date throughout history, marked by a series of notable events that have shaped various aspects of human civilization.

From natural disasters and groundbreaking scientific achievements to pivotal political decisions and tragic incidents, this day has witnessed a wide range of occurrences that have left lasting impacts.

This article delves into twenty key events that took place on December 14th, providing a chronological exploration of their historical significance and the enduring legacy they have imparted on the world.

December 14th – On this Day in History

557 – Constantinople Severely Damaged by Earthquake

557 - Constantinople Severely Damaged by Earthquake

In 557 AD, the city of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, experienced a catastrophic earthquake. This natural disaster inflicted significant damage on the city’s structures, including its defensive walls, churches, and numerous other buildings.

The earthquake was one of the many that plagued the city, which was known for its seismic activity. The event left the city’s inhabitants in distress and contributed to the ongoing struggles of the Byzantine Empire during this period.

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The resilience of the citizens and subsequent rebuilding efforts underscored the city’s importance and its ability to recover from natural calamities.

867 – Adrian II Becomes Pope

In 867, Adrian II was elected as the Pope of the Catholic Church. His papacy began during a tumultuous period marked by political and religious conflicts. Adrian II’s tenure was notable for his efforts to assert the authority of the papacy over secular rulers and address various church controversies.

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His leadership saw attempts to strengthen the church’s influence and navigate the complexities of relationships with powerful European monarchs. Despite the challenges, Adrian II’s papacy contributed to the shaping of the medieval church’s policies and its role in European politics.

1287 – St. Lucia’s Flood in Northwest Netherlands

The St. Lucia’s flood occurred on December 14, 1287, devastating the northwest region of the Netherlands. This catastrophic event resulted from a massive storm surge that breached the dikes and flooded vast areas of land. The flood is considered one of the deadliest in history, with an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 people losing their lives.

The disaster dramatically altered the landscape, creating new bodies of water and reshaping the coastline. The St. Lucia’s flood highlighted the vulnerability of the Low Countries to the sea and underscored the importance of effective water management and dike construction, which have remained critical aspects of Dutch engineering.

1542 – Princess Mary Stuart Becomes Mary, Queen of Scots

On December 14, 1542, Princess Mary Stuart ascended to the throne of Scotland, becoming Mary, Queen of Scots, at just six days old following the death of her father, King James V. Her reign began under the regency of her mother, Mary of Guise, due to her infancy.

Mary, Queen of Scots

Mary, Queen of Scots, would grow up to become one of the most intriguing and controversial figures in British history. Her life was marked by a series of tumultuous events, including her marriages, imprisonment, and eventual execution.

Her reign saw significant political and religious upheavals, and her legacy continues to fascinate historians and the public alike.

1782 – The Montgolfier Brothers’ First Balloon Lifts Off

In 1782, the Montgolfier brothers, Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne, conducted their first successful test flight of a hot air balloon. This pioneering event took place in Annonay, France, marking a significant milestone in the history of aviation.

The brothers’ invention utilized the principles of buoyancy, with the balloon rising due to the hot air generated by a fire. Their experiments captured the imagination of the public and laid the groundwork for future developments in aeronautics.

The Montgolfier brothers’ achievements were celebrated and led to further advancements in ballooning, culminating in human flight and the exploration of the skies.

1819 – Alabama Becomes the 22nd U.S. State

On December 14, 1819, Alabama was admitted to the Union as the 22nd state. The area that would become Alabama had been settled by Native American tribes for thousands of years before European exploration.

Spanish explorers first arrived in the 16th century, followed by the French and British. The region’s fertile soil and favorable climate attracted many settlers, leading to the establishment of cotton plantations that relied heavily on slave labor.

Alabama’s admission to the Union marked a significant expansion of the United States in the southeastern region. The state’s early years were characterized by rapid growth and the development of agriculture, but also by tensions over issues such as slavery, which would later culminate in the Civil War.

1900 – Quantum Theory Presented by Max Planck

On December 14, 1900, German physicist Max Planck presented his groundbreaking quantum theory at a meeting of the Physical Society in Berlin.

This theory introduced the concept of energy quanta, fundamentally changing the understanding of physical phenomena. Planck proposed that energy is emitted or absorbed in discrete units called quanta, rather than in a continuous flow.

This idea challenged classical physics and laid the foundation for the development of quantum mechanics, a field that would revolutionize science and technology. Planck’s work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918 and positioned him as one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century.

1911 – Roald Amundsen and His Team Reach the South Pole

On December 14, 1911, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and his team became the first people to reach the South Pole. Their successful expedition marked a significant achievement in the age of Antarctic exploration. Amundsen’s meticulous planning, experience in polar conditions, and use of dog sleds for transportation contributed to their success.

The team planted the Norwegian flag at the pole and left a letter for British explorer Robert Falcon Scott, who was also attempting to reach the pole but arrived several weeks later. Amundsen’s triumph brought him international fame and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest explorers in history.

1939 – The Soviet Union is Expelled from the League of Nations

On December 14, 1939, the Soviet Union was expelled from the League of Nations following its invasion of Finland, an event known as the Winter War. The League of Nations, established after World War I to promote peace and cooperation among nations, condemned the Soviet aggression and deemed it a violation of international law.

The expulsion highlighted the limitations and weaknesses of the League, as it struggled to enforce its principles and prevent conflicts. The Winter War continued until March 1940, resulting in significant casualties and territorial changes. The Soviet Union’s expulsion from the League underscored the challenges of maintaining international order in the face of aggressive expansionist policies.

1941 – Japan Signs a Treaty of Alliance with Thailand

On December 14, 1941, Japan and Thailand signed a treaty of alliance, formalizing their cooperation during World War II. This alliance followed Japan’s rapid expansion in Southeast Asia and its strategic interest in securing support from regional powers.

The agreement allowed Japanese troops to move freely through Thai territory, facilitating their campaigns in neighboring countries. In return, Thailand sought to regain territories lost to British and French colonial powers.

The alliance marked a significant shift in Thailand’s foreign policy and its role in the war. While Thailand initially cooperated with Japan, internal resistance and changing war dynamics later led to a more complex relationship between the two nations.

1946 – The United Nations General Assembly Votes to Establish its Headquarters in New York City

On December 14, 1946, the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish its permanent headquarters in New York City. This decision was significant for the newly formed international organization, which aimed to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations in the aftermath of World War II.

The choice of New York City reflected the United States’ growing influence in global affairs and its central location relative to other major world capitals. The headquarters, located on the East River in Manhattan, was designed by an international team of architects and completed in 1952.

It has since served as a symbol of international diplomacy and a center for addressing global issues, hosting countless important meetings, negotiations, and initiatives.

1955 – Multiple Nations Join the United Nations

On December 14, 1955, the United Nations General Assembly admitted 16 new member states, significantly expanding the organization’s membership. The new members included Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Laos, Libya, Nepal, Portugal, Romania, and Spain.

This expansion reflected the post-World War II geopolitical landscape and the decolonization movement, as many former colonies gained independence and sought to join the international community. The admission of these countries marked an important step in making the United Nations a more inclusive and representative body, capable of addressing a wider range of global issues and promoting international cooperation.

1962 – NASA’s Mariner 2 Becomes the First Spacecraft to Fly by Venus

Mariner 4

On December 14, 1962, NASA’s Mariner 2 spacecraft made history by becoming the first human-made object to fly by Venus and successfully send back data to Earth. Launched on August 27, 1962, Mariner 2 traveled over 180 million kilometers to reach Venus, providing the first close-up observations of another planet.

The mission yielded valuable scientific data about Venus’s atmosphere, surface temperature, and magnetic field, revealing that the planet had extremely high surface temperatures and a thick, carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere.

Mariner 2’s successful flyby was a significant milestone in space exploration, demonstrating the feasibility of interplanetary missions and paving the way for future exploration of the solar system.

1981 – Israel’s Knesset Passes The Golan Heights Law

On December 14, 1981, the Israeli Knesset passed The Golan Heights Law, effectively annexing the Golan Heights and extending Israeli law, jurisdiction, and administration to the territory. The Golan Heights, a strategically important plateau, was captured by Israel from Syria during the Six-Day War in 1967.

The international community, including the United Nations, did not recognize the annexation, and it remains a contentious issue in Israeli-Syrian relations. The law’s passage underscored Israel’s security concerns and its desire to solidify control over the region, which has since been settled by thousands of Israelis. Despite ongoing disputes, the Golan Heights continues to play a critical role in Israel’s defense strategy and regional geopolitics.

1985 – Wilma Mankiller Takes Office as the First Female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation

On December 14, 1985, Wilma Mankiller was inaugurated as the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, marking a historic moment for the Native American community and the broader struggle for gender equality.

Wilma Mankiller

Mankiller’s leadership focused on revitalizing the Cherokee Nation through initiatives in healthcare, education, and economic development.

Her efforts included improving access to basic services, promoting cultural preservation, and fostering self-sufficiency among the Cherokee people. Mankiller’s tenure was characterized by a collaborative and inclusive approach to governance, earning her widespread respect and recognition.

Her achievements inspired many and highlighted the important role of women in leadership positions within Native American tribes and beyond.

1994 – Construction Begins on the Three Gorges Dam in China

On December 14, 1994, construction officially began on the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in China, marking the start of one of the most ambitious and controversial engineering projects in modern history.

The dam, envisioned as a way to control flooding, generate hydroelectric power, and improve river navigation, would become the world’s largest power station in terms of installed capacity. The project required massive resettlement, displacing over a million people and submerging numerous cities, towns, and historical sites.

Environmental concerns, including the impact on local ecosystems and species, sparked significant debate. Despite these challenges, the dam was completed in 2012 and now plays a critical role in China’s energy infrastructure and flood management systems.

1995 – The Dayton Agreement is Signed in Paris to End the Bosnian War

On December 14, 1995, the Dayton Agreement was formally signed in Paris, bringing an end to the Bosnian War, one of the most devastating conflicts in Europe since World War II.

Negotiated at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, the agreement was brokered by the United States and involved the leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia. It established the framework for the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina, comprising two entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska.

The agreement also included provisions for a multinational peacekeeping force to oversee the implementation of the peace terms. The signing of the Dayton Agreement marked a crucial step towards stability and reconstruction in the region, although challenges remained in reconciling the deeply divided communities.

1999 – Torrential Rains Cause Flash Floods and Mudslides in Venezuela

On December 14, 1999, torrential rains triggered catastrophic flash floods and mudslides in Venezuela, particularly affecting the state of Vargas.

This natural disaster, known as the Vargas Tragedy, resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people, with entire communities being wiped out. The floods and mudslides caused extensive damage to infrastructure, homes, and businesses, leaving thousands homeless.

The response to the disaster revealed significant weaknesses in Venezuela’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities. The Vargas Tragedy remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in the country’s history and has had a lasting impact on the affected regions, prompting changes in urban planning and disaster management practices.

2003 – President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf Narrowly Escapes Assassination Attempt

On December 14, 2003, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when a powerful bomb exploded near his motorcade in Rawalpindi. The attack, which occurred just moments after Musharraf’s convoy passed over a bridge, was a clear indication of the serious threats he faced from militant groups opposed to his policies.

Musharraf, who had come to power in a military coup in 1999, had aligned Pakistan with the United States in the War on Terror, a decision that provoked strong opposition from extremist factions. The assassination attempt underscored the precarious security situation in Pakistan and highlighted the challenges Musharraf faced in balancing internal security, political stability, and international alliances.

2012 – Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting in Newtown, Connecticut

On December 14, 2012, a tragic mass shooting occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, resulting in the deaths of 26 people, including 20 children aged six and seven, and six adult staff members. The shooter, 20-year-old Adam Lanza, had earlier killed his mother at their home before carrying out the attack at the school, and he subsequently took his own life as law enforcement arrived on the scene.

The Sandy Hook shooting shocked the nation and reignited intense debates over gun control, mental health, and school safety in the United States. In the aftermath, numerous advocacy groups and movements were formed to address gun violence, and the tragedy has had a lasting impact on policies and discussions surrounding firearms and public safety.