On December 21st, history has been marked by numerous significant events that have shaped the course of human civilization.
From political upheavals and groundbreaking scientific discoveries to cultural milestones and pivotal moments in global conflicts, this date has seen a wide array of impactful occurrences.
The following article explores 20 key events that took place on December 21st, arranged chronologically, providing a snapshot of their historical importance and lasting legacy.
December 21st – On this Day in History
69 AD – Vespasian Enters Rome to Claim the Title of Emperor
In 69 AD, a pivotal event in Roman history unfolded as Vespasian, a Roman general, entered Rome to assert his claim to the imperial throne. This year, known as the Year of the Four Emperors, was marked by civil war and political chaos following the death of Emperor Nero in 68 AD.
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Vespasian, initially proclaimed emperor by his troops in the Eastern provinces, marched on Rome after the fall of Emperor Vitellius. His arrival in the capital signaled the end of the tumultuous power struggle and the beginning of the Flavian dynasty. Vespasian’s reign brought stability and economic reforms, marking a significant turning point for the Roman Empire.
1620 – The Mayflower Pilgrims Land at Plymouth Rock

On December 21, 1620, the Mayflower Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock in present-day Massachusetts, marking the beginning of a new chapter in American history.
These early settlers, seeking religious freedom, had endured a treacherous Atlantic crossing aboard the Mayflower.
Upon arrival, they faced harsh winter conditions and a challenging environment. Despite these difficulties, the Pilgrims established Plymouth Colony, one of the first successful English settlements in North America.
Their arrival and subsequent survival laid the foundations for future colonization and the eventual establishment of the United States.
1844 – Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers Begins Business
In 1844, the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers commenced business at its cooperative in Rochdale, England. This event is widely regarded as the birth of the modern cooperative movement.
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The society, formed by a group of 28 weavers and other artisans, opened a store selling basic goods at fair prices to its members. They established principles of democratic control, equitable distribution of profits, and education, which became known as the Rochdale Principles.
These principles have since been adopted by cooperatives worldwide, influencing the development of fair trade and social enterprises.
1861 – Public Resolution 82 Establishes the Medal of Honor
On December 21, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln signed Public Resolution 82 into law, establishing the Medal of Honor. This military decoration was created to recognize extraordinary bravery and valor in combat. Initially awarded to soldiers, it became the highest and most prestigious military decoration in the United States.
The first Medals of Honor were awarded during the American Civil War, honoring soldiers who had demonstrated conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their lives above and beyond the call of duty. The Medal of Honor remains a symbol of heroism and sacrifice in the U.S. Armed Forces.
1872 – HMS Challenger Sets Sail on a Scientific Voyage

In 1872, HMS Challenger, commanded by Captain George Nares, embarked on a groundbreaking scientific voyage from Portsmouth, England. This 3½-year expedition was the first to systematically gather data about the world’s oceans, marking the birth of modern oceanography.
The Challenger’s crew conducted extensive research, including deep-sea soundings, temperature measurements, and the collection of marine specimens.
Their findings provided unprecedented insights into oceanic phenomena and marine life, significantly advancing the field of natural sciences. The voyage of HMS Challenger remains one of the most important scientific expeditions in history.
1879 – Thomas Edison Privately Demonstrates His Incandescent Light Bulb
On December 21, 1879, Thomas Edison conducted a private demonstration of his revolutionary invention, the incandescent light bulb, at his Menlo Park laboratory in New Jersey. This breakthrough was the result of numerous experiments aimed at creating a practical and long-lasting electric light.
Edison’s design used a carbon filament, which glowed when an electric current passed through it, enclosed in a vacuum-sealed glass bulb. The demonstration showcased the bulb’s ability to provide continuous and reliable light, paving the way for the widespread adoption of electric lighting. Edison’s incandescent light bulb had a profound impact on daily life and the development of modern electrical infrastructure.
1913 – The First Crossword Puzzle is Published
On December 21, 1913, the first-ever crossword puzzle was published in the New York World, a newspaper based in New York City. Created by British-born journalist Arthur Wynne, this new type of word puzzle appeared in the Sunday Fun section and was initially called a “word-cross.”
The puzzle’s format featured a diamond-shaped grid with numbered squares, accompanied by a list of clues to fill in the horizontal and vertical words. The crossword puzzle quickly gained popularity and became a staple feature in newspapers and magazines worldwide. Its enduring appeal has made it one of the most popular and enduring forms of word puzzles.
1919 – American Anarchist Emma Goldman Deported to Russia

On December 21, 1919, American anarchist and political activist Emma Goldman was deported to Russia by the U.S. government. Goldman, a vocal advocate for workers’ rights, free speech, and social justice, had been a prominent figure in the anarchist movement in the United States.
Her outspoken opposition to World War I and her involvement in anti-draft activities led to her arrest and subsequent deportation under the Anarchist Exclusion Act.
Goldman’s deportation marked a significant moment in the U.S. government’s crackdown on radical political dissent during the Red Scare. In Russia, she initially supported the Bolshevik Revolution but later became disillusioned with the Soviet regime’s authoritarianism.
1937 – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Premieres
On December 21, 1937, Walt Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” premiered at the Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles, California. This animated film, based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, was the first full-length animated feature produced in Technicolor and marked a significant milestone in the history of animation and cinema.
The film’s innovative use of hand-drawn animation, combined with its enchanting story and memorable characters, captivated audiences and critics alike. “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” achieved both critical and commercial success, establishing Walt Disney as a leading figure in the entertainment industry and paving the way for the future of animated filmmaking.
1945 – General George S. Patton Dies in a Car Accident
On December 21, 1945, General George S. Patton, one of the most prominent and controversial American military leaders of World War II, died from injuries sustained in a car accident in Germany.
Known for his aggressive and unorthodox tactics, Patton played a key role in the Allied victory in Europe, leading troops in campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, and the Battle of the Bulge. His outspoken nature and often controversial statements made him a polarizing figure.
The accident that led to his death occurred near Mannheim, Germany, when his vehicle collided with a truck. Patton’s death marked the end of a distinguished military career and left a lasting legacy in U.S. military history.
1962 – Rondane National Park Established
On December 21, 1962, Rondane National Park was officially established in Norway, becoming the country’s first national park. Covering an area of approximately 963 square kilometers, the park is located in the county of Innlandet. Rondane is known for its stunning landscapes, including rugged mountains, vast plateaus, and deep valleys.
The park’s highest peak, Rondeslottet, reaches an elevation of 2,178 meters. Rondane National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, skiing, and wildlife observation. The establishment of the park marked a significant step in Norway’s efforts to preserve its natural heritage and promote environmental conservation.
1968 – Apollo 8 Launches from Kennedy Space Center

On December 21, 1968, NASA launched Apollo 8 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marking a monumental step in space exploration. Apollo 8 was the first manned mission to leave Earth’s orbit and travel to the Moon.
The spacecraft, carrying astronauts Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders, orbited the Moon ten times before safely returning to Earth. During the mission, the crew captured the iconic “Earthrise” photograph, showing Earth rising above the lunar horizon.
Apollo 8 demonstrated the feasibility of a manned lunar landing and set the stage for the historic Apollo 11 mission. The mission’s success was a significant achievement in the Space Race and a major milestone in human space exploration.
1970 – Elvis Presley Meets President Richard Nixon
On December 21, 1970, the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, met with President Richard Nixon in the Oval Office of the White House. This unusual and iconic meeting occurred after Presley wrote a letter to Nixon offering his services to help combat drug use among American youth.
During the meeting, Presley expressed his concerns about the counterculture movement and his desire to be made a “Federal Agent at Large” in the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.
Nixon presented Presley with a badge from the Bureau, fulfilling the singer’s unique request. The encounter was famously documented with photographs and has since become a symbol of the intersection of pop culture and politics.
1971 – United Nations General Assembly Ratifies Kurt Waldheim as Secretary-General
On December 21, 1971, the United Nations General Assembly ratified Kurt Waldheim of Austria as the fourth Secretary-General of the United Nations. Waldheim succeeded U Thant of Burma, who had served as Secretary-General for two terms. Waldheim’s tenure began on January 1, 1972, and he served until December 31, 1981.
During his time in office, Waldheim faced numerous global challenges, including conflicts in the Middle East, the Vietnam War, and issues related to decolonization and development. His leadership was marked by efforts to promote international peace and cooperation, although his tenure later became controversial due to revelations about his service in the German Army during World War II.
1973 – Geneva Conference on the Arab–Israeli Conflict Opens
On December 21, 1973, the Geneva Conference on the Arab–Israeli conflict opened, bringing together representatives from Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and the United States, under the auspices of the United Nations.
The conference aimed to address and resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East following the Yom Kippur War, which had taken place in October 1973.
Although the conference did not achieve a comprehensive peace agreement, it represented a significant step toward dialogue and negotiation between the involved parties. The Geneva Conference laid the groundwork for subsequent peace efforts, including the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel in 1978, which ultimately led to the signing of a peace treaty in 1979.
1988 – Pan Am Flight 103 Bombing Over Lockerbie

On December 21, 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 was destroyed by a terrorist bomb over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all 259 people on board and 11 residents on the ground. The Boeing 747, en route from London to New York, exploded in mid-air due to a bomb placed in a suitcase in the cargo hold.
The explosion caused the plane to break apart, scattering debris over a large area and causing extensive damage in Lockerbie. The investigation, one of the largest and most complex in aviation history, led to the indictment of two Libyan nationals, Abdelbaset al-Megrahi and Lamin Khalifah Fhimah.
The bombing was linked to the Libyan government, and in 2003, Libya officially accepted responsibility for the attack and agreed to pay compensation to the victims’ families. The tragedy had a lasting impact on international aviation security and counterterrorism measures.
1991 – Eleven Former Soviet Republics Form the Commonwealth of Independent States
On December 21, 1991, representatives of eleven former Soviet republics gathered in Alma-Ata (now Almaty, Kazakhstan) to sign the Alma-Ata Protocol, effectively establishing the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The signatories included Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The formation of the CIS marked the official dissolution of the Soviet Union, which had dominated the political landscape of Eastern Europe and Central Asia for most of the 20th century.
The CIS was created to facilitate cooperation in political, economic, and military affairs among the newly independent states. The agreement recognized the independence and sovereignty of each member state while promoting mutual collaboration and stability in the post-Soviet region.
1993 – Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Formally Dissolved
On December 21, 1993, the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was formally dissolved, marking the end of a complex and tumultuous political entity that had existed since World War II.
The dissolution followed years of ethnic tensions, political upheaval, and violent conflicts among its constituent republics: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia. The breakup of Yugoslavia began in earnest in 1991 when Slovenia and Croatia declared independence, followed by Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia in 1992.
The disintegration of Yugoslavia led to a series of brutal wars, particularly in Bosnia and Croatia, characterized by widespread atrocities and ethnic cleansing. The dissolution marked a significant and tragic period in Balkan history, leading to the emergence of independent nations and ongoing efforts toward peace and reconciliation in the region.
1995 – Bethlehem Passes from Israeli to Palestinian Control
On December 21, 1995, the historic city of Bethlehem, located in the West Bank, was transferred from Israeli to Palestinian control as part of the Oslo II Accord, a key element of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
The handover ceremony, attended by Palestinian leaders and international dignitaries, symbolized a significant step toward Palestinian self-governance and the implementation of agreements aimed at resolving the longstanding conflict. Bethlehem, revered as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, holds profound religious and cultural significance for Christians worldwide.
The transfer of control was intended to enhance Palestinian autonomy and pave the way for further negotiations on the status of other territories. Despite the handover, the peace process faced numerous challenges, and the region continued to experience tensions and conflicts in the following years.
2012 – “Gangnam Style” Becomes the First YouTube Video to Reach One Billion Views
On December 21, 2012, “Gangnam Style,” a song by South Korean singer PSY, made history by becoming the first YouTube video to reach one billion views. Released in July 2012, the music video features PSY performing a catchy dance routine in various humorous and surreal settings.
The song’s infectious beat, quirky dance moves, and satirical portrayal of the affluent Gangnam district in Seoul captured global attention, quickly becoming a viral sensation. The unprecedented milestone on YouTube underscored the power of social media and the internet in shaping modern pop culture.
“Gangnam Style” not only brought international fame to PSY but also highlighted the growing influence of K-pop on the global music scene. The video’s success paved the way for future viral hits and demonstrated the potential of digital platforms to reach and engage audiences worldwide.