December 28 Events in History

On December 28th, history has witnessed a series of significant events spanning centuries, each contributing to the rich tapestry of global heritage.

From pivotal moments in religious and political spheres to advancements in science and technology, as well as tragic disasters and cultural milestones, this date offers a fascinating glimpse into our shared past.

This article delves into 20 noteworthy occurrences on December 28, providing a chronological journey through time that highlights both triumphs and tribulations across different eras and regions.

December 28th – On this Day in History

418 – St. Boniface I is Elected Pope

St. Boniface I

On December 28, 418, St. Boniface I was elected Pope, succeeding Pope Zosimus. His election was marred by controversy and schism, as he was chosen amidst a disputed election against Eulalius, who was supported by a faction within the church.

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This conflict led to significant strife and required intervention by Emperor Honorius, who eventually affirmed Boniface’s position. St. Boniface I’s papacy was marked by his efforts to maintain church unity and his opposition to Pelagianism, a theological doctrine that denied original sin and the necessity of divine grace for salvation.

1065 – Westminster Abbey is Consecrated

Westminster Abbey, one of the most iconic religious buildings in the world, was consecrated on December 28, 1065. Commissioned by Edward the Confessor, the abbey was built in the Romanesque style and dedicated to St. Peter.

Also Read: December 29th – On this Day in History

The consecration ceremony took place just days before Edward’s death, and he was subsequently buried in the abbey. Westminster Abbey has since played a central role in British history, serving as the coronation site for English and later British monarchs, as well as the burial site for many significant figures in British history.

1612 – Galileo Observes Neptune

Galileo Galilei

On December 28, 1612, the renowned Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei made a significant astronomical observation when he recorded the position of Neptune. However, he did not realize it was a planet and mistakenly cataloged it as a fixed star.

Galileo’s observations were groundbreaking in many ways, as he was one of the first to use a telescope to study celestial bodies systematically. His work laid the foundation for modern astronomy, even though his identification of Neptune would not be confirmed until more than two centuries later, in 1846.

1832 – John C. Calhoun Resigns as Vice President

John C. Calhoun

John C. Calhoun made history on December 28, 1832, by becoming the first Vice President of the United States to resign from office. His resignation was driven by his deepening rift with President Andrew Jackson over issues such as states’ rights and the Nullification Crisis.

Calhoun, a strong advocate for the rights of states to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional, disagreed vehemently with Jackson’s policies. After his resignation, Calhoun was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he continued to be a leading voice for the Southern states and their interests.

1835 – Second Seminole War Begins

The Second Seminole War began on December 28, 1835, when Osceola, a prominent leader of the Seminole people in Florida, led his warriors in an attack against U.S. forces.

This marked the start of a prolonged and brutal conflict between the Seminoles and the United States, driven by the U.S. government’s efforts to remove the Seminoles from their lands as part of the Indian Removal policy.

The war was characterized by guerrilla tactics and fierce resistance from the Seminoles, making it one of the most costly Indian Wars for the U.S. government in terms of both finances and human lives.

1846 – Iowa is Admitted as the 29th U.S. State

On December 28, 1846, Iowa was officially admitted to the United States as the 29th state. Prior to its statehood, Iowa was part of the Louisiana Purchase and had undergone significant settlement and development.

Its admission marked a crucial moment in the westward expansion of the United States. Iowa’s fertile lands attracted many settlers, contributing to its rapid growth. The state’s entry into the Union also reflected the ongoing debates over slavery, as Iowa was admitted as a free state amidst the intensifying sectional tensions that would eventually lead to the Civil War.

1867 – United States Claims Midway Atoll

On December 28, 1867, the United States formally claimed Midway Atoll, marking the first time the U.S. annexed a territory outside of the continental mainland. Located in the North Pacific Ocean, Midway Atoll’s strategic significance became apparent, especially later in history.

Initially, the U.S. Navy used the atoll as a coaling station, but it later gained greater importance during World War II. The Battle of Midway, fought in June 1942, was a pivotal naval battle that shifted the balance of power in the Pacific Theater in favor of the Allies.

1895 – Wilhelm Röntgen Publishes Paper on X-Rays

On December 28, 1895, German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen published a groundbreaking paper detailing his discovery of a new form of radiation, which he called X-rays. Röntgen’s work revolutionized the field of medical imaging, providing a non-invasive method to view the inside of the human body.

His discovery was met with widespread acclaim, and he was awarded the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901 for his contributions. The use of X-rays quickly spread throughout the medical community, leading to significant advancements in diagnostics and treatment.

1895 – The Lumière Brothers Hold First Commercial Film Screening

On December 28, 1895, the Lumière brothers, Auguste and Louis, held the first commercial screening of motion pictures at the Salon Indien du Grand Café in Paris. This event is often considered the birth of cinema as an entertainment industry. The brothers showcased ten short films, each approximately 50 seconds long, to a paying audience.

Their invention, the Cinématographe, not only captured motion pictures but also projected them, distinguishing it from earlier devices. The success of this screening marked the beginning of the film industry and paved the way for the development of cinematic art and entertainment.

1908 – Earthquake in Messina, Sicily

1908 - Earthquake in Messina, Sicily

On December 28, 1908, a devastating earthquake struck the city of Messina in Sicily, followed by a tsunami. The magnitude 7.1 earthquake and subsequent tsunami resulted in widespread destruction and a catastrophic loss of life, with estimates of over 75,000 fatalities.

The earthquake destroyed much of Messina and nearby Reggio Calabria, flattening buildings and infrastructure. The disaster prompted a massive international response, with aid and assistance pouring in from around the world.

The Messina earthquake remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in European history, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.

1912 – First Municipally Owned Streetcars in San Francisco

On December 28, 1912, San Francisco launched the first municipally owned streetcars, marking a significant development in the city’s public transportation system. This initiative was part of a broader movement towards municipal ownership of utilities, driven by the Progressive Era’s emphasis on public control over essential services.

The introduction of these streetcars provided residents with more reliable and affordable transportation options, helping to facilitate urban growth and connectivity. The success of San Francisco’s municipal streetcar system influenced other cities to adopt similar public transportation models, contributing to the modernization of urban transit across the United States.

1943 – Dwight D. Eisenhower Named Supreme Allied Commander

On December 28, 1943, General Dwight D. Eisenhower was appointed Supreme Allied Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe during World War II.

This crucial appointment placed Eisenhower in charge of planning and executing Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe. Eisenhower’s leadership was instrumental in coordinating the efforts of multiple Allied nations and their military forces, ultimately leading to the successful D-Day landings on June 6, 1944.

His strategic acumen and ability to foster cooperation among the Allies were key factors in the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. Eisenhower’s wartime service later propelled him to the presidency of the United States.

1948 – DC-3 Airliner NC16002 Crashes into the Atlantic

On December 28, 1948, the DC-3 airliner NC16002 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean while on approach to Miami, Florida, resulting in the deaths of all 29 people on board. The aircraft, operated by Eastern Air Lines, experienced an unexplained loss of control during its descent.

The crash highlighted the ongoing challenges of aviation safety in the post-war era, as commercial air travel was becoming more widespread. Investigations into such accidents led to improvements in aircraft technology, pilot training, and safety protocols, contributing to the development of modern aviation safety standards.

1958 – “Greatest Game Ever Played”: Baltimore Colts Defeat New York Giants

On December 28, 1958, the Baltimore Colts defeated the New York Giants in what is often referred to as the “Greatest Game Ever Played,” the NFL Championship Game. The match, held at Yankee Stadium in New York, went into sudden death overtime for the first time in NFL history. The Colts won 23-17, with a touchdown by Alan Ameche sealing their victory.

This game is credited with significantly boosting the popularity of professional football in the United States, showcasing the excitement and competitive nature of the sport. It also highlighted the potential of televised sports to captivate a national audience, paving the way for the NFL’s rise to prominence.

1973 – Endangered Species Act Passed

On December 28, 1973, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was signed into law in the United States, representing a landmark in environmental conservation. The ESA aimed to protect critically endangered species from extinction by conserving their habitats and implementing recovery plans.

It provided legal protection for listed species and made it illegal to harm, harass, or kill them. The Act also facilitated the identification and protection of critical habitats necessary for the survival of endangered species.

Over the years, the ESA has been instrumental in the recovery of numerous species, including the bald eagle, American alligator, and gray wolf, and it remains a cornerstone of U.S. conservation policy.

1981 – First American Test-Tube Baby Born

On December 28, 1981, Elizabeth Jordan Carr became the first American baby born through in vitro fertilization (IVF), marking a significant milestone in reproductive medicine. Her birth at the Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia, followed the groundbreaking birth of the world’s first IVF baby, Louise Brown, in the United Kingdom in 1978.

Elizabeth Carr’s successful birth provided hope to countless couples facing infertility and helped to advance the acceptance and development of assisted reproductive technologies. Over the ensuing decades, IVF has become a common procedure, with millions of babies born worldwide through this technique, transforming the possibilities for family planning and reproductive health.

1989 – Earthquake in Newcastle, Australia

On December 28, 1989, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, causing widespread destruction and resulting in the deaths of 13 people. It was one of the most significant natural disasters in Australia’s history, heavily damaging buildings and infrastructure.

The earthquake’s impact was felt in the economic and social fabric of the region, as it caused substantial financial losses and required extensive reconstruction efforts. The disaster prompted improvements in building codes and emergency response strategies in Australia, enhancing the country’s preparedness for future seismic events.

1991 – New Kids on the Block Concert Stampede in Seoul

On December 28, 1991, a tragic stampede occurred during a New Kids on the Block concert in Seoul, South Korea, resulting in the deaths of nine young fans. The incident happened as the excited crowd surged forward, leading to panic and chaos.

This tragedy highlighted the dangers of inadequate crowd control measures and the need for better safety protocols at large-scale events. In the aftermath, concert organizers and venues around the world began to implement stricter security and crowd management practices to prevent similar incidents, aiming to ensure the safety of attendees at entertainment events.

2000 – Montgomery Ward Announces Closure

On December 28, 2000, U.S. retail giant Montgomery Ward announced that it was going out of business after 128 years of operation. Once a pioneering force in the American retail industry, Montgomery Ward had introduced the concept of mail-order catalog shopping in the late 19th century.

However, by the late 20th century, the company struggled to compete with more modern retail formats and changing consumer preferences. The closure marked the end of an era for the iconic retailer, reflecting broader trends in the retail industry, such as the rise of big-box stores and e-commerce.

The dissolution of Montgomery Ward underscored the challenges traditional retailers faced in adapting to a rapidly evolving market landscape.

2014 – AirAsia Flight 8501 Crashes

On December 28, 2014, AirAsia Flight 8501 crashed into the Java Sea during a flight from Surabaya, Indonesia, to Singapore, killing all 162 people on board. The Airbus A320-216 encountered severe weather and is believed to have suffered from a loss of control due to aerodynamic stall.

The crash prompted a comprehensive investigation into the factors leading to the accident, including weather conditions, pilot actions, and aircraft systems. The tragedy highlighted the importance of rigorous safety protocols and training for airline operations, as well as the need for advancements in weather forecasting and communication technologies to improve aviation safety.

The loss of Flight 8501 was a somber reminder of the ongoing risks in air travel and the critical need for continued efforts to enhance flight safety standards globally.