December 29 Events in History

December 29 has witnessed a plethora of significant events that have shaped the course of history across various domains, from political upheavals and technological advancements to tragic accidents and groundbreaking speeches.

This article delves into 20 notable occurrences on this day, providing a chronological journey through time.

From the assassination of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170 to the final repayment of World War II loans by the UK in 2006, each event highlights the diverse and impactful moments that have unfolded on December 29.

December 29th – On this Day in History

1170 – Assassination of Archbishop Thomas Becket

Archbishop Thomas Becket

On December 29, 1170, Archbishop Thomas Becket was brutally murdered inside Canterbury Cathedral. Becket, once a close friend and loyal chancellor to King Henry II, had become a staunch defender of the church’s rights against royal interference after being appointed Archbishop of Canterbury.

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This change strained their relationship, leading to ongoing conflicts over church privileges. Henry’s exasperation allegedly led him to utter the infamous phrase, “Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?”

Taking this as a royal command, four knights traveled to Canterbury and killed Becket. His death shocked the Christian world, leading to his canonization as a martyr in 1173 and making Canterbury a major pilgrimage site.

1503 – Battle of Garigliano

The Battle of Garigliano, fought on December 29, 1503, was a pivotal conflict in the Italian Wars. Spanish forces, commanded by Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba, clashed with the French army near the Garigliano River in the Kingdom of Naples.

The Spanish utilized innovative tactics, including effective use of artillery and strategic river crossings, to overcome the French defenses.

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The battle concluded with a decisive Spanish victory, solidifying Spanish control over Naples and significantly diminishing French influence in Italy. This triumph not only elevated de Córdoba’s status as a brilliant military strategist but also marked a turning point in the power dynamics of Renaissance Italy.

1778 – British Occupation of Savannah, Georgia

On December 29, 1778, during the American Revolutionary War, British forces captured Savannah, Georgia. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Archibald Campbell, the British aimed to reclaim control of the southern colonies.

The attack was swift and decisive; despite American efforts to defend the city, they were overwhelmed by the better-equipped British troops.

The fall of Savannah was a strategic victory for the British, enabling them to establish a strong foothold in the southern theater of the war. This occupation had significant implications, disrupting American supply lines and contributing to the prolonged struggle for independence.

1812 – USS Constitution vs. HMS Java

USS Constitution

The naval battle between the USS Constitution and HMS Java took place off the coast of Brazil on December 29, 1812. During the War of 1812, the American frigate, commanded by Captain William Bainbridge, encountered the British frigate Java.

After a fierce engagement, marked by superior American seamanship and gunnery, the USS Constitution emerged victorious, capturing and later burning the HMS Java.

This triumph bolstered American morale and naval prestige, earning the USS Constitution the nickname “Old Ironsides” for its resilience. The battle underscored the growing prowess of the young United States Navy against the formidable British Royal Navy.

1835 – Treaty of New Echota

The Treaty of New Echota, signed on December 29, 1835, set the stage for the forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation, a tragic event known as the Trail of Tears. A faction of the Cherokee, led by Major Ridge and his followers, signed the treaty without the authorization of the Cherokee National Council.

The agreement ceded all Cherokee land east of the Mississippi River to the United States in exchange for land in present-day Oklahoma and financial compensation. Despite widespread opposition among the Cherokee, the U.S. government ratified the treaty, leading to the forced removal of thousands of Cherokee people.

The ensuing journey westward resulted in immense suffering and the death of approximately 4,000 Cherokee, marking one of the darkest chapters in American history.

1845 – Texas Admitted as the 28th State of the United States

On December 29, 1845, Texas was officially admitted to the Union as the 28th state. Previously an independent republic after winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas sought to join the United States to gain economic stability and protection from potential Mexican re-invasion. President James K.

Polk, a strong advocate for American expansion, signed the resolution that annexed Texas. This event intensified tensions between the U.S. and Mexico, eventually leading to the Mexican-American War. The annexation of Texas was a significant milestone in the U.S. manifest destiny ideology, furthering its territorial expansion westward.

1851 – Establishment of the First American YMCA

The first American Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) was established on December 29, 1851, in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded by Thomas Valentine Sullivan, a retired sea captain and missionary, the YMCA aimed to provide a safe and supportive environment for young men moving to cities during the Industrial Revolution.

The organization offered various services, including housing, educational programs, and recreational activities, to promote healthy living and moral development. The YMCA quickly expanded throughout the United States, playing a crucial role in community building and social reform by fostering a spirit of inclusiveness and support.

1876 – Ashtabula River Railroad Disaster

On December 29, 1876, the Ashtabula River Railroad Disaster occurred in Ashtabula, Ohio, marking one of the deadliest train accidents in U.S. history. As a Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway train crossed a bridge over the Ashtabula River, the bridge collapsed, sending the train into the icy waters below.

The disaster resulted in the deaths of 92 passengers and crew members. Investigations revealed that the bridge, designed by railroad magnate Amasa Stone, had critical structural flaws. This tragedy led to widespread public outcry and significant advancements in railway safety standards and bridge engineering practices.

1890 – Wounded Knee Massacre

Wounded Knee Massacre

The Wounded Knee Massacre took place on December 29, 1890, in South Dakota, marking a tragic and violent end to the Indian Wars. The U.S. Army’s 7th Cavalry Regiment attempted to disarm a group of Lakota Sioux near Wounded Knee Creek.

Amidst the confusion, a shot was fired, leading the soldiers to open fire on the unarmed Lakota, including women and children.

Over 200 Lakota were killed, and many others were wounded. This massacre symbolized the culmination of the U.S. government’s efforts to subdue Native American resistance and resulted in widespread condemnation and a reevaluation of federal Indian policy.

1911 – Sun Yat-sen Becomes Provisional President of the Republic of China

On December 29, 1911, Sun Yat-sen was elected the provisional President of the Republic of China, following the successful overthrow of the Qing Dynasty. Sun, a revolutionary leader and founding father of modern China, played a pivotal role in ending over two millennia of imperial rule. His presidency marked the beginning of a new era, transitioning China from a monarchy to a republic.

Sun Yat-sen’s vision for China included principles of nationalism, democracy, and social welfare, collectively known as the “Three Principles of the People.” His leadership set the foundation for the Republic of China and inspired future generations in the pursuit of modernization and reform.

1911 – Mongolia Gains Independence from the Qing Dynasty

On December 29, 1911, Mongolia declared its independence from the Qing Dynasty, marking the end of over two centuries of Chinese rule. The collapse of the Qing Dynasty amidst the Xinhai Revolution provided an opportunity for Mongolian leaders to assert their sovereignty.

With the support of Russian influence, Mongolia’s eighth Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, Bogd Khan, was proclaimed the head of state. This event initiated a period of autonomy that, despite subsequent Soviet and Chinese influences, established Mongolia’s identity as an independent nation.

The declaration set the stage for Mongolia’s eventual establishment as a fully sovereign state and a member of the global community.

1937 – The Irish Free State Becomes Ireland

On December 29, 1937, the Irish Free State officially became Ireland after adopting a new constitution. The constitution, which was approved by a popular vote, renamed the country “Éire” and established it as a republic in all but name.

This marked a significant step in Ireland’s full independence from the United Kingdom, following the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921 that had initially created the Irish Free State.

The new constitution, drafted by Éamon de Valera, defined the country’s governance structure, asserting more autonomy and distancing Ireland from its colonial past. This move was a crucial milestone in Ireland’s path towards becoming a fully sovereign republic, which was officially realized in 1949.

1940 – Germany Drops Incendiary Bombs on London

1940 - Germany Drops Incendiary Bombs on London

On December 29, 1940, during World War II, Germany launched one of the most devastating air raids on London, resulting in what became known as the “Second Great Fire of London.”

The Luftwaffe dropped thousands of incendiary bombs on the city, causing widespread fires that devastated large areas of London, including historic buildings and significant landmarks.

The raid aimed to break British morale and cripple the city’s infrastructure. Firefighters and volunteers worked tirelessly to control the blazes, while Londoners demonstrated resilience and solidarity amidst the destruction.

This attack was part of the larger Blitz campaign, which saw sustained bombing of British cities but ultimately failed to subdue British resolve.

1949 – KC2XAK Becomes the First UHF Television Station

On December 29, 1949, KC2XAK in Bridgeport, Connecticut, became the first Ultra High Frequency (UHF) television station to operate a daily schedule. This pioneering station marked a significant technological advancement in the television broadcasting industry.

UHF frequencies, ranging from 300 MHz to 3 GHz, allowed for more channels and improved broadcast quality compared to the traditional Very High Frequency (VHF) channels.

The success of KC2XAK paved the way for the expansion of television services, contributing to the growth of the medium as a central form of entertainment and information in American households. The development of UHF technology was a crucial step in the diversification and accessibility of television broadcasting.

1959 – Richard Feynman’s Speech “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom”

On December 29, 1959, physicist Richard Feynman delivered his groundbreaking lecture, “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom,” at the annual meeting of the American Physical Society at Caltech.

In this visionary speech, Feynman explored the potential of manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular scale, effectively laying the conceptual groundwork for the field of nanotechnology. He discussed the possibilities of building incredibly small machines and the implications of such advancements for science and technology.

Feynman’s insights and predictions in this lecture have since been recognized as foundational, inspiring decades of research and innovation in nanoscience and nanotechnology, ultimately transforming various industries and scientific disciplines.

1972 – Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 Crash

On December 29, 1972, Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 crashed into the Florida Everglades, resulting in the deaths of 101 of the 176 passengers and crew on board. The L-1011 TriStar jet was on a flight from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Miami International Airport when it encountered a problem with the landing gear indicator light.

The flight crew became preoccupied with the malfunctioning light, failing to notice that the autopilot had been inadvertently disconnected. Consequently, the aircraft gradually descended until it crashed.

The tragedy prompted significant changes in aviation safety protocols, emphasizing the importance of crew resource management (CRM) to ensure pilots maintain situational awareness and prioritize critical flight operations.

1975 – LaGuardia Airport Bombing

1975 - LaGuardia Airport Bombing

On December 29, 1975, a bomb exploded in the baggage claim area of LaGuardia Airport in New York City, killing 11 people and injuring 74 others. The bombing, one of the deadliest attacks on American soil at the time, created widespread panic and raised significant concerns about airport security.

Despite extensive investigations, the perpetrators were never identified, and the case remains unsolved. The tragic event underscored the vulnerabilities in public infrastructure and led to heightened security measures at airports across the United States, laying the groundwork for the more stringent protocols that would be developed in the ensuing decades.

1989 – Václav Havel Elected President of Czechoslovakia

On December 29, 1989, Václav Havel was elected President of Czechoslovakia, marking a monumental shift from communist rule to a democratic government. Havel, a playwright, and dissident, had been a leading figure in the Velvet Revolution, a peaceful uprising that led to the end of four decades of communist rule in Czechoslovakia.

His election symbolized the triumph of democratic ideals and human rights over authoritarianism. As president, Havel played a crucial role in steering the country through its transition to democracy and market economy, and he continued to advocate for political freedom and civil rights.

His leadership during this period was instrumental in shaping the post-communist trajectory of Czechoslovakia and, subsequently, the Czech Republic.

1997 – Hong Kong Chicken Cull to Stop Avian Influenza

On December 29, 1997, Hong Kong initiated a massive cull of its poultry population, slaughtering approximately 1.25 million chickens to contain the spread of the H5N1 avian influenza virus. This drastic measure was taken after the virus was found to be capable of infecting humans, resulting in several deaths.

The decision to cull the poultry was aimed at eliminating the source of the virus and preventing a potential pandemic. The operation was unprecedented in scale and underscored the global health risks posed by zoonotic diseases. It also highlighted the importance of surveillance, rapid response, and international cooperation in managing emerging infectious diseases.

2006 – UK Settles Anglo-American Loan Debt from World War II

On December 29, 2006, the United Kingdom made its final payment on loans taken from the United States during and after World War II. These loans, part of the Lend-Lease program and subsequent financial agreements, were crucial in supporting the UK’s war effort and post-war recovery.

The final payment marked the end of a long period of financial obligation and symbolized the strong economic and political ties between the UK and the US.

Settling the debt also underscored the significant impact of the loans on the UK’s economy during a critical period of rebuilding and transformation in the mid-20th century. The repayment was a historic moment, reflecting the conclusion of financial agreements that had been pivotal in shaping the post-war world order.