On December 7th throughout history, a diverse array of significant events has occurred, shaping the course of politics, science, culture, and society.
From groundbreaking technological innovations to pivotal moments in world conflict, this date marks numerous notable milestones. This article delves into twenty such events, arranged in chronological order, providing a glimpse into the historical significance of December 7th.
From the opening of the Royal Opera House in London to the inauguration of Hamid Karzai as President of Afghanistan, each event highlights the dynamic and impactful nature of this day across different eras and fields.
December 7th – On this Day in History
1732 – The Royal Opera House Opens at Covent Garden, London
In 1732, the Royal Opera House, originally called the Theatre Royal, opened its doors in Covent Garden, London. This iconic venue quickly became one of the most significant cultural landmarks in the city. Designed by Edward Shepherd, the theatre initially hosted a variety of performances, including plays, operas, and ballets.
Also Read: December 6 Events in History
Over the years, the Royal Opera House has undergone several renovations and reconstructions, notably after fires in 1808 and 1856. Today, it remains a world-renowned center for opera and ballet, home to The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet companies, continuing its long tradition of artistic excellence.
1787 – Delaware Ratifies the United States Constitution
On December 7, 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution. This historic event marked the beginning of the formation of the United States as a constitutional republic. Delaware’s unanimous ratification, achieved in a convention held in Dover, set a precedent for other states to follow.
Also Read: December 8th – On this Day in History
As the first to ratify, Delaware earned its nickname “The First State,” reflecting its pivotal role in American history. This ratification was a crucial step in establishing a unified nation under a single governing document, laying the foundation for the country’s legal and political systems.
1817 – Death of William Bligh
William Bligh, a British admiral and colonial administrator, passed away on December 7, 1817. Bligh is best known for his role as the captain of HMS Bounty during the infamous mutiny in 1789. Despite this event overshadowing much of his career, Bligh had a distinguished naval service, participating in several key battles and voyages.
Later, as the Governor of New South Wales, Australia, he faced challenges that led to the Rum Rebellion, the only successful armed takeover of an Australian government. Bligh’s complex legacy includes his contributions to navigation and exploration, as well as his contentious leadership style.
1836 – Martin Van Buren Elected 8th President of the United States
On December 7, 1836, Martin Van Buren was elected as the 8th President of the United States. Van Buren, a key organizer of the Democratic Party, served as Vice President under Andrew Jackson before his presidency. His election marked the continuation of Jacksonian policies, but his term was soon challenged by the Panic of 1837, a major financial crisis.
Despite his efforts to stabilize the economy, Van Buren’s presidency was marred by economic hardship. Nevertheless, his influence on American politics was significant, and he remains a notable figure in the development of the American political system.
1842 – The New York Philharmonic Performs Its First Concert
The New York Philharmonic, one of the oldest symphony orchestras in the world, performed its first concert on December 7, 1842. Founded by American-born conductor Ureli Corelli Hill, the orchestra’s debut performance took place at the Apollo Rooms on lower Manhattan.
This inaugural concert marked the beginning of a rich tradition of classical music performance in the United States. Over the years, the New York Philharmonic has grown in stature, attracting world-class conductors and musicians, and premiering numerous significant works. It has played a pivotal role in the cultural life of New York City and continues to be a leading force in the world of classical music.
1869 – Jesse James Commits His First Confirmed Bank Robbery
On December 7, 1869, the infamous American outlaw Jesse James carried out his first confirmed bank robbery in Gallatin, Missouri. James, alongside his gang, targeted the Daviess County Savings Association, marking the beginning of a series of audacious robberies that would make him a legendary figure in American folklore.
During the heist, James shot and killed the bank cashier, Captain John Sheets, mistakenly believing him to be Samuel P. Cox, the Union officer he held responsible for the death of his Confederate guerrilla leader.
This event solidified Jesse James’s reputation as a ruthless outlaw, and his exploits continued to captivate the public’s imagination, contributing to the mythos of the Wild West.
1909 – Leo Baekeland Patents Bakelite
On December 7, 1909, Belgian-born American chemist Leo Baekeland patented Bakelite, the world’s first synthetic thermosetting plastic. This revolutionary invention, formally known as polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride, marked the beginning of the modern plastics industry.
Bakelite was notable for its non-conductivity and heat-resistant properties, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, from electrical insulators to household goods.
Baekeland’s creation paved the way for the development of countless other synthetic materials, transforming manufacturing processes and everyday life. The introduction of Bakelite also symbolized the dawn of the Age of Plastics, with its profound and lasting impact on technology and society.
1917 – United States Declares War on Austria-Hungary
On December 7, 1917, the United States formally declared war on Austria-Hungary, further entrenching its involvement in World War I. This decision came eight months after the U.S. had declared war on Germany, Austria-Hungary’s principal ally.
The declaration was part of a broader strategy to support the Allies against the Central Powers and was a response to Austria-Hungary’s aggression and alignment with Germany’s militaristic ambitions.
The U.S. entry into the war provided a significant boost to the Allied powers, both in terms of military resources and morale. The involvement of American troops and resources played a crucial role in the eventual defeat of the Central Powers and the end of the war in 1918.
1922 – Northern Ireland Votes to Remain Part of the United Kingdom
On December 7, 1922, the Parliament of Northern Ireland voted to remain a part of the United Kingdom, following the establishment of the Irish Free State. This decision was a critical moment in the history of Ireland and the United Kingdom, as it solidified the partition of Ireland into two distinct political entities.
The vote came after the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, which ended the Irish War of Independence and led to the creation of the Irish Free State, now the Republic of Ireland.
Northern Ireland’s choice to stay within the United Kingdom reflected the complex and often contentious relationship between the different communities on the island of Ireland, and it set the stage for many decades of political and social challenges.
1930 – W1XAV in Boston Broadcasts Video from CBS Radio Orchestra Program
On December 7, 1930, W1XAV, an experimental television station in Boston, Massachusetts, made history by broadcasting video footage from a CBS radio orchestra program, The Fox Trappers. This event was one of the early milestones in the development of television as a medium for entertainment and information.
The broadcast included both visual and audio elements, demonstrating the potential of television to provide a new form of mass communication that combined the immediacy of radio with visual imagery. This pioneering effort by W1XAV contributed to the technological advancements that would eventually lead to the widespread adoption of television, revolutionizing the way people consumed news, entertainment, and culture.
1941 – Attack on Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise military strike on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This devastating attack aimed to cripple the U.S. Pacific Fleet and prevent American interference in Japan’s expansionist activities in Southeast Asia.
The assault resulted in the deaths of 2,403 Americans, the destruction of 188 aircraft, and severe damage to eight battleships, among other vessels. This event marked a turning point in World War II, as it led to the United States’ formal entry into the conflict the following day.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously described December 7, 1941, as “a date which will live in infamy,” underscoring the profound impact of the attack on American history and the global war effort.
1965 – Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras I Lift Mutual Excommunications
On December 7, 1965, Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras I took a significant step towards healing the nearly thousand-year-old schism between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches by simultaneously lifting the mutual excommunications that had been in place since 1054. This historic act of reconciliation occurred during the Second Vatican Council and was formalized through a joint declaration issued in both Rome and Istanbul.
The excommunications had originally been a result of theological and political disputes that led to the Great Schism, dividing Christianity into Western (Roman Catholic) and Eastern (Orthodox) branches.
The lifting of these excommunications was a symbolic gesture of goodwill and a significant move towards greater unity and understanding between the two traditions, although full communion has yet to be achieved.
1972 – Apollo 17 Launches
On December 7, 1972, NASA launched Apollo 17, the final manned mission to the Moon. The mission was crewed by Commander Eugene Cernan, Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans, and Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt.
Apollo 17 was notable for several reasons: it was the last of the Apollo missions, it carried the only geologist (Schmitt) to walk on the lunar surface, and it set records for the longest moon landing, longest total lunar surface extravehicular activities, and the largest amount of lunar samples brought back to Earth.
The mission’s success not only provided valuable scientific data but also marked the end of an era in human space exploration. Eugene Cernan, the last person to walk on the moon, left a plaque on the lunar surface that reads, “Here man completed his first explorations of the Moon, December 1972.”
1982 – First Execution by Lethal Injection in the United States
On December 7, 1982, the state of Texas carried out the first execution by lethal injection in the United States, marking a significant change in the administration of capital punishment. The execution of Charles Brooks Jr., convicted of murder, took place at the Huntsville Unit in Huntsville, Texas.
This method was introduced as a more humane and efficient alternative to the electric chair and gas chamber, which had previously been the primary means of execution. Lethal injection quickly became the predominant method of execution in the United States, adopted by most states with the death penalty. The introduction of lethal injection also sparked ongoing debates about the ethics and efficacy of capital punishment.
1987 – Pacific Southwest Airlines Flight 1771 Crash
On December 7, 1987, Pacific Southwest Airlines Flight 1771, en route from Los Angeles to San Francisco, tragically crashed near Cayucos, California, killing all 43 people on board.
The crash was caused by a disgruntled former USAir employee, David Burke, who smuggled a gun onto the plane and shot both the pilot and co-pilot, causing the aircraft to dive at high speed into a hillside.
This incident highlighted significant security flaws in the airline industry, particularly regarding employee access and the ease with which weapons could be brought onto aircraft. The aftermath of the crash led to stricter security measures and policies within the airline industry to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
1988 – Earthquake Devastates Spitak, Armenia
On December 7, 1988, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck the Spitak region of Armenia, then part of the Soviet Union.
The devastating quake caused widespread destruction across northern Armenia, leveling cities and villages and resulting in a catastrophic loss of life. Nearly 25,000 people were killed, thousands more were injured, and hundreds of thousands were left homeless.
The disaster overwhelmed local resources and prompted a significant international humanitarian response. The earthquake also highlighted the vulnerabilities of Soviet-era infrastructure and emergency response systems, leading to increased efforts to improve building standards and disaster preparedness in the region.
1993 – Long Island Rail Road Shooting
On December 7, 1993, a tragic shooting occurred on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) in New York. Colin Ferguson, a passenger on the train, opened fire on fellow commuters as the train approached the Merillon Avenue station in Garden City, Long Island.
Ferguson killed six people and injured nineteen others before being subdued by passengers. The incident shocked the nation and spurred discussions on gun control, mental health, and the safety of public transportation.
In the aftermath, Ferguson was tried and convicted of murder and sentenced to multiple life terms in prison. The shooting also led to the establishment of the Kendra’s Law in New York, which allows for court-ordered assisted outpatient treatment for individuals with mental illnesses who meet certain criteria.
1995 – Galileo Spacecraft Arrives at Jupiter
On December 7, 1995, NASA’s Galileo spacecraft successfully entered orbit around Jupiter after a journey of more than six years and 2.3 billion miles. Launched in October 1989, Galileo’s mission was to study the largest planet in our solar system and its moons in unprecedented detail.
The spacecraft’s arrival at Jupiter marked the beginning of a detailed examination of the planet’s atmosphere, magnetosphere, and the composition of its moons, particularly the four largest: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.
Galileo provided a wealth of scientific data, including evidence of subsurface oceans on Europa and Ganymede, volcanic activity on Io, and complex magnetic fields around Jupiter. The mission greatly enhanced our understanding of the Jovian system and its potential for harboring life.
1999 – RIAA Files Lawsuit Against Napster
On December 7, 1999, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against Napster, the popular peer-to-peer file-sharing service. Napster, created by Shawn Fanning and Sean Parker, allowed users to share and download MP3 music files for free, leading to a massive surge in the exchange of digital music.
The RIAA’s lawsuit argued that Napster was facilitating widespread copyright infringement and sought to shut down the service. This legal battle marked the beginning of a new era in the music industry, highlighting the challenges posed by digital technology and the internet.
The lawsuit eventually led to Napster’s shutdown in 2001, but it also spurred the development of legal digital music distribution models and set the stage for ongoing debates over digital rights and copyright law.
2004 – Hamid Karzai Inaugurated as President of Afghanistan
On December 7, 2004, Hamid Karzai was inaugurated as the first elected President of Afghanistan, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition from decades of conflict and instability to a new era of democratic governance. Karzai’s election followed the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001 and the subsequent U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan.
As president, Karzai faced numerous challenges, including rebuilding the war-torn nation, combating insurgency, and fostering national unity amid deep ethnic and political divisions. His presidency was characterized by efforts to strengthen Afghanistan’s institutions, improve security, and foster economic development, although his administration also faced criticism over corruption and governance issues.
Karzai’s inauguration symbolized hope for Afghanistan’s future and the international community’s commitment to supporting the country’s path to stability and democracy.