Major Events
1192 – Richard the Lionheart captured near Vienna While returning from the Third Crusade, King Richard I of England is seized by Duke Leopold V of Austria, triggering a lengthy political struggle over his ransom.
1803 – Louisiana officially transferred to the United States France formally hands over the Louisiana Territory to the U.S., doubling American land area and shaping continental expansion.
1860 – South Carolina becomes the first state to secede from the Union This historic vote marks the beginning of the secession movement leading to the American Civil War.
1917 – Cheka established in Soviet Russia The Bolsheviks create the Cheka, the precursor to later Soviet secret police agencies, signaling a new era of political repression.
1946 – Christmas film It’s a Wonderful Life premieres Frank Capra’s film debuts in New York City, eventually becoming one of the most beloved holiday movies of all time.
1951 – First electricity generated from nuclear power in the U.S. The Experimental Breeder Reactor-I in Idaho powers four light bulbs, marking a milestone in nuclear energy development.
1987 – Challenger Commission releases final recommendations After the tragic shuttle disaster, findings are formally presented to improve NASA safety and operations.
1989 – U.S. invasion of Panama begins Operation Just Cause is launched to remove General Manuel Noriega, reshaping U.S.–Latin American political dynamics.
1995 – NATO takes over peacekeeping in Bosnia NATO’s Implementation Force assumes control of peace operations following the Dayton Agreement, beginning a major international mission.
Famous Birthdays
1537 – Jane Foulston, English noblewoman (d. 1578) Prominent Tudor-era figure associated with major aristocratic households.
1868 – Harvey Firestone, American industrialist (d. 1938) Founder of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company and pioneer of mass automobile production.
1898 – Irene Dunne, American actress (d. 1990) Known for classic films and elegant comedic performances.
1922 – John Hillaby, British travel writer (d. 1996) Famous for long-distance walking journeys and vivid nature writing.
1946 – Uri Geller, Israeli-British performer Mentalist and entertainer known for demonstrations involving illusion and suggestion.
1948 – Alan Parsons, English musician and producer Part of the production team behind major albums before forming The Alan Parsons Project.
1957 – Billy Bragg, English singer-songwriter Renowned for music blending folk, punk, and political commentary.
1966 – Nicole de Boer, Canadian actress Recognised for television roles across science fiction and drama genres.
1985 – Jonah Hill, American actor Versatile actor known for both comedic and dramatic performances.
Notable Deaths
1590 – Ambroise Paré, French surgeon (b. 1510) A father of modern surgery known for revolutionary battlefield medical techniques.
1812 – Sacagawea, Shoshone interpreter (b. 1788) Key guide and negotiator during the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
1917 – Eric Campbell, Scottish actor (b. 1879) Famous silent-film performer best known for collaborations with Charlie Chaplin.
1932 – Arthur Wesley Dow, American painter (b. 1857) Influential art educator who shaped American modernist techniques.
1968 – John Steinbeck Sr., public official and father of novelist John Steinbeck (b. 1863) Key figure in supporting local civic development.
1995 – Madalyn Murray O’Hair, American activist (b. 1919) Founder of American Atheists and prominent figure in U.S. legal battles over religion in schools.
2001 – Léopold Senghor, Senegalese poet and first President (b. 1906) Major figure in African literature and postcolonial politics.
2009 – Brittany Murphy, American actress (b. 1977) Known for impactful roles across film genres.
2012 – Ray Price, American country singer (b. 1926) Legendary musician influential in modern country styles.
Holidays
- International Human Solidarity Day (United Nations)
- National Sangria Day (United States)
- Goa Feast of St. Francis Xavier (observed in some regions)
Fun Facts
- December 20 is globally associated with observances of human rights and solidarity efforts.
- The Louisiana Purchase transfer officially completed on this date was one of the largest land acquisitions in history.
- Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life,” released today in 1946, was initially a box office disappointment before becoming a cultural classic.
- Nuclear-generated electricity first illuminated household bulbs on this day in 1951.