Osun Defender History Corner: December 12 In Focus

Today, on the history corner, we take a trip in the realm of flashback and recall some events that marked this day.

December 12, 1098

The Siege of Ma’arra during the First Crusade took place.

December 12, 1408

The Order of the Dragon, a monarchical chivalric order, was founded by Sigismund of Luxembourg.

December 12, 1787

Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the United States Constitution.

December 12, 1870

Joseph H. Rainey became the first African American to be sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives.

December 12, 1899

George Grant patented the wooden golf tee.

December 12, 1911

The Delhi Durbar proclaimed George V as Emperor of India.

December 12, 1917

Father Edward J. Flanagan founded Boys Town in Nebraska.

December 12, 1936

Chinese leader Chiang Kai-shek declared war against Japan.

December 12, 1946

A United Nations committee voted to accept a six-block tract of Manhattan real estate offered by John D. Rockefeller Jr. to be the site of the UN’s headquarters.

December 12, 1963

Kenya gained independence from British colonial rule.

December 12, 1979

Rhodesia became Zimbabwe with the establishment of majority rule.

December 12, 1985

Arrow Air Flight 1285 crashed after takeoff in Newfoundland, Canada, killing 256 people.

December 12, 1991

The Maastricht Treaty was signed, leading to the creation of the European Union.

December 12, 2000

The United States Supreme Court halted the Florida presidential recount, effectively deciding the outcome of the 2000 presidential election in favor of George W. Bush.

December 12, 2003

Paul Martin was sworn in as the 21st Prime Minister of Canada.

December 12, 2006

The United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

December 12, 2008

Bernie Madoff was arrested for operating the largest Ponzi scheme in history.

December 12, 2015

The Paris Agreement, a global climate change accord, was adopted by 196 countries.

December 12, 2019

The United Kingdom held a general election, resulting in a decisive victory for the Conservative Party led by Boris Johnson.

December 12, 2020

The first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were administered in the United Kingdom.

Please note that these are just a few historical events that happened on December 12. History is full of numerous other significant events on this day, ranging from politics and warfare to cultural and scientific milestones.