Osun Defender History Corner: December 16 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 16, 1773

The Boston Tea Party takes place in the American colonies as colonists protest against British taxation without representation.

December 16, 1775

Jane Austen, the renowned English novelist, is born in Steventon, Hampshire, England.

December 16, 1776

Thomas Paine publishes “The Crisis,” which includes the famous line, “These are the times that try men’s souls,” during the American Revolution.

December 16, 1838

Battle of Blood River in South Africa between Voortrekkers and Zulus.

December 16, 1903

The Wright brothers achieve the first powered, controlled, and sustained flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

December 16, 1928

The first public demonstration of television takes place by inventor Charles Francis Jenkins in Washington, D.C.

December 16, 1944

The Battle of the Bulge begins during World War II as German forces launch a surprise counter-offensive against Allied troops.

December 16, 1947

William Shockley, John Bardeen, and Walter Brattain demonstrate the first practical point-contact transistor at Bell Labs.

December 16, 1971

Bangladesh declares its independence from Pakistan, leading to the Bangladesh Liberation War.

December 16, 1978

China and the United States formally establish diplomatic relations.

December 16, 1978

Cleveland, Ohio, becomes the first major American city to default on its financial obligations since the Great Depression.

December 16, 1989

The Romanian Revolution begins, leading to the overthrow of the Communist regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu.

December 16, 1991

Kazakhstan declares independence from the Soviet Union.

December 16, 1997

A treaty to ban landmines is signed by 122 countries in Ottawa, Canada.

December 16, 2003

Saddam Hussein, the former President of Iraq, is captured by U.S. forces near his hometown of Tikrit.

December 16, 2009

The opening ceremony of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, takes place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

December 16, 2012

A mass shooting occurs at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, resulting in the deaths of 26 people, including 20 children.

December 16, 2014

The United States and Cuba re-establish diplomatic relations after more than 50 years of hostilities.

December 16, 2015

The Paris Agreement on climate change is adopted by 195 countries during the COP21 summit.

December 16, 2017

The Walt Disney Company acquires 21st Century Fox, significantly impacting the media and entertainment industry.

Please note that these are just a few historical events that happened on December 16. History is full of numerous other significant events on this day, ranging from politics and warfare to cultural and scientific milestones.