Osun Defender History Corner: December 22 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 22, 1808
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 premieres in Vienna.
December 22, 1894
French army officer Alfred Dreyfus is convicted of treason, sparking the Dreyfus Affair.
December 22, 1944
World War II – The Battle of the Bulge begins as German forces launch a surprise counter-offensive against Allied troops in Belgium.
December 22, 1964
The first test flight of the SR-71 Blackbird, one of the fastest planes ever built.
December 22, 1974
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam construction is commenced.
December 22, 1989
Romanian leader Nicolae Ceaușescu is overthrown in a revolution.
December 22, 2001
Richard Reid attempts to detonate a bomb in his shoe on American Airlines Flight 63.
December 22, 2001
Burhanuddin Rabbani, political leader of the Afghan Northern Alliance, hands over power in Afghanistan to the interim government headed by Hamid Karzai.
December 22, 2008
An ash dike ruptures at a solid waste containment area in Roane County, Tennessee, releasing 1.1 billion US gallons of coal fly ash slurry.
December 22, 2010
The repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, allowing gays and lesbians to openly serve in the United States military, takes effect.
December 22, 2011
Kim Jong-il, Supreme Leader of North Korea, dies.
December 22, 2013
China successfully soft-lands its Chang’e-3 spacecraft on the Moon.
December 22, 2018
President Trump announces the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, raising concerns about the stability of the region.
December 22, 2018
The U.S. government enters a partial shutdown as Congress fails to pass a spending bill.
December 22, 2019
A volcano eruption on New Zealand’s White Island results in multiple fatalities and injuries.
December 22, 2019
The House of Representatives impeaches U.S. President Donald Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
December 22, 2020
The United Kingdom and the European Union reach a post-Brexit trade deal.
December 22, 2020
The COVID-19 vaccination campaign begins in the European Union.
December 22, 2021
The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is identified, leading to global concerns about its potential impact on the COVID-19 pandemic.
December 22, 2022
Scientists report the successful test of the James Webb Space Telescope, a major milestone in space exploration.
Please note that these are just a few historical events that happened on December 22. History is full of numerous other significant events on this day, ranging from politics and warfare to cultural and scientific milestones.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
