Osun Defender History Corner: December 8 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 8, 1660
The first Shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu, died in Japan.
December 8, 1813
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 premiered in Vienna.
December 8, 1934
The Hoover Dam was officially dedicated on this day.
December 8, 1937
The Japanese attack on the Chinese city of Nanking began during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
December 8, 1941
The United States entered World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
December 8, 1941
The Battle of Hong Kong began on December 8, 1941, during World War II.
December 8, 1949
The Chinese Nationalist government moved its capital to Taipei.
December 8, 1949
The United Nations established the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) on this day.
December 8, 1966
The Greek ship MV Heraklion sank in the Aegean Sea, resulting in the loss of over 200 lives.
December 8, 1974
The Spanish dictator Francisco Franco died, ending nearly 40 years of his rule.
December 8, 1980
Former Beatle John Lennon was shot and killed outside his apartment in New York City.
December 8, 1982
The first artificial heart transplant was performed on this day in 1982 by Dr. William DeVries.
December 8, 1987
The Palestinian intifada (uprising) began in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
December 8, 1987
The signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) between the United States and the Soviet Union occurred.
December 8, 1991
The 1991 Alma-Ata Protocol was signed, dissolving the Soviet Union and establishing the Commonwealth of Independent States.
December 8, 1993
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was signed by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
December 8, 1995
The Galileo spacecraft reached Jupiter’s moon Io.
December 8, 2003
The United Nations Convention Against Corruption was adopted.
December 8, 2004
The Cuzco Declaration was signed, marking the creation of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).
December 8, 2010
On this day in 2010, SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft became the first commercial spacecraft to be recovered successfully from orbit.
Please note that these are just a few historical events that happened on December 8. 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.
