Written by Josepha Jasper
Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
December 24th is a significant date that holds a myriad of historical events and fascinating facts. Throughout the centuries, this date has witnessed notable happenings and milestones that have shaped the course of history. Whether it is the birth of influential individuals, remarkable achievements, or significant historical events, December 24th has left its mark.
From momentous discoveries to groundbreaking inventions, this day has been witness to a wide array of remarkable events. In this article, we will delve into the annals of history and explore the intriguing occurrences that took place on December 24th. Join us on this journey as we uncover the facts, events, and remarkable moments that have unfolded on this memorable day.
Key Takeaways:
- December 24th has seen significant events like the formation of the Ku Klux Klan and the first radio broadcast of music and speech, shaping the world we live in today.
- Notable births on December 24th include F. Scott Fitzgerald and Howard Hughes, while the release of the iconic movie “Avatar” also took place on this day.
HISTORICAL EVENTS
- 1865: The Ku Klux Klan is formed in Tennessee.
- 1906: Reginald Fessenden makes the first radio broadcast of music and speech.
- 1914: World War I: The Christmas truce begins along the Western Front.
- 1951: Libya gains independence from Italy.
- 1968: The Apollo 8 astronauts, Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders, become the first humans to orbit the moon.
SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS
- 1818: The first known successful blood transfusion is performed by Dr. James Blundell in London.
- 1906: American inventor, Reginald Fessenden, makes the first wireless transmission of voice and music.
- 1954: Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering, later renamed Sony, releases the first transistor radio.
- 1968: The crew of Apollo 8 takes the iconic “Earthrise” photograph while orbiting the moon.
- 1990: The Hubble Space Telescope is deployed into orbit by the Space Shuttle Discovery.
POLITICAL MILESTONES
- 1777: The United States celebrates its first national day of Thanksgiving.
- 1919: Woodrow Wilson signs the executive order for the transfer of the Panama Canal Zone to Panama.
- 1943: President Franklin D. Roosevelt appoints General Dwight D. Eisenhower as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during World War II.
- 1991: The Soviet Union is officially dissolved, marking the end of the Cold War era.
- 2017: The United Nations General Assembly votes overwhelmingly against the United States’ recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
CULTURAL EVENTS
- 1871: The opera “Aida” by Giuseppe Verdi receives its premiere performance in Cairo, Egypt.
- 1906: American poet and writer, Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, known as F. Scott Fitzgerald, is born in St. Paul, Minnesota.
- 1946: Silent film actor and comedian, Harold Lloyd, receives an Honorary Academy Award for his contribution to the motion picture industry.
- 1969: The Jimi Hendrix Experience releases their rendition of “Stone Free” in the United Kingdom.
- 2009: The movie “Avatar” directed by James Cameron is released, eventually becoming one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
BIRTHS
- 1705: Thomas Rutherford, Scottish physician and biographer.
- 1905: Howard Hughes, American entrepreneur, aviator, and film director.
- 1967: Ricky Martin, Puerto Rican singer, actor, and author.
- 1971: Ryan Seacrest, American radio personality and television host.
- 1986: Louis Tomlinson, English singer and member of the band One Direction.
NOTABLE DEATHS
- 1900: Robert Anderson, Scottish-American soldier and engineer, designed the first railway to cross the Mississippi River.
- 1951: Shoeless Joe Jackson, American baseball player who was banned from professional baseball for his involvement in the 1919 “Black Sox” scandal.
- 1980: Colonel Harland Sanders, American businessman and founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).
- 2012: Charles Durning, American actor known for his roles in films such as “Tootsie” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.
- 2016: Richard Adams, English novelist famous for his book “Watership Down”.
Conclusion
December 24th is a significant day in history, marked by various historical events, scientific breakthroughs, political milestones, cultural events, births, and notable deaths. From the formation of the Ku Klux Klan to the first radio broadcast of music and speech, this day has seen a wide range of notable occurrences. It is a day that reminds us of the progress, achievements, and significant contributions made by individuals and societies throughout time. The events that have taken place on December 24th have shaped the world we live in today and continue to inspire future generations.
FAQs
Q: What makes December 24th significant in history?
A: December 24th has witnessed various historical events, scientific breakthroughs, political milestones, cultural events, notable births, and deaths that have had a significant impact on the world.
Q: Who established the Ku Klux Klan on December 24th?
A: The Ku Klux Klan was formed in Tennessee on December 24th, 1865.
Q: Which famous space mission took place on December 24th?
A: On December 24th, 1968, the Apollo 8 astronauts became the first humans to orbit the moon.
Q: Which iconic film was released on December 24th?
A: The movie “Avatar,” directed by James Cameron, was released on December 24th, 2009.
Q: Who is a notable figure born on December 24th?
A: F. Scott Fitzgerald, the renowned American writer, was born on December 24th, 1906.
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