In History, Today on December 12

The United Kingdom held a general election in which the Conservative Party, led by Boris Johnson, won a significant majority, paving the way for Brexit.

The Paris Agreement, a global accord to combat climate change, was adopted by consensus by 196 parties at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC.

Swiss bank UBS agreed to pay $780 million and disclose the identities of U.S. account holders to settle a tax evasion investigation by the United States Department of Justice.

The first of a series of bombings occurred in Baghdad, Iraq, targeting civilians and resulting in significant casualties.

The United States Supreme Court issued its decision in Bush v. Gore, effectively resolving the 2000 presidential election in favor of George W. Bush.

A major earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale strikes the Flores region of Indonesia, triggering a destructive tsunami and resulting in approximately 2,500 fatalities.

The Russian Federation gains independence from the Soviet Union, marking a significant moment in the dissolution of the USSR.

The Clapham Junction rail crash occurs in London, killing 35 people and injuring hundreds.

The United States' Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issues a ruling that allows the use of satellite dishes for private home use, paving the way for satellite television.

The unification of the International Maritime Satellite Organization (Inmarsat) is established to improve maritime communications.

Kenya gains independence from the United Kingdom, becoming a sovereign nation with Jomo Kenyatta as its first Prime Minister.

Paula Ackerman becomes the first woman in the United States to assume religious leadership of a mainstream synagogue when she leads the congregation of Temple Beth Israel in Meridian, Mississippi, following the death of her husband Estevan, its rabbi.

Germany and Italy declared war on the United States during World War II, a few days after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Winter War: The Battle of Tolvajärvi begins, marking the first Finnish victory over Soviet forces during the conflict.

Lebensborn, a Nazi program to promote Aryan births, is founded by Heinrich Himmler.

The Mona Lisa was recovered by Italian authorities after being stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris in 1911.

Delhi replaces Calcutta as the capital of India during the British Raj, as announced by King George V at the Delhi Durbar.

Guglielmo Marconi receives the first transatlantic radio signal in St. John's, Newfoundland, marking a significant milestone in wireless communication.

Joseph H. Rainey was sworn in as the first African-American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The first chamber of deputies in the Kingdom of Sardinia was dissolved, prompting new elections.

Manifest Destiny reaches a pivotal moment as John L. O'Sullivan's influential article on American expansionism is published.

The Congress of Verona formally concluded its sessions.

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

Russian Empress Catherine the Great issued a decree allowing Jews to reside in Kyiv, officially recognizing their settlement in the city for the first time; this action was part of her broader administrative reforms.

The Spanish Version of the Catholic Church's Holy Office in Peru was established under Phillip II, marking a significant extension of the Catholic Church's efforts to enforce religious orthodoxy in the New World. This Inquisition was part of broader efforts by the Spanish Crown and the Catholic Church to consolidate control over its colonies.

The Order of the Dragon, a monarchical chivalric order, was founded by Sigismund of Luxembourg, the King of Hungary (later Holy Roman Emperor), to protect Christianity and the Hungarian monarchy. The founding members of this order pledged to defend the Catholic Church and honor Christian morality.

The First Crusade captures the city of Ma'arrat al-Numan in present-day Syria, leading to a notorious massacre of its inhabitants.

King Carloman II of West Francia died in a hunting accident, leading to the reunification of the Frankish Kingdom under Charles the Fat.

The Battle of Nineveh took place, marking a decisive victory for the Byzantine Empire under Emperor Heraclius against the Sassanian Empire led by General Rhahzadh. This battle was pivotal in the Byzantine-Sassanian War of 602–628.