In History, Today on December 12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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.