In History, Today on December 15

The Walt Disney Company announced its acquisition of 21st Century Fox for $52.4 billion, significantly expanding its media and entertainment assets.

The Paris Agreement, a landmark international accord aimed at combating climate change, was adopted by consensus by 196 parties at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC.

South Sudan's civil war began as fighting erupted between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar.

The United States formally declared an end to the Iraq War, with a ceremony in Baghdad marking the withdrawal of the last U.S. troops.

The European Union announces a proposal to cut 20% of greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2020 from 1990 levels.

Iraq held its first parliamentary election since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, marking a significant step in the country's political transition.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa reopened to the public after 11 years of stabilization work to prevent it from toppling over.

Amazon.com announces its plan to eliminate 1,300 temporary jobs and cut back on hiring new employees after the holiday season due to slowing online sales growth.

The Uruguay Round of General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) negotiations concludes after seven years, leading to the creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The Romanian Revolution begins in Timișoara with protests against the communist regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu.

Algeria adopted a new constitution, which led to political reforms that paved the way for more democratic governance and political pluralism. This step was part of the broader reform movements happening in Algeria during this period.

A car bomb exploded in the northern suburb of Ras Beirut, Lebanon, killing 61 people and injuring 110 in a brutal attack during the Lebanese Civil War.

US President Jimmy Carter announces the United States will recognize the People's Republic of China and sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

The Soviet spacecraft Venera 7 successfully lands on Venus, becoming the first spacecraft to return data from the surface of another planet.

Adolf Eichmann is sentenced to death after being found guilty of war crimes in Israel.

The first meeting of the General Assembly of the United Nations took place, marking the establishment of the UN's central forum for member states to discuss international issues.

The American Eagle Squadron, composed of volunteer American pilots serving in the Royal Air Force, was officially transferred to the U.S. Army Air Forces to form the 4th Fighter Group.

The film 'Gone with the Wind' premieres at Loew's Grand Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia.

The United States ratified the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, officially repealing the 18th Amendment, which had established Prohibition.

The Great Northern Railway's passenger train known as the Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway's 'North Coast Limited' derailed along the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana due to a landslide, resulting in the deaths of 22 people.

Ailie MacAdam, a pivotal civil engineer, was born. She later contributed significantly to infrastructure projects across the globe.

James Naismith invents the game of basketball in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Sitting Bull, a Hunkpapa Lakota leader, is killed by Indian agency police on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.

The first steamboat to make the journey from the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico, the steamer "Princess," departed from New Orleans, marking a significant development in transportation.

Napoleon Bonaparte's remains were transferred to Les Invalides in Paris, France. His body had been returned to France from Saint Helena following negotiations between King Louis-Philippe and the British government.

The U.S. Patent Office burned down, destroying over 10,000 patent models and documents. This event highlighted the need for improved fireproofing in government buildings and contributed to the development of new patent filing practices.

The United States signed the Treaty of Ghent, ending the War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom. Although signed on this date, the treaty needed ratification by both parties before it took effect.

The United States Bill of Rights becomes law when ratified by the Virginia General Assembly.

The Baal Shem of Mezhibuzh, a notable rabbi and kabbalist known for his influence in Jewish mysticism, was born on this day. He would later be a central figure in the rise of Hasidic Judaism.

Mary, Queen of Scots, is born. She would become a significant figure in the history of Scotland and England, noted for her tumultuous reign and tragic demise.

Bartolomeu Dias heads home from his voyage around the Cape of Good Hope after a successful navigation of the southern tip of Africa, which paved the way for future sea routes to Asia.

The city of Alamut, a stronghold of the Nizari Ismaili state, falls to the Mongols under Hulagu Khan.

The Battle of Tangdao took place, a naval conflict between the Song dynasty and the Jin dynasty.

Pope Sergius I was consecrated as the 84th pope of the Catholic Church, following a disputed papal election.

The Byzantine general Belisarius defeated the Vandals, led by King Gelimer, at the Battle of Tricamarum, effectively ending the Vandal Kingdom in North Africa.