In History, Today on December 15

Today we explore events from the year 1256 to the year 2017. Events span the globe, from the countries of Iran, United States, Romania, South Sudan, France, Israel, Soviet Union, Switzerland, Italy, Iraq.

1256

Alamut, Iran

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

1791

Richmond, United States

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

1890

Standing Rock, United States

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

1891

Springfield, United States

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

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1939

Atlanta, United States

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

1961

Jerusalem, Israel

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

1970

Venus, Soviet Union

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

1978

Washington, D.C., United States

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

1989

Timișoara, Romania

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

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1993

Geneva, Switzerland

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).

2001

Pisa, Italy

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

2005

Baghdad, Iraq

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

2011

Baghdad, Iraq

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.

2013

Juba, South Sudan

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.

2015

Paris, France

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.

2017

Burbank, United States

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