In History, Today on December 16

A deadly explosion occurred in the southern city of Basra, Iraq, resulting in multiple casualties. The blast was caused by a motorcycle rigged with explosives, and it marked a significant terrorist attack in the region, underscoring ongoing security challenges in post-ISIS Iraq.

The Citizenship Amendment Act protests intensified across India, with widespread demonstrations against the law perceived as discriminatory towards Muslims.

The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2397, imposing new sanctions on North Korea in response to its ballistic missile tests.

The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2253, aimed at cutting off funding to ISIL and other terrorist groups.

A terrorist attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan, resulted in the deaths of 149 people, including 132 schoolchildren.

A gang rape and murder of a young woman occurred in Delhi, India, sparking widespread protests and leading to significant changes in Indian laws regarding sexual violence.

Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire in Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia, which became a catalyst for the Tunisian Revolution and the wider Arab Spring.

The Copenhagen Accord was drafted at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, aiming to combat climate change.

The Millau Viaduct, the tallest bridge in the world, was officially opened in France.

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

George W. Bush was confirmed as the winner of the U.S. Presidential election after the United States Supreme Court's ruling in Bush v. Gore, which effectively resolved the dispute over the state's electoral votes.

Kazakhstan declares independence from the Soviet Union.

The Romanian Revolution began in Timișoara, marking the start of the end of Nicolae Ceaușescu's communist regime in Romania.

The United States and the Soviet Union announced that they would resume arms control talks in Geneva the following year, as part of efforts to reduce nuclear weapons during the Cold War.

Bangladesh Liberation War ends with the surrender of the Pakistan Eastern Command in Dhaka, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.

The United Nations adopts the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

A United Airlines DC-8 and a TWA Lockheed Super Constellation collided over Staten Island, New York City, killing all 128 people on both planes and six more on the ground.

The United States President, Harry S. Truman, declared a state of emergency, giving him the authority to mobilize the U.S. military and control domestic industries during the Korean War.

The Battle of the Bulge begins as German forces launch a surprise attack against Allied forces in the Ardennes region.

One of the deadliest earthquakes in history took place in Gansu, China, killing around 200,000 people.

World War I: German warships bombarded the English ports of Hartlepool and Scarborough.

The Great White Fleet, a United States Navy battle fleet, begins its circumnavigation of the globe.

Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 9, 'From the New World', premieres in Carnegie Hall, New York City, conducted by Anton Seidl.

The Battle of Nashville in the American Civil War ends as the Union defeat the Confederate Army under Lieutenant General John Bell Hood.

Charles Dickens' novella 'A Christmas Carol' was published for the first time. The work has become one of the most beloved Christmas stories and has had a lasting impact on holiday traditions.

The Battle of Blood River is fought between Voortrekkers and Zulu forces in South Africa.

The New Madrid earthquake strikes the Mississippi River Valley, one of the largest earthquakes in the United States.

France recognizes the independence of the United States of America.

Virginia and North Carolina patriots begin the Siege of Norfolk against British forces.

The Boston Tea Party occurs as American colonists protest against British taxation by dumping tea into Boston Harbor.

The English Bill of Rights becomes law, laying the foundation for a constitutional monarchy.

Oliver Cromwell becomes Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Vasco da Gama passes the Great Fish River, where Bartolomeu Dias had previously turned back to Portugal.

Henry VI of England is crowned King of France at Notre Dame in Paris.

A significant university college is founded in Paris, leading to what would become the University of Paris, one of the earliest established universities in Europe.

Pepin of Herstal, the Frankish mayor of the palace of Austrasia, dies. His death leads to a power struggle in the Frankish kingdom.