In History, Today on December 20

The James Webb Space Telescope, a collaboration between NASA, ESA, and CSA, was successfully launched from French Guiana, marking a significant advancement in space exploration.

The United Kingdom and the European Union continued negotiations to finalize a post-Brexit trade deal, with the deadline for an agreement approaching at the end of the year.

The United States Space Force was officially established as a new branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Damascus bus bombing occurred when two buses were attacked in Damascus, Syria, resulting in at least six deaths and leaving several others injured.

The Copenhagen Climate Change Conference (COP15) concluded with the Copenhagen Accord, which was drafted by the United States, China, India, Brazil, and South Africa. It was a significant political statement regarding climate change mitigation but fell short of legal obligations.

Queen Elizabeth II became the oldest reigning British monarch, surpassing Queen Victoria.

NATO began its peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina following the Bosnian War, implementing the Dayton Agreement.

The United States launched Operation Just Cause, an invasion of Panama to depose its leader, Manuel Noriega.

United Nations General Assembly ratifies the former Spanish colony of Equatorial Guinea's admission to the UN, following the end of colonial rule.

In Montgomery, Alabama, the Montgomery Bus Boycott ends after 381 days, following a United States Supreme Court ruling in Browder v. Gayle that struck down Alabama's bus segregation laws.

The experimental Breeder Reactor I in Idaho produced electricity for the first time, marking a milestone in nuclear power development.

The popular Christmas film 'It's a Wonderful Life' premiered in New York City.

American forces on Wake Island surrender to the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Adolf Hitler is released from Landsberg Prison.

The Cheka, a Soviet secret police organization, was established by the Bolshevik government, marking the beginning of a series of secret police organizations in Soviet Russia.

Phileas Fogg's fictional journey inspired 'Around the World in Eighty Days,' as documented by the ending of his journey in Jules Verne's classic novel.

South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union, an event that led to the American Civil War.

The Republic of Texas accepted annexation, becoming the 28th state of the United States, effective the following year.

Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 and Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral) premiered at the Theater an der Wien.

The formal transfer of the Louisiana Territory from France to the United States took place in St. Louis, marking the completion of the Louisiana Purchase.

The Virginia Company of London receives a royal charter from King James I of England, authorizing it to establish colonies in North America.

Adrian VI was elected as Pope, assuming office as the 218th pope of the Catholic Church. Known for his attempts to reform the church and his short papacy, he was the last non-Italian pope until the election of John Paul II in 1978.

Pope Benedict XII was elected as the pope after a long and contentious conclave following the death of Pope John XXII.

Richard I of England, also known as Richard the Lionheart, was captured by Leopold V, Duke of Austria, while returning from the Third Crusade.

The Roman Emperor Caracalla is born. He would later become known for the Constitutio Antoniniana, granting Roman citizenship to all free men within the Empire.

Vespasian enters Rome as Emperor.