In History, Today on December 29

Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral by followers of King Henry II of England. This event followed a long-standing conflict between Becket and the king over the rights and privileges of the Church.

The Republic of Texas was annexed by the United States, becoming the 28th state. This event was a pivotal moment in the expansion of the United States and contributed to tensions leading up to the Mexican-American War.

The Wounded Knee Massacre occurred on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where U.S. Army troops killed approximately 150-300 Lakota Sioux, including women and children. This event marked the end of the Indian Wars in the United States.

Japan renounced the Washington Naval Treaty, which had been established to limit naval armaments among major world powers. This decision was part of Japan's increasing militarization leading up to World War II.

The Irish Free State was replaced by a new state called Ireland, following the adoption of a new constitution. This marked a significant step in Ireland's transition to a fully sovereign nation.

The German Luftwaffe conducted one of the most destructive air raids on London during the Blitz, known as the Second Great Fire of London. This raid caused extensive damage to the city and marked a significant moment in the Battle of Britain during World War II.

A bomb exploded at LaGuardia Airport in New York City, killing 11 people and injuring 74 others. The attack remains unsolved, and it was one of the deadliest attacks in the U.S. during the 1970s.

Václav Havel was elected the first non-Communist president of Czechoslovakia since 1948, following the Velvet Revolution, which peacefully ended Communist rule in the country.

Guatemala's government and the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity signed a peace accord, ending 36 years of civil war. This agreement marked a significant step towards peace and reconciliation in the country.

The last known speaker of the Akkala Sami language, Marja Sergina, passed away, marking the extinction of the language.

The United Nations launched a global appeal for aid following the devastating Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami that occurred on December 26, 2004.

The United Kingdom paid off the last of its World War II debts to the United States and Canada, marking the end of a financial obligation that had lasted over 60 years.

A suicide bombing at a railway station in Volgograd, Russia, killed at least 18 people and injured dozens more, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.

AirAsia Flight QZ8501 was found in the Java Sea after disappearing two days earlier, with all 162 people on board confirmed dead.

A gunman opened fire at the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, Texas, killing two people before being shot by a member of the congregation, raising discussions on gun control and church security.