What Happened on December 17 in History?
December 17 marks significant events like the Wright Brothers' first flight in 1903, France recognizing U.S. independence (1777), the discovery of nuclear fission (1938), the premiere of The Simpsons (1989), and the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi (2010) sparking the Arab Spring, alongside other key moments in science, politics, and culture.
Pioneering Achievements
1903: Orville Wright pilots the first successful powered, heavier-than-air flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
1907: Ugyen Wangchuck is crowned the first King of Bhutan.
1935: The iconic Douglas DC-3 airplane makes its maiden flight.
1938: Otto Hahn discovers nuclear fission of uranium, a cornerstone of nuclear physics.
1989: The animated series The Simpsons debuts on Fox.
Political & Military Events
1777: France officially recognizes the independence of the United States.
1791: New York City establishes its first one-way street.
1830: South American liberator Simón Bolívar dies in Colombia.
1939: The German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee scuttles itself in the Rio de la Plata during WWII.
1944: U.S. policy ends Japanese-American exclusion from the West Coast.
1971: The war between India and Pakistan ends with a massive Pakistani surrender, leading to Bangladesh's independence.
2014: The U.S. and Cuba restore diplomatic relations after over 50 years.
Cultural & Social Moments
1892: The first issue of Vogue magazine is published.
1928: Indian revolutionaries assassinate British officer J.P. Saunders.
1933: The first NFL Championship game is played.
2010: Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation in Tunisia ignites the Arab Spring.
Other Notable Events
1790: The Aztec calendar stone is discovered in Mexico City.
1892: Franz Schubert's "Unfinished Symphony" receives its first performance.
