What Happened on December 20 in History?
December 20 marks significant events like South Carolina's secession (1860) leading to the Civil War, Adolf Hitler's release from prison (1924), the premiere of It's a Wonderful Life (1946), the U.S. invasion of Panama (1989), the formation of the Soviet secret police (Cheka, 1917), and early nuclear power generation (1951). It's also the day Captain America Comics #1 debuted (1940), Elvis got drafted (1957), and NATO began peacekeeping in Bosnia (1995).
Key Historical Events
1860: South Carolina becomes the first state to secede from the U.S., sparking the Civil War.
1917: The Cheka, the first Soviet secret police, is formed.
1924: Adolf Hitler is released from Landsberg Prison after the failed Beer Hall Putsch.
1940: Captain America Comics #1 is published, introducing the superhero.
1941: The "Flying Tigers" (American Volunteer Group) have their first battle in China.
1946: Frank Capra's classic It's a Wonderful Life premieres.
1951: The EBR-1 nuclear reactor generates its first electricity (enough for four light bulbs).
1957: Elvis Presley receives his draft notice for the U.S. Army.
1958: The first production Boeing 707 makes its maiden flight.
1960: The National Liberation Front (Viet Cong) is formed in South Vietnam.
1989: U.S. troops invade Panama to oust General Manuel Noriega (Operation Just Cause).
1995: NATO begins peacekeeping operations in Bosnia.
1999: The Vermont Supreme Court rules for equal benefits for same-sex couples.
1999: Sovereignty of Macao transfers from Portugal to China.
2001: The U.S. Congress passes a $20 billion fund for the War on Terrorism.
