What Happened on December 22 in History?
December 22 has seen significant historical events, including the world premiere of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony (1808) and the reversal of Fyodor Dostoevsky's execution (1849). More recently, Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu was overthrown (1989), President Obama signed the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (2010), and the Lincoln Tunnel opened (1937).
1808: Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 premieres in Vienna.
1849: Writer Fyodor Dostoevsky is spared from execution by firing squad at the last minute.
1989: Romanian President Nicolae Ceaușescu is overthrown, ending communist rule.
1894: The Amateur Golf Association of the U.S. (now USGA) is formed.
1937: The Lincoln Tunnel opens in New York City.
1942: Hitler orders the development of the V-2 rocket.
1944: American troops at Bastogne famously reply "Nuts!" to a German surrender demand during the Battle of the Bulge.
1965: The film Doctor Zhivago has its world premiere.
1990: Lech Wałęsa becomes Poland's first popularly elected president.
2001: "Shoe bomber" Richard Reid attempts to blow up a plane.
2010: President Obama signs the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell".
