On This Day - December 16th
We’re officially halfway through the month, and getting close to the end of the year. This usually makes us all start to think of the things we have left to do, haven’t done, and should probably be doing before the year ends. But, give yourself a break for a moment, and consider all of the things that could yet happen! December 16th is no ordinary date, as the following facts will prove.
On this day
The Seven-Year War took place
In 1598, the Seven Year War was at large, and the Battle of Noryang Point took place on this day. It was the final battle of the war fought by the Korean navy and they defeated the Japanese.
Oliver Cromwell became Lord Protector
On this day back in 1653, Oliver Cromwell, a Parliamentarian General, took over the UK and Ireland as its Lord Protector, replacing the traditional monarch in charge. His reign was controversial – not just in part because he banned the celebration of Christmas!
The Boston Tea Party took place
The Boston Tea Party episode unfolded on this day back in 1773, where protestors calling themselves the Sons of Liberty famously disposed of tea shipments via Boston Harbor. But why? It was all an act of defiance against the controversial Tea Act, imposed by the British. “Tea Party Politics” is still a term widely used today.
A devastating earthquake hit China
In 1920, an 8.5 earthquake hit the Gansu province in China. This natural disaster killed an estimated 200,000 people, making it one of the most devastating events of its kind in the 20th century.
The Iraq disarmament crisis took place
In 1998, the Iraq disarmament crisis took place. During Operation Desert Fox, the United States and the United Kingdom bombed targets in Iraq. This was just a few years away from the launch of Gulf War II, or as it became known, the “War on Terror.”
Special Days Falling on December 16th
This December 16th, why not consider some of the incredibly important events taking place around the world today? Here are some of the biggest ones to consider.
Bahrain National Day
Bahrain National Day actually covers two days, on the 16th and 17th of December. In 1971, Bahrain gained its independence having spent a long time under British rule. It is a public holiday, and schools and most businesses are closed to allow the people to celebrate!
Day of Reconciliation
South Africa celebrates the Day of Reconciliation on December 16th every year. Apartheid was a racial segregation system that existed throughout South Africa for decades. However, in 1994, to help bridge the gap between the people living in South Africa, the Day of Reconciliation was introduced and has been celebrated ever since.
Kazakhstan Independence Day
Kazakhstan’s biggest national holiday is Independence Day! It is celebrated on December 16th every year. And, like Bahrain, it is celebrated on two days, December 16th and 17th! Kazakh citizens set up yurts, enjoy various delicacies, and dance to folk music to celebrate. They also dress up in traditional clothing for the ceremony at Ak Orda Presidential Palace.
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This month in history
In 1831, famed anthropologist Charles Darwin set sail from Plymouth, England, aboard the HMS Beagle on his famous five-year scientific expedition. Thanks to this expedition, in 1859, he published On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, a book that shocked and changed the world – and how we understand the way people and animals develop.
Famous Birthdays on December 16th
Catherine of Aragon, Spanish princess, 1st wife of Henry VIII, Queen of England, born 1485
Ludwig van Beethoven, German composer, born 1770
Jane Austen, English novelist, born 1775
Philip K. Dick, American author, born 1928
Benny Andersson, Swedish musician and one-quarter of ABBA, born 1946
If you were born on December 16th
…you’re a Sagittarius! You’re confident, kind, and funny. And, you also know it! That’s fine, what’s wrong with knowing how great you are?
In fact, you can learn even more about it from our Sagittarius facts page – where we’ve crammed in even more details about what makes you, the confident centaur, such an important sign.
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