On this day: December 18
The Boston Tea Party
On December 18, 1773, a group of American colonists disguised as Mohawk Indians boarded three British ships in Boston Harbor and dumped 342 chests of tea into the water. This event, known as the Boston Tea Party, was a protest against the British government’s Tea Act, which granted the British East India Company a monopoly on the tea trade in the American colonies. The colonists saw this as a violation of their rights and a symbol of British tyranny. The Boston Tea Party was a key event leading up to the American Revolutionary War.
Birth of Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg, one of the most successful and influential filmmakers in Hollywood history, was born on December 18, 1946. Spielberg is known for directing blockbuster films such as “Jaws,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Jurassic Park,” and “Schindler’s List.” He has won multiple Academy Awards for his work and is considered a pioneer in the field of filmmaking.
Napoleon Bonaparte becomes Emperor of France
On December 18, 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself Emperor of France in a lavish ceremony at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. This event marked the culmination of Napoleon’s rise to power following the French Revolution and the establishment of the First French Empire. Napoleon’s reign as Emperor would last until his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.
Establishment of the United Nations
On December 18, 1946, the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish the UN Headquarters in New York City. The United Nations was formed in the aftermath of World War II with the goal of promoting international cooperation and preventing future conflicts. The UN has since played a key role in addressing global issues such as peacekeeping, human rights, and sustainable development.
End of the Iraq War
On December 18, 2011, the United States officially ended its military presence in Iraq, bringing an end to the Iraq War that had begun in 2003. The war, which was launched in response to the September 11 attacks, had resulted in the overthrow of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein and the establishment of a new government. However, the conflict also led to significant loss of life and instability in the region.
Conclusion
December 18 has been a significant day in history, with events ranging from the Boston Tea Party to the birth of Steven Spielberg to the establishment of the United Nations. These events have shaped the course of world history and continue to have an impact on the world today.
