“A Date Which Will Live In Infamy”
On December 7, 1941, Japanese bombers attacked American troops at Pearl Harbor, launching the US into World War II.
This Day in History
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The Feast of Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas of Myra died on December 6, 343. This date has long been celebrated as Saint Nicholas Day or the Feast of Saint Nicholas. Leaving gifts for children at night, he served as the inspiration for Santa Claus.
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Happy Birthday Martin Van Buren
Martin Van Buren was born on December 5, 1782, in Kinderhook, New York. As America’s eighth president, his term in office was plagued with economic and foreign struggles, but he’s historians consider him fundamental in the development of America’s political system.
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First Building in Chicago
On December 4, 1674, Father Marquette erected the first building in what would later become Chicago. He spent the winter there while on an exploratory journey through the region.
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Birth of Artist Gilbert Stuart
On December 3, 1755, Gilbert Stuart was born in Saunderstown, Rhode Island Colony. A prolific American artist, he painted more than 1,000 people, including our first six presidents. Several of his portraits have appeared on US stamps – and even the $1 bill!
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The Monroe Doctrine
On December 2, 1823, President James Monroe introduced the foreign policy doctrine that bears his name. Known as the Monroe Doctrine, it has served as the cornerstone of America’s foreign policy ever since, invoked by several presidents over the years.
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Ford Installs Moving Assembly Line
On December 1, 1913, Henry Ford introduced his moving assembly line, which revolutionized both his own business and the future of mass production around the world.
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Birth of Acclaimed Writer Mark Twain
On November 30, 1835, Samuel Clemens (known by his pen name, Mark Twain) was born in Florida, Missouri. Regarded as the father of American literature and the country’s greatest humorist, he also wrote what many consider the Great American Novel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
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Richard Byrd’s First South Pole Expedition
On November 29, 1929, Richard E. Byrd made his first flight over the South Pole. It was the first of five expeditions he made there during his life.
