On this date in history:
In 1787, Delaware became the first state too ratify the U.S. Constitution.
In 1909,Leo Baekeland patented the process for making Bakelite,giving birth to the modern plastics industry.
In 1941,Japan launched a sneak attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii catapulting the United States into World War II. The attack killed 2,403 people,wounded hundreds,destroyed 188 planes and crippled the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The following day, President Franklin D.Roosevelt called Dec. 7 “a date which will live in infamy.”
In 1972, Apollo 17 was launched on the last scheduled manned mission to the moon. Astronauts Eugene Cernan and Jack Schmitt left a commemorative plaque on the lunar surface as they left.
In 1975, Indonesia invaded East Timor after the latter declared itself a democratic republic in the wake of Portugal’s departure from the island. More than 100,000 East Timorese died in the conflict, most of whom were civilians placed in internment camps or killed by the Indonesian military.
In 1982, the first execution by lethal injection took place at the state penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas.
In 1987,Mikhail Gorbachev became the first Soviet leader to officially visit the United States since 1973.
In 1988, an estimated 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Armenia, killing more than 25,000 people.
## On This Day in History: December 7th – From Pearl Harbor to Notre Dame’s Reopening
December 7th has been a date etched in history for a multitude of significant events, ranging from moments of profound tragedy to celebrations of resilience and renewal. This day has witnessed pivotal moments in warfare, political upheaval, and cultural restoration. Here’s a look at some key events that occurred on December 7th throughout history.
## The Attack on Pearl Harbor (1941)
Perhaps the most well-known event associated with December 7th is the surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. The attack, launched without a declaration of war, aimed to cripple the U.S.Pacific Fleet, preventing interference with Japan’s planned military actions in southeast Asia.
The attack unfolded in two waves, targeting battleships, aircraft, and military installations. Over 2,400 Americans were killed, and numerous ships and aircraft were damaged or destroyed. The following day, december 8, 1941, the United States formally declared war on Japan, officially entering World War II. History.com provides a detailed account of the attack and its aftermath.
## Breaking Ground in Sports: Breaking (Breakdancing) Added to olympics (2023)
In a move reflecting the evolving landscape of sports, the International Olympic Commitee (IOC) announced in December 2023 that breaking, also known as breakdancing, would be added to the medal events program at the 2024 Paris Games. This inclusion aims to attract a younger audience and showcase a dynamic, urban sport. Breaking will feature 16 b-boys and 16 b-girls competing in head-to-head battles.
## Political Turmoil in Peru (2022)
December 7th has also been a date of political crisis. In 2022,Peru experienced a significant political upheaval when President Pedro Castillo attempted to dissolve Congress and rule by decree. This action was widely condemned as an attempted coup. Congress responded by voting to impeach and remove Castillo from office. He was later arrested and detained while facing charges related to rebellion. Dina Boluarte, who was Castillo’s vice president, assumed the presidency.## A Symbol of Hope: Notre Dame Cathedral Reopens (2024)
After nearly five years of painstaking restoration following the devastating 2019 fire, the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris triumphantly reopened on December 7, 2024. The reopening was marked by a glittering ceremony led by French President Emmanuel Macron, symbolizing resilience and the enduring spirit of French culture. The restoration involved thousands of workers and tons of materials, meticulously recreating the cathedral’s historic architecture and artwork.
December 7th serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of history, encompassing moments of immense loss, political instability, and ultimately, the power of rebuilding and renewal. From the tragic events at Pearl Harbor to the hopeful reopening of Notre Dame, this date continues to resonate with significance across the globe.