On This Day - December 14th
By December 14th, we’re all usually ready for the festivities to begin, and work and school to end! But, that time hasn’t quite arrived yet. Don’t blame today though! December 14th remains a wonderful day with a lot of history, cultural significance, and important birthdays. For example,…
On this day
A flood hit the Netherlands.
In 1287, amid the devastating St. Lucia's Flood that hit the Northwest Netherlands, the Zuiderzee seawall collapsed. Over 50,000 people died as result, making it one of the top five largest floods in history.
Mary became queen.
In 1542, Princess Mary succeeded her father James V and became Queen Mary I of Scotland at a mere six days old. She later famously became known as Mary, Queen of Scots, although her rule would end with her beheading by her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I.
The American Revolution began.
In 1774, the first incident of the American Revolution took place. 400 New Hampshire militiamen successfully attacked Fort William and Mary. It would rage on for years, ending in September 1783. To this day, the conflict remains one of the most contentious American events discussed.
The Norwegians reached the South Pole
In 1911, Norwegian Roald Amundsen's Antarctic expedition became the first ever to reach the South Pole. Believe it or not, very few people have followed in Amundsen’s footsteps. Around 350 people, in fact, have succeeded in reaching the pole. It’s a chilly challenge to say the least!
The Dayton Agreement was signed.
In 1995, the Dayton Agreement was signed in Paris by leaders of various governments. The agreement ended the conflict in the former Yugoslavia – which involved Slobodan Milošević, Alija Izetbegović, Franjo Tuđman and Bill Clinton. However, Milošević would be tried for war crimes several years later, only to die mid-proceedings.
Special Days Falling on December 14th
Given that Christmas Eve is just ten days away, many of you out there are already feeling the stress! So, take your focus off Christmas for a moment and focus on some of the most important events taking place today.
Martyred Intellectuals Day
Over in Bangladesh, today’s Martyred Intellectuals Day is observed on December 14th every year. The occasion pays tribute to over 1,000 falled intellectuals who were killed during the bloody Bangladesh Liberation War, at the hand of the Pakistani militia. The event took place in 1971 – but we still remember it to this day for the bravery the fallen people showed.
Monkey Day
Yes, it’s time to go ape! December 14th is also Monkey Day! Monkeys may be some of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, yet we still neglect to treat them with the respect they deserve. It is our duty to protect their homes and their lives, and today is the perfect day for us all to start doing better!
National Energy Conservation Day
India's National Energy Conservation Day, unfolding on December 14th every year, is arranged by the country's Bureau of Energy Efficiency. The group aims to showcase India's commitments and achievements in cost-efficiency and energy-saving measures for the future. Today's also a good day for people and businesses across India to consider their own energy use and to cut back on gas and electricity consumption wherever possible. We can all do our part!
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This page was last modified on December 10, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
In 1949, the Dutch transferred the sovereignty of Indonesia to the new United States of Indonesia. The United States of Indonesia, therefore, kept an official and formal association with the Netherlands until 1954. After that, an independent Republic of Indonesia was formed.
Famous Birthdays on December 14th
Nostradamus, French astrologist and prophet, born 1503
Tycho Brahe, Danish astronomer, born 1546
George VI, King of England, born 1895
Shirley Jackson, American author, born 1916
Patty Duke, American actor, born 1946
If you were born on December 14th
…you’re a Sagittarius! That makes you the centaur – part human, part horse. As uncomfortable as that might sound, there are actually plenty of benefits to being a Sagittarius. As star signs go, you’re pretty fortunate. You’re smart, funny, and very capable. But, are you capable of heading over to our Sagittarius facts page to learn more?
Do so and we’ll fill you in on even more fascinating facts and figures about your Western star sign. You never know what you might learn!
