December is a memorable month, encompassing the anniversaries of several major events that shaped the course of American democracy and independence. Here are some of the biggest American history events in December, and precisely how they contributed to the nation we know, love, and celebrate today.
The Bill of Rights
On December 15th, 1791, James Madison, a future president, created the Bill of Rights, which was then signed by 39 delegates at the Pennsylvania State House. It contained the first ten amendments of our Constitution, intended to protect individual liberties such as free speech and the right to bear arms.
Today, the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C, houses the original Bill of Rights.
Pearl Harbor
December 7th, 1941 marked a devastating day in American history. 2,335 brave soldiers and 68 innocent civilians lost their lives in the Japanese attack on the American naval base at Pearl Harbor, which also resulted in the destruction of 19 Navy ships.
Following this horrific bombing conducted by Japanese air forces, the United States confirmed its entry into World War II.
The Boston Tea Party
One of the biggest American history events in December is the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party.
On December 16th, 1773, the Sons of Liberty held a grand protest over the universally despised Tea Tax. They boarded ships sent by the British East India Company and tossed entire shipments of tea overboard — an act that cost the British millions in losses.
Harsh punishments and new regulations quickly followed, with violence between the British government and its subjects escalating.
This incident is widely considered the spark that ignited the American Revolution.
Martin Van Buren
In December, 1836, Martin Van Buren took office. He was the eighth president of the United States, and more importantly, the first to be born under the American flag.
Van Buren was a notably capable president, gifted politician, and prominent lawyer. He negated disputes over Maine’s borders, avoiding a war with Canada, and corrected the issues left behind by the Jackson administration.
Plymouth Rock
The Mayflower Pilgrims left England in search of religious freedom and a better life. These brave English settlers founded the second successful colony on American soil — the Plymouth Colony, which later transformed into the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Their story is a central theme in American history and culture, and one of the first that we learn in elementary school.
Greater Half carries a huge selection of patriotic apparel and goods. If you’re itching to show your pride for America and its great history in this chilly winter weather, look through our patriotic hoodies. They’ll keep you warm, fashionable, and make an unforgettable statement.
