What happened on December 9 in world history? Here are 4 events worth remembering: See them above in our 57-second video, and below for more details!
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The 1905 French Law on the Separation of Church and State
In France, the law that separated church and state was passed, marking a significant shift in the relationship between religion and politics in the country.
- The 1905 law established a strict division between religious institutions and the government, ensuring that the state would remain secular and that churches would not receive state funding or intervention.
- The law was a result of tensions between the French government and the Catholic Church, which had long held substantial influence in French society.
- Although controversial at the time, the law became a cornerstone of French secularism, influencing subsequent debates on the role of religion in public life and laying the foundation for modern French policies on religious freedom.
The eradication of smallpox
The eradication of smallpox, a devastating viral disease that had plagued humanity for centuries, was officially certified as a global success.
- Smallpox was declared eradicated after a decades-long worldwide vaccination campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO), which started in the 1960s and involved intensive vaccination programs in affected regions.
- The virus, which caused severe illness and high mortality rates, was the first disease to be eradicated through human intervention, showcasing the potential of global public health efforts.
- This achievement has saved millions of lives and remains one of the greatest triumphs in the history of medicine, making smallpox the only human disease to be eradicated to date.
The First Intifada
The First Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation, began in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, marking a critical moment in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
- The uprising was sparked by frustration over Israeli military rule and the economic hardships faced by Palestinians living in the occupied territories, leading to widespread protests, civil disobedience, and violent clashes.
- The Intifada saw the rise of new Palestinian leadership, particularly from the Hamas movement, and it brought international attention to the Palestinian cause, increasing pressure on Israel and the global community to address the situation.
- The First Intifada led to significant changes in the political landscape, culminating in the Oslo Accords, which were seen as a step toward resolving the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
John Malkovich is born
John Malkovich, a versatile and celebrated actor, was born in Christopher, Illinois, and would go on to build an impressive career in film, television, and theater.
- Known for his intense, often eccentric performances, Malkovich became one of the most distinctive actors of his generation, starring in films such as Dangerous Liaisons, Being John Malkovich, and Con Air.
- Malkovich is also an accomplished theater director and producer, known for his collaborations with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and his ventures into avant-garde performance art.
- His wide-ranging talent and ability to play both villainous and sympathetic roles have earned him critical acclaim and a lasting place in Hollywood and global cinema.