What happened on December 14 in world history? Here are 4 events worth remembering: See them above in our 57-second video, and below for more details!
Get On This Day In History delivered straight to your inbox ✉️ each day! Sign up here.
Muntadhar al-Zaidi throws a shoe at U.S. President George W. Bush
Muntadhar al-Zaidi’s act of throwing his shoes at U.S. President George W. Bush during a press conference became an iconic moment of protest against the U.S. invasion of Iraq. This symbolic gesture resonated globally and sparked widespread discussions on dissent and U.S. foreign policy.
- Throwing shoes is considered a grave insult in Arab culture. Al-Zaidi's protest expressed frustration over the U.S. military presence in Iraq and the impact of the war on the Iraqi population.
- Al-Zaidi was tackled and arrested on the spot, later sentenced to prison for assaulting a foreign leader. His actions, however, earned him widespread support across the Arab world, with many hailing him as a hero.
Roald Amundsen's expedition
Roald Amundsen's historic expedition to the South Pole was a monumental achievement in the annals of exploration. By reaching the pole ahead of British explorer Robert Falcon Scott, Amundsen solidified his place as one of history's greatest explorers.
- Amundsen’s team used skis, sled dogs, and carefully planned depots, enabling them to traverse the Antarctic landscape efficiently. His experience with polar expeditions proved critical to their success.
- The expedition beat Scott's British team by about a month. Amundsen’s victory was celebrated, but it highlighted the fierce competition between nations in the "Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration."
Construction of the Three Gorges Dam
The construction of the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric power station, marked a major engineering and environmental milestone. Built on China’s Yangtze River, the dam plays a critical role in energy generation, flood control, and navigation improvement.
- Spanning 2.3 kilometers, the dam features 34 generators with an installed capacity of 22,500 megawatts, making it a cornerstone of China's renewable energy strategy.
- The project displaced over 1.3 million people and submerged historic sites, sparking criticism about its ecological and cultural costs. It also altered the Yangtze River ecosystem, affecting local biodiversity.
- Despite controversies, the dam has provided significant benefits, including reducing coal reliance, improving flood management, and boosting river traffic. It remains a symbol of China’s infrastructure ambitions.
Jane Birkin is born
Jane Birkin, a celebrated actress, singer, and fashion icon, became a symbol of elegance and artistry in the 20th century. Known for her collaboration with French musician Serge Gainsbourg and her influence on fashion, she remains an enduring cultural figure.
- Birkin’s partnership with Serge Gainsbourg produced some of her most famous works, including the provocative duet “Je t’aime… moi non plus,” which became a worldwide hit.
- She starred in numerous films across both English and French cinema, including Blow-Up and La Piscine. Her roles often reflected her versatility and charm as an actress.
- As a style icon, Birkin inspired the creation of the Hermès Birkin bag, a luxury accessory synonymous with sophistication.