December 20 in history: calendar reform, Egypt, Mandela and NASA

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1582: France adopts the Gregorian calendar

Under the reign of Henry III, France adopted the Gregorian calendar to align with the reform introduced by Pope Gregory XIII. This transition involves a jump from December 9 directly to December 20, 1582. This reform aimed to correct a shift in the Julian calendar, thus stabilizing the dates of liturgical events.

1860: South Carolina begins American secession

On December 20, 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the United States, marking the start of the American Civil War. This act reflected growing tensions over the issue of slavery and state autonomy from the federal government.

1924: Hitler released from prison after the Beer Hall Putsch

After being imprisoned for his failed coup attempt in 1923, Adolf Hitler was released on December 20, 1924. While in prison, he wrote My fightthe manifesto which will define the basis of Nazi ideology, thus marking a decisive turning point for Germany and the world.

1951: First nuclear power plant in the world

In the United States, the first experimental nuclear power plant, the Experimental Breeder Reactor I (EBR-I), comes into operation in Idaho. It marks the beginning of the era of nuclear energy, opening up new perspectives in terms of energy production, but also in the management of environmental and security risks.

1955: Cardiff becomes capital of Wales

After a referendum, the United Kingdom declared Cardiff the capital of Wales. This decision symbolizes the recognition of Welsh cultural identity within the framework of the British Union.

1969: Anwar el-Sadat appointed vice-president of Egypt

Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser named Anwar Sadat vice-president, a strategic choice that would pave the way for the political transition in Egypt after Nasser’s death in 1970. Sadat would become a key figure in the Israeli-Egyptian peace accords.

1971: Foundation of Doctors Without Borders

The organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF) was founded on December 20, 1971. Created by French doctors, MSF is committed to providing medical care in crisis zones, becoming one of the most respected humanitarian organizations in the world. .

1994: Beginning of the Mexican economic crisis

Mexico is plunging into a serious economic crisis, caused by a massive devaluation of its currency. This “Black Thursday” has global economic repercussions and illustrates the challenges of emerging economies in the face of globalization.

1995: The UN cedes power to NATO in Bosnia-Herzegovina

In the midst of the Balkan War, the UN transfers its responsibilities to NATO to maintain peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina. This handover marks a new stage in the management of international conflicts.

1997: Mandela bids farewell to the ANC

Nelson Mandela leaves the presidency of the ANC, leaving his place to Thabo Mbeki. This symbolic moment illustrates the democratic process in South Africa after the end of apartheid, consolidating the foundations for a peaceful political transition.

1999: Macau returns to China

On December 20, 1999, Portugal returned Macau to China, marking the end of more than four centuries of Portuguese colonial rule. Macau becomes a special administrative region, enjoying a special status within China.

2011: Discovery of the first terrestrial exoplanets

NASA announces the discovery of Kepler-20e and Kepler-20f, the first Earth-sized exoplanets detected outside the solar system. These discoveries strengthen the hope of finding habitable planets in the universe.

2023: Historic elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo

On December 20, 2023, the Democratic Republic of Congo will hold combined presidential and legislative elections. This crucial event marks a turning point in the democratic consolidation of the country, often marked by political tensions.