This Day In History, December 20th.
Five Historical Events That Happened on December 20th
The Virginia Company expedition, headed by Captain John Smith, arrives in the New World and settles in what is now known as Jamestown, Virginia.
In a ceremony held in New Orleans, France transfers ownership of the territory to the United States, completing the Louisiana Purchase.
In the run-up to the American Civil War, South Carolina becomes the first state to separate from the Union.
1946: In New York City, the iconic Christmas film "It's a Wonderful Life," directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, opens.
1989: The United States invades Panama to depose ruler Manuel Noriega, who had been charged with narcotics trafficking in the United States.
1606: The Virginia Company expedition led by Captain John Smith reaches the New World and lands at the site of present-day Jamestown, Virginia.
Captain John Smith led the Virginia Company voyage to the New World on December 20th, 1606, and landed at the location of present-day Jamestown, Virginia. The Virginia Company of London, which had been awarded a license by King James I to develop colonies in North America, sponsored the trip. Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas, and it played an important part in the early history of the United States.
1803: The Louisiana Purchase is completed as France transfers ownership of the territory to the United States in a ceremony held in New Orleans.
The Louisiana Purchase was a historic land agreement signed by the United States and France on December 20, 1803. In the treaty, France agreed to sell the Louisiana Territory to the United States for $15 million, which was a substantial sum at the time. The Louisiana Territory encompassed a huge territory extending from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, and from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian border. The acquisition more than quadrupled the size of the United States and had a significant influence on the country's development and expansion. On December 20, 1803, a ceremony commemorating the transfer of ownership was held in New Orleans.
1860: South Carolina becomes the first state to secede from the Union in the lead-up to the American Civil War.
South Carolina became the first state to separate from the Union in the run-up to the American Civil War on December 20, 1860. The secession was the consequence of a long-standing battle over issues like as states' rights, slavery, and the balance of power between the federal and state governments. Following South Carolina's secession, several other Southern states joined forces to form the Confederate States of America, which would later engage in a bloody civil war against the Union. South Carolina's secession constituted a watershed moment in American history, laying the groundwork for the battle that would define the country for years to come.
1946: The popular Christmas film "It's a Wonderful Life," directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, premieres in New York City.
The classic Christmas film "It's a Wonderful Life" debuted in New York City on December 20th, 1946. Frank Capra directed the picture, which starred James Stewart and Donna Reed, and it has since become a holiday classic enjoyed by generations of fans. The narrative follows George Bailey, a small-town banker who becomes depressed on Christmas Eve and is shown by an angel what life might have been like if he had never been born. Despite a poor reaction at first, "It's a Wonderful Life" has become one of the most popular and enduring holiday films of all time, and it is still aired on television every Christmas.
1989: The United States invades Panama to overthrow dictator Manuel Noriega, who had been indicted in the US on drug trafficking charges.
The United States invaded Panama on December 20, 1989, with the purpose of deposing dictator Manuel Noriega, who had been indicted in the United States on cocaine trafficking allegations. The invasion, codenamed Operation Just Cause, featured roughly 26,000 US troops and was backed by a Latin American coalition. The invasion soon deposed Noriega's administration, and he was imprisoned and tried in the United States. The invasion was widely condemned, with some accusing the US of breaking international law and acting alone. Supporters of the invasion, on the other hand, contended that it was vital to safeguard American interests and uphold the rule of law.