South Pole Reached and a Nation's Rights Secured!
December 14th is packed with history! From explorers conquering the frozen South Pole to a major political milestone in the United States, this date changed the world in big ways. Get ready to learn about famous leaders, incredible achievements, and even a famous composer's big debut!
On this day, the world got its first 'text message' equivalent when the US Bill of Rights was fully ratified, protecting core freedoms! Also, a Norwegian explorer reached a spot on Earth no one had ever stood on before. It’s a day of firsts!
What Happened on This Day
Father of America Passes Away
George Washington, the hero of the American Revolution and the first President of the United States, died at his home, Mount Vernon. He was only 67! Imagine the sadness across the new country. He was so important that people called him 'first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.' His final words were actually about wanting everyone to stop fussing over him and just let him rest peacefully.
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Alabama Joins the United States Party
The massive territory known as Alabama officially became the 22nd state to join the USA! Think of the United States like a club that keeps growing. When Alabama joined, it brought its unique culture and vast lands into the mix. This event shows how the country was constantly expanding its borders and welcoming new neighbors, long before it looked like it does today!
US Bill of Rights Fully Ratified!
This is a HUGE deal for freedom! The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution—what we call the Bill of Rights—officially became law when Virginia became the final state needed to ratify them. These amendments are like a superpower shield protecting your basic rights, like freedom of speech and religion. Without this step, your right to speak your mind might not have been so secure!
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A Queen's Beloved Prince Dies
Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria of Great Britain, sadly passed away from typhoid fever. This was a massive shock to the royal family and the whole country! Queen Victoria was so heartbroken that she wore black clothes and stayed out of the public eye for many, many years. It shows that even royalty faces deep sadness, just like everyone else.
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Amundsen Reaches the South Pole!
Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and his team made history by becoming the very first people to reach the geographic South Pole! Imagine walking across a massive, frozen, empty land in freezing cold for weeks—that’s what they did. They planted their flag on the bottom of the world, beating a rival team by almost a month. Talk about an epic winter adventure!
Learn moreFun Facts About December 14
- When the US Bill of Rights was ratified, it had 12 proposed amendments—we only use 10!
- Roald Amundsen's team celebrated reaching the South Pole by eating frozen seal meat!
- Queen Victoria mourned Prince Albert for the rest of her very long life (over 40 years!).
- Ludwig van Beethoven premiered his first symphony on a day near December 14th (April 2, 1800).
A Look Back in Time
As December wrapped up the 18th century, the world was in a period of huge change—the Age of Revolutions! The United States was busy figuring out how its new government should work, which is why the Bill of Rights ratification in 1791 was so important. Meanwhile, in the 20th century, explorers like Amundsen were pushing the absolute limits of human endurance in Antarctica. This date sits right between big political/legal moments and massive physical adventures, showing how people were busy organizing their societies while also exploring the unknown planet.
Born on This Day
Tycho Brahe
This Danish astronomer was super obsessed with the stars and planets! He built amazing observatories and made incredibly detailed star charts long before telescopes were common. His observations were so good that they later helped other scientists figure out how the planets actually move in their orbits.
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George VI
He was the King of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth during World War II. He was famous for staying in London during the bombings to support his people. He didn't plan to be king, but his older brother gave up the throne, making George VI the unlikely leader when the country needed strength the most!
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Shirley Jackson
Shirley Jackson was a brilliant American author who loved writing spooky and mysterious stories that made people think. Her most famous short story is 'The Lottery,' which asks unsettling questions about tradition. She was a master at creating suspense, even when her stories weren't about monsters!
Vanessa Hudgens
You probably know her as Gabriella from the *High School Musical* movies! This American actress and singer got her big break at a young age. She’s also starred in movies like *Spring Breakers* and has even performed on Broadway. She’s shown that you can sing, dance, and act all at the same time!