Tragedies, Inventions, and an Emperor’s Fall
Welcome to December 29th, a day packed with history that ranges from shocking political assassinations to terrible moments in warfare and even major changes to a state's map! Today, we look back at events that shaped nations and lives, showing how one day can hold so much drama. Get ready for some serious history head-spinning!
This date has seen both terrible darkness and the spark of new beginnings. From a brutal massacre on the American plains to the heart of London burning during WWII, December 29th reminds us that history is rarely simple. Even a famous 'monk' met his end around this time, adding a weird twist to the day!
What Happened on This Day
Archbishop Thomas Becket is Murdered
Imagine making your king so angry that his knights decide to solve the problem by attacking you in a church! That’s what happened to Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury. He argued with King Henry II so much that the King apparently wished him gone. Four knights took this as a direct order and, yikes, they killed the Archbishop right there inside Canterbury Cathedral. Talk about a historic argument gone horribly wrong!
Texas Joins the United States!
Everything is bigger in Texas, including its entry into the US! On this day, Texas officially became the 28th state. Before this, it was its own country—the Republic of Texas! This huge addition brought a ton of new territory, diverse culture, and, eventually, oil fields into the Union. It was a massive moment that really changed the map of America and kicked off a lot of new adventures and challenges.
The Tragic Wounded Knee Massacre
This is a sad and serious moment in US history. Members of the US 7th Cavalry attempted to disarm a group of Lakota Sioux people, mostly women, children, and elders, at Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota. A shot was fired, and the cavalry opened fire. Over 200 Native Americans were killed. It's a stark reminder of the terrible conflicts during the end of the Indian Wars.
Rasputin Finally Meets His Match
Grigori Rasputin was a famous—and very controversial—mysterious holy man who had a lot of influence over the Russian royal family. In 1916, a group of nobles decided he needed to go! They supposedly poisoned his food and drinks, then shot him, but he just wouldn't quit! Finally, they tied him up and threw him into a freezing river where he drowned. Talk about a dramatic exit!
London's Worst Night of Fire in WWII
During World War II, German planes bombed London in what was called 'The Blitz.' On this night, they dropped thousands of fire-starting bombs. It caused the biggest fire since the Great Fire of London! While the famous St. Paul's Cathedral heroically survived, many other beautiful old buildings, like the Guildhall, were badly damaged or destroyed. Imagine the city looking like a giant, smoky campfire!
Learn moreFun Facts About December 29
- Texas was its own independent country for almost ten years before joining the USA!
- The murder of Thomas Becket made him a saint—a huge honor in the Catholic Church.
- The 1940 London Blitz fire was so huge it’s often compared to the Great Fire from 1666!
- The reason Rasputin was thrown in the river was because his enemies were worried he wouldn't die otherwise!
A Look Back in Time
December 29th often brings up events tied to conflict and dramatic political shifts. In the 12th century, the relationship between church and state was a huge deal, as shown by the clash between Becket and Henry II. By the 19th century, the US was rapidly expanding westward, a huge theme reflected by Texas joining the Union and the tragic final conflicts with Native American tribes. Ending the year in 1940 meant facing the sheer terror of the WWII Blitz, showing the world's resilience against massive aerial attacks.
Born on This Day
Andrew Johnson
This man became the 17th President of the United States after Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. He had a very tough job leading the country during the period right after the Civil War. He wasn't a fan of the high-level education most presidents had, famously teaching himself to read and sew!
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Charles Goodyear
Meet the inventor who made rubber useful! He spent years trying to figure out how to stop rubber from melting in the heat or cracking in the cold. His 'aha!' moment was accidentally dropping rubber mixed with sulfur onto a hot stove—the vulcanization process was born! This made tires and waterproof boots possible.
Elizabeth Petrovna
She was the Empress who ruled Russia! Elizabeth came to power in a coup and led Russia during its Golden Age of the Enlightenment. She loved fashion, parties, and building beautiful things, including starting the construction of the stunning Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. What a grand ruler!
Jude Law
This talented actor has been in tons of movies, from thrilling adventures to big sci-fi epics! You might recognize him from playing a young version of a famous wizard’s mentor, or maybe as a famous British secret agent. He's known for his amazing acting skills across many different kinds of roles.