From Ancient Battles to Modern Lights!
Welcome to December 9th! Today in history, we have tales of epic battles ending long wars, the birth of important new ideas, and even the start of a famous TV show! Get ready to zoom through centuries and see how today shaped the world we live in.
Did you know that on this day, a British general rolled right into Jerusalem, marking a huge moment in WWI? Plus, London got its first traffic signal, making roads a little less chaotic. It's a day where big global changes met small, everyday inventions!
What Happened on This Day
Jerusalem Falls to British Forces in WWI
Imagine a major city changing hands without a huge fight! On this day during World War I, British Field Marshal Allenby marched into Jerusalem, taking it from the Ottoman Empire. It was a massive victory for the Allies and a super important moment in the war, especially for the Middle East. Allenby made sure to be respectful of the city's holy sites, showing everyone that even in war, some places need extra care!
London's First Traffic Light Switches On!
Before cars, traffic lights were for horse-drawn carriages! In 1868, London installed the very first one near the Houses of Parliament. It wasn't like today's—it used red and green gas lamps and semaphore arms that swung out! Sadly, a policeman controlling it got hurt after only a month, and the gas light exploded. Oops! It took many more years for the electric, automatic traffic lights we know today to become the norm.
Spain Starts Its Second Republic
Spain kicked out its monarchy and declared itself a Republic—that means the people had a bigger say in who led them! This new constitution created the Second Spanish Republic. It was a huge change, bringing in new ideas about things like voting rights and education. Sadly, this period of democracy didn't last forever, but it was a big moment when Spaniards tried a brand-new way to govern themselves.
Coronation Street's First Ever Episode Airs
Get ready for drama on a quiet street! On this day in 1960, the very first episode of *Coronation Street* aired on British TV. This show is about the everyday lives of people living on a fictional street in Manchester. Guess what? It's still being shown today! That makes it the world's longest-running soap opera. Imagine writing stories about the same neighbors for over 60 years!
Smallpox Declared Eradicated Worldwide!
This is one of humanity's BEST days! The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared that smallpox, a super scary disease that killed millions for centuries, was completely gone from the Earth. It’s the first human infectious disease we’ve ever managed to wipe out completely! This victory took a massive global effort with vaccines, proving that when the world works together, we can solve huge problems.
Learn moreFun Facts About December 9
- The first traffic lights used red and green gas lamps, not electricity!
- Smallpox is the only human disease ever totally wiped out by doctors!
- The first Domino's Pizza order was placed on December 9, 1960 (it was called DomiNick's then)!
- In 1992, Britain's Prince Charles and Princess Diana announced their separation on this day.
A Look Back in Time
December 9th often marks moments where big political structures shift or massive scientific wins are announced. In the early 1900s, we see the final year of WWI wrapping up in places like the Middle East, while later in the century, global health and communication (like the start of a major TV show) take center stage. The events show a mix of old empires falling, new governments rising, and scientists achieving incredible feats for public health.
Born on This Day
John Milton
This English poet wrote the super famous, long poem *Paradise Lost* about Adam and Eve! Even though he went blind later in life, he kept writing with the help of scribes. Imagine telling a huge story completely from your memory!
Grace Hopper
Grace Hopper was a super-smart computer scientist and US Navy Admiral! She helped create the first computer programming languages that used words instead of just numbers. She even popularized the term 'computer bug' after finding an actual moth stuck in a machine!
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Kirk Douglas
Kirk Douglas was a Hollywood movie star famous for playing tough, strong characters in films like *Spartacus*. He had an incredible career that lasted for decades. He was known for his big smile and even bigger talent on the silver screen!
Margaret Hamilton
If you love *The Wizard of Oz*, you know this talented actress! Margaret Hamilton played the famously wicked Wicked Witch of the West. Her cackling laugh and green face scared (and delighted!) movie-goers for generations. She's proof that playing a villain can make you an icon!