King Alfonso I of Aragon captures the city of Zaragoza from the Almoravids control on December 18th, 1118 during the Reconquista. The siege lasted about eight months before the city fell.
View Historical Events by Day:
On This Day in History: December 18
Explore the historical events that shaped our world on December 18th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
Note: Sources for the historical content shown, include research and reviews of relevant Online History Resources or printed material. When possible, we show a link to a source which provides additional or unique perspective about the event.
We do our best to provide accurate information but would appreciate being notified if any incorrect information is found. You may do so by using our Feedback link.
New Jersey ratifies the Articles of Confederation becoming the third State.
The WWI battle of Verdun ends on December 18, 1916. It was a costly French defensive victory, repulsing a major German offensive in one of the longest, bloodiest, and most-ferocious battles of the war.
At the battle's conclusion, nearly 10-month after starting, the front lines remained largely unchanged from where they started. French casualties amounted to about 400,000, German ones to about 350,000. Some 300,000 were killed. More
The 18th Amendment, establishing Prohibition, is passed by the U.S. Congress on December 18, 1917. It was then sent to the States for ratification, which was completed on January 16, 1919, becoming law and bringing about the Prohibition Era of the United States. On December 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment was passed, officially repealing the 18th amendment.
The Battle of Hong Kong starts as Japan attacks the British Colony of Honk Kong on December 8 1941. A Japanese force of around 35,000 strong was faced by a defending force of 13,500 British, Indian, Canadian, and local troops. Hong Kong surrendered on Christmas Day 1941 and Hong Kong remained under Japanese control until the end of WWII. More
Charles de Gaulle is reelected as the President of France.
The last convoy of U.S. troops leaves Iraq, officially marking the end of the Iraq War. Violence continued and in fact worsened over the subsequent years. As of the end of 2024, the U.S. still has a military presence of about 2,500 personnel in Iraq as part of the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve effort. Talks continue on Security cooperation. More