The United States and Cuba announce plans to normalize diplomatic relations after decades of tension.
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What Happened in December?
Victories, births, and treaties. Explore the significant historical events and milestones that occurred in December. 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Note: Sources for the historical content shown, include research and reviews of relevant Online History Resources or printed material.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.
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The Paris Agreement on climate change is adopted by 196 countries during the COP21 summit.
The assassination of Andrei Karlov, the Russian ambassador to Turkey, in Ankara.
The United States officially recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, sparking controversy and protests.
Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush passes away at the age of 94.
The United States House of Representatives impeaches President Donald Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
The first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are administered in the United Kingdom, marking the beginning of vaccination campaigns worldwide.
The United Kingdom and the European Union reach a post-Brexit trade deal, averting a no-deal scenario.
The United States Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, on December 21, 2020 providing economic relief amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Act was sign on December 27, 2020
The eleven month Brexit transition period ends and the UK officially fully separates from the EU's single market and customs union, ending its participation in the free movement of people, goods, and services.
The UK officially left the EU trading bloc on 31 January 2020. However, both sides agreed to keep many things the same until 31 December 2020, to allow enough time to agree to the terms of a new trade deal.
British businessman Richard Branson becomes the first person to reach space aboard a Virgin Galactic suborbital spaceplane.