What Happened on December 2?

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deaths

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EVENTS ON DECEMBER 2

Explore the most important historical events that happened on December 2, featuring key moments that shaped the world.

World War I

Year: 1917

World War I: Russia and the Central Powers sign an armistice at Brest-Litovsk, and peace talks leading to the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk begin.

Ford Model T

Year: 1927

Following 19 years of Ford Model T production, the Ford Motor Company unveils the Ford Model A as its new automobile.

Puyi

Year: 1908

Puyi becomes Emperor of China at the age of two.

Philippine–American War

Year: 1899

Philippine–American War: The Battle of Tirad Pass, known as the "Filipino Thermopylae", is fought.

Tremont Temple

Year: 1867

At Tremont Temple in Boston, British author Charles Dickens gives his first public reading in the United States.

Great Depression

Year: 1930

Great Depression: In a State of the Union message, U.S. President Herbert Hoover proposes a $150 million public works program to help generate jobs and stimulate the economy.

LaGuardia Airport

Year: 1939

New York City's LaGuardia Airport opens.

Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others

Year: 1949

Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others is adopted.

BIRTHS ON DECEMBER 2

Discover famous people and historical figures born on December 2, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.

Yael Dayan

Year of birth: 1939

Yael Dayan, Israeli journalist, author, and politician

Willie Brown (American football)

Year of birth: 1940

Willie Brown, American football player, coach, and manager (died 2019)

Harry Reid

Year of birth: 1939

Harry Reid, American lawyer and politician, 25th Lieutenant Governor of Nevada (died 2021)

Manohar Joshi

Year of birth: 1937

Manohar Joshi, Indian lawyer and politician, 15th Chief Minister of Maharashtra (died 2024)

Tarcisio Bertone

Year of birth: 1934

Tarcisio Bertone, Italian cardinal

Tom McGuinness (musician)

Year of birth: 1941

Tom McGuinness, English guitarist, songwriter, author, and producer

Mike England

Year of birth: 1941

Mike England, Welsh footballer and manager

Ibrahim Rugova

Year of birth: 1944

Ibrahim Rugova, Kosovan journalist and politician, 1st President of Kosovo (died 2006)

DEATHS ON DECEMBER 2

Look back at notable individuals who passed away on December 2, and learn about their lasting influences on history.

Dinu Lipatti

Year of death: 1950

Dinu Lipatti, Romanian pianist and composer (born 1917)

Josef Lhévinne

Year of death: 1944

Josef Lhévinne, Russian pianist and educator (born 1874)

Trần Trọng Kim

Year of death: 1953

Trần Trọng Kim, Vietnamese historian, scholar, and politician, Prime Minister of Vietnam (born 1883)

Snowy Baker

Year of death: 1953

Reginald Baker, Australian rugby player (born 1884)

Manfred Sakel

Year of death: 1957

Manfred Sakel, Ukrainian-American neurophysiologist and psychiatrist (born 1902)

Filippo Tommaso Marinetti

Year of death: 1944

Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, Egyptian-Italian poet and composer (born 1876)

Eiji Sawamura

Year of death: 1944

Eiji Sawamura, Japanese baseball player and soldier (born 1917)

Paul Heinrich von Groth

Year of death: 1927

Paul Heinrich von Groth, German scientist who systematically classified minerals and founded the journal Zeitschrift für Krystallographie und Mineralogie (born 1843)