What Happened on December 8?
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EVENTS ON DECEMBER 8
Explore the most important historical events that happened on December 8, featuring key moments that shaped the world.
117th Jäger Division
Year:
1943
World War II: The German 117th Jäger Division destroys the monastery of Mega Spilaio in Greece and executes 22 monks and visitors as part of reprisals that culminated a few days later with the Massacre of Kalavryta.
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World War II
Year:
1941
World War II: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt declares December 7 to be "a date which will live in infamy", after which the U.S. declares war on Japan.
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Shanghai International Settlement
Year:
1941
World War II: Japanese forces simultaneously invade Shanghai International Settlement, Malaya, Thailand, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and the Dutch East Indies. (See December 7 for the concurrent attack on Pearl Harbor in the Western Hemisphere.)
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Irish Free State
Year:
1922
Two days after coming into existence, the Irish Free State executes four leaders of the Irish Republican Army: Liam Mellows, Rory O'Connor, Joe McKelvey and Dick Barrett.
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Dwight D. Eisenhower
Year:
1953
U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivers his "Atoms for Peace" speech, which leads to an American program to supply equipment and information on nuclear power to schools, hospitals, and research institutions around the world.
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BIRTHS ON DECEMBER 8
Discover famous people and historical figures born on December 8, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.
Jerry Butler
Year of birth:
1939
Jerry Butler, American singer-songwriter and producer (died 2025)
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DEATHS ON DECEMBER 8
Look back at notable individuals who passed away on December 8, and learn about their lasting influences on history.
José Vicente Concha
Year of death:
1929
José Vicente Concha, Colombian politician and 8th President of Colombia (born 1867)
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Joe McKelvey
Year of death:
1922
Joe McKelvey and three other prominent Irish Republican Army officers are executed during the Irish Civil War
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Gertrude Jekyll
Year of death:
1932
Gertrude Jekyll, British horticulturist and writer (born 1843)
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