December 15 - Today in History

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All Events

1791

U.S. Bill of Rights Ratified

The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified. These amendments guarantee fundamental individual liberties and limit the power of the federal government.

🏛️ Politics & Government

1939

Premiere of 'Gone with the Wind'

The epic historical romance film 'Gone with the Wind' premiered in Atlanta, Georgia. It became a massive cultural phenomenon and one of the most celebrated and controversial films in Hollywood history.

🎭 Arts & Culture

1965

First Rendezvous in Space

The Gemini 6A spacecraft, crewed by Wally Schirra and Thomas Stafford, successfully performed the first manned space rendezvous with the already-orbiting Gemini 7. The two spacecraft flew in formation but did not dock.

🔬 Science & Discovery

1944

Battle of the Bulge Begins

Germany launched its last major offensive campaign on the Western Front during World War II. The surprise attack through the Ardennes region created a large bulge in Allied lines, leading to fierce winter combat.

⚔️ Wars & Conflicts

1961

Adolf Eichmann Sentenced to Death

Former Nazi SS-Obersturmbannführer Adolf Eichmann was found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death by an Israeli court. He was a key organizer of the Holocaust.

🏛️ Politics & Government

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Did You Know?

On December 15, 1791, the United States Bill of Rights was ratified, but the original document lacked what we now consider a fundamental right: the guarantee of freedom of speech. That's because the First Amendment was actually the third article proposed. The first two, concerning congressional pay and apportionment, weren't ratified until 1992!

December 15, 1965, saw the first-ever space rendezvous, as NASA's Gemini 6A and Gemini 7 spacecraft came within one foot of each other while orbiting Earth at 17,500 mph. The astronauts even played 'Jingle Bells' with a harmonica and sleigh bells, making it the first musical performance in space.