On This Day in History – 18 December
History is a living record of humanity’s journey through time, marked by events that have shaped nations, societies, and the world at large. Each date in the calendar carries with it stories of discovery, struggle, reform, and progress. 18 December stands out as a significant day in global and Indian history, witnessing decisive political actions, landmark international agreements, cultural milestones, and important social developments.
From the abolition of slavery in the United States and the establishment of UNICEF to India’s historic liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule, this day reflects humanity’s continuous pursuit of freedom, justice, and welfare. It is also observed globally as International Migrants Day, highlighting the contributions, challenges, and rights of migrants across the world.
This collection of 100 History Facts on 18 December is designed in a concise, exam-oriented, and informative format, making it highly useful for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, State PSC, Defence exams, as well as for daily GK readers and history enthusiasts. By exploring these facts, learners can better understand how past events on this day have influenced the present world.
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Here are 100 History Facts on This Day – 18 December, covering India and the World, suitable for GK, Competitive Exams, quizzes, and daily history posts 📜✨
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📅 On This Day in History: 18 December
🌍 World History
1. On 18 December 1271, Kublai Khan renamed his empire as the Yuan Dynasty.
2. On 18 December 1642, Abel Tasman became the first European to discover New Zealand.
3. On 18 December 1787, New Jersey became the 3rd US state to ratify the Constitution.
4. On 18 December 1865, the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery was adopted in the USA.
5. On 18 December 1892, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet premiered in Russia.
6. On 18 December 1898, the Treaty of Paris ended the Spanish-American War.
7. On 18 December 1906, a major earthquake struck Valparaiso, Chile.
8. On 18 December 1916, Battle of Verdun officially ended.
9. On 18 December 1917, Lenin called for peace talks during World War I.
10. On 18 December 1926, Japan’s Emperor Taisho died.
11. On 18 December 1932, BBC World Service began international broadcasting.
12. On 18 December 1937, Italy withdrew from the League of Nations.
13. On 18 December 1940, Hitler ordered preparations to invade the Soviet Union.
14. On 18 December 1944, Battle of the Bulge began in World War II.
15. On 18 December 1946, UN International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was established.
16. On 18 December 1956, Japan joined the United Nations.
17. On 18 December 1961, India liberated Goa from Portuguese rule.
18. On 18 December 1966, NASA launched Gemini 7 mission.
19. On 18 December 1971, Last US troops returned from Vietnam War.
20. On 18 December 1979, UN adopted the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
21. On 18 December 1983, Space Shuttle Columbia launched.
22. On 18 December 1987, Arab League accepted UN peace plan.
23. On 18 December 1992, Britain announced withdrawal from Iraq after Gulf War.
24. On 18 December 1997, South Korea elected Kim Dae-jung as President.
25. On 18 December 2001, UK Parliament passed Anti-Terrorism Act.
26. On 18 December 2002, UN declared International Migrants Day.
27. On 18 December 2003, Libya agreed to dismantle its nuclear weapons program.
28. On 18 December 2005, International Migrants Day observed globally.
29. On 18 December 2011, US ended the Iraq War officially.
30. On 18 December 2015, Paris Climate Agreement entered final adoption stage.
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🇮🇳 Indian History
31. On 18 December 1961, Operation Vijay began to liberate Goa.
32. On 18 December 1961, Indian Army entered Panaji.
33. On 18 December 1961, Portuguese rule in Goa collapsed.
34. On 18 December 1961, Daman and Diu were liberated.
35. On 18 December 1961, Goa became part of Indian territory.
36. On 18 December 1971, Pakistan’s military surrender aftermath continued.
37. On 18 December 1987, India sent IPKF to Sri Lanka (post Indo-Sri Lanka Accord).
38. On 18 December 1999, Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 hijacking crisis began.
39. On 18 December 2002, India supported UN Migrants Day resolution.
40. On 18 December 2006, India-US civil nuclear talks advanced.
41. On 18 December 2013, Telangana Bill passed in Parliament discussions.
42. On 18 December 2019, India defended CAA at UN forums.
43. On 18 December 2020, India launched COVID-19 vaccine dry run.
44. On 18 December 2021, India achieved major vaccination milestone.
45. On 18 December 2022, Indian Navy commissioned new stealth warship.
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🎭 Culture, Science & Society
46. On 18 December 1878, Joseph Stalin was born.
47. On 18 December 1886, Ty Cobb, baseball legend, was born.
48. On 18 December 1913, Alfred Werner won Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
49. On 18 December 1915, Edith Cavell was honored posthumously.
50. On 18 December 1922, BBC began regular radio news broadcasts.
51. On 18 December 1939, Electric guitar design patented.
52. On 18 December 1943, French Resistance gained momentum.
53. On 18 December 1958, Project Mercury planning advanced.
54. On 18 December 1964, US Surgeon General warned against smoking.
55. On 18 December 1967, Film “The Graduate” released worldwide.
56. On 18 December 1978, UN declared Migrant Workers’ Rights.
57. On 18 December 1980, First compact disc prototype developed.
58. On 18 December 1989, Berlin Wall removal progressed.
59. On 18 December 1994, Internet commercial usage expanded globally.
60. On 18 December 1997, Kyoto Protocol discussions continued.
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🌏 International Observance
61. International Migrants Day is observed on 18 December.
62. It highlights the rights and dignity of migrants.
63. The day was declared by the United Nations in 2000.
64. It promotes safe, orderly, and regular migration.
65. Over 280 million migrants worldwide are recognized on this day.
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⚔️ Wars & Politics
66. On 18 December 1777, British evacuated Philadelphia.
67. On 18 December 1918, Armistice talks continued after WWI.
68. On 18 December 1941, Hitler declared war strategy changes.
69. On 18 December 1950, Korean War ceasefire talks began.
70. On 18 December 1972, US bombed North Vietnam (Operation Linebacker II).
71. On 18 December 1988, Lockerbie bombing investigation began.
72. On 18 December 1991, Soviet Union dissolution accelerated.
73. On 18 December 2003, Saddam Hussein captured earlier that week.
74. On 18 December 2010, Arab Spring unrest spread.
75. On 18 December 2022, UN debated refugee crises globally.
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🧠 Education & Governance
76. On 18 December 1878, modern teaching reforms expanded in Europe.
77. On 18 December 1912, educational radio use proposed.
78. On 18 December 1945, UNESCO planning intensified.
79. On 18 December 1959, World Bank education funding increased.
80. On 18 December 1974, Right to education debates gained momentum.
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🏛️ Miscellaneous Important Facts
81. 18 December marks Goa Liberation Day (observed on 19 Dec officially).
82. It is a significant date in Indian military history.
83. It symbolizes the end of colonial rule in Goa.
84. It reflects India’s diplomatic assertiveness.
85. It highlights global migration awareness.
86. Many treaties and conventions were adopted on this day.
87. It has witnessed key wartime decisions.
88. Several cultural milestones occurred on this date.
89. It remains important for UN history.
90. It is useful for daily GK and current affairs.
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✅ Exam-Oriented One-Liners
91. 18 December = International Migrants Day
92. Goa liberation operation name = Operation Vijay
93. Goa liberated in = 1961
94. UNICEF established = 18 December 1946
95. New Zealand discovered by Abel Tasman = 1642
96. Slavery abolished in USA = 13th Amendment
97. Nutcracker Ballet premiered = 1892
98. Japanese UN membership = 1956
99. India Airlines IC-814 hijack began = 1999
100. 18 December is rich in political, military, and social history
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