December 17 is the 351st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 14 days remain until the end of the year.
We have some interesting facts & historic events all about December 17th, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.
Keep reading for more interesting facts about December 17th in history!
Table of Contents
Global Celebrations
- Wright Brothers Day
- National Maple Syrup Day
- National Underdog Day
- National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
Historic Events
What Happened On This Day – December 17
2010: Mohamed Bouazizi sets himself on fire
The Tunisian street vendor self-immolated as a protest against the economic conditions in Tunisia. He died 18 days after at the age of 26. His protest and death were a catalyst for the Tunisian revolution and similar revolutions and protests around the Arab world.
2010: The beginning of the Arab Spring
The multi-country protests and demands for change in the Arab world are thought to have begun with street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi’s self-immolation in Tunisia. Bouazizi’s attempt and death 18 days later was the catalyst for the Tunisian Revolution which forced then-president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to step down from his post.
1989: First episode of The Simpsons aired
The popular American animated series directed by Matt Groening is set in the fictional town of Springfield and it follows the life of the Simpson family.
1903: First flight of the Wright Flyer
The powered aircraft was made by the Wright brothers and was the first such aircraft to take flight.
1790: Discovery of the Aztec calendar stone
Also known as the Stone of the Five Eras, the sculpture was excavated in Mexico City.
1903: The first flight of an airplane, the Wright Flyer on December 17, 1903
Famous Birthdays
Births On This Day, December 17
1978: Manny Pacquiao, Filipino boxer, politician
1973: Paula RadcliffeEnglish runner
1936 Pope Francis, Current Pope of the Catholic Church.
1778: Humphry Davy, English chemist, physicist
1770: Ludwig van Beethoven, German pianist, composer
Heartbreaking Deaths
Deaths On This Day, December 17
2011: Kim Jong-il, North Korean politician, 2nd Supreme Leader of North Korea
2010: Captain Beefheart, American singer-songwriter
1933: 13th Dalai Lama
1830: Simón Bolívar, Venezuelan commander
1273: Rumi, Persian mystic, poet
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