On This Day
What Happened on December 7 in History
8 events that happened on December 7, oldest first. Every entry is written in our own words and links to its source.
Colonial America and the Revolution
1787
Delaware becomes the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
All 30 delegates to Delaware's ratifying convention in Dover voted in favor. Under its own terms, the Constitution would take effect once nine of the 13 states had approved it.
Source: history.com
The Young Republic and the Civil War Era
1847
President James K. Polk defends the war with Mexico in his annual message to Congress.
Polk argued that Mexico had started the conflict by invading Texas and that the United States had been compelled to fight in self-defense. He also said Mexico had rejected American offers of peace.
Source: millercenter.org
1862
Union troops hold off a Confederate attack at the Battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas.
A Union force under General James G. Blunt withstood the Confederates of General Thomas Hindman. The battle secured northwestern Arkansas and southwestern Missouri for the Union.
Source: history.com; battlefields.org
The Early 1900s and the World Wars
1915
President Woodrow Wilson asks Congress to enlarge the U.S. Army as war rages in Europe.
In his annual message, Wilson proposed increasing the regular army and strengthening national defense, while insisting the nation sought no aggression. The United States entered World War I less than two years later.
Source: millercenter.org
1941
Japanese forces launch a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Hundreds of Japanese warplanes struck the Pacific Fleet on Oahu beginning at 7:55 a.m. local time, sinking or badly damaging battleships and other vessels and destroying more than 200 aircraft. About 2,400 Americans were killed, and the next day Congress declared war on Japan, bringing the United States into World War II.
Source: history.com; nps.gov
The Cold War
1972
Apollo 17, the final Apollo mission to the Moon, lifts off from Kennedy Space Center.
Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt explored the lunar surface while Ronald Evans orbited overhead. The crew splashed down safely on December 19, 1972.
Source: nasa.gov
1975
Indonesia launches a full-scale invasion of East Timor.
The attack came nine days after the former Portuguese colony proclaimed its independence as the Democratic Republic of East Timor. East Timorese voted overwhelmingly for independence in a 1999 referendum.
Source: history.com
1988
A powerful earthquake devastates northern Armenia, then part of the Soviet Union.
The main shock struck near the city of Spitak just before noon and was followed minutes later by a second strong quake. Tens of thousands of people died and hundreds of thousands of buildings were destroyed.
Source: history.com