Five Things to Know About This Day in History: December 5th

December 5th is a date marked by pivotal environmental, political, and cultural turning points. From deadly smog to the end of Prohibition, this day has repeatedly altered the course of history. Key events span from 1848 to the present, offering a rich tapestry of global significance.

These milestones include a U.S. presidential confirmation that sparked a mass migration and a court decision that freed a controversial world leader. The day’s impact is felt across centuries and continents, shaping laws, societies, and individual lives in profound ways. Understanding this history provides crucial context for current events.

From Gold Rushes to Great Smog: Key December 5th Events

In 1848, President James K. Polk confirmed the discovery of gold in California. This announcement directly triggered the famous Gold Rush of 1849. It spurred a massive westward migration that reshaped America.

Exactly 104 years later, the Great Smog of London began in 1952. This toxic fog blanketed the city for five days. It was later blamed for causing thousands of deaths from respiratory failure.

Another major American shift occurred in 1933. Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment on this date. That action officially ended the era of Prohibition in the United States.

Modern Legal and Political Reckonings

The date holds weight in modern legal history. In 2008, O.J. Simpson was sentenced for armed robbery in Las Vegas. He received a prison term of up to 33 years for the crime.

In 2009, an Italian court convicted American student Amanda Knox of murder. She and her ex-boyfriend were found guilty of killing her roommate, Meredith Kercher. This case became a global media sensation for years.

More recently, in 2023, Peru’s constitutional court ordered the release of ex-President Alberto Fujimori. He was serving a 25-year sentence for human rights abuses. This decision was highly controversial and reported by major outlets like Reuters and the Associated Press.

Exploring December 5th history reveals how single days can encapsulate drama, tragedy, and social change. The date serves as a powerful reminder of our interconnected past.

Thought you’d like to know-

What was the Great Smog of London?

The Great Smog was a severe air pollution event in London in December 1952. A combination of industrial emissions and weather conditions created a thick, toxic fog. It is estimated to have caused thousands of premature deaths.

How did December 5th change U.S. history?

It changed U.S. history twice in major ways. President Polk’s 1848 gold confirmation started the California Gold Rush. Then, in 1933, Utah’s ratification brought an end to the Prohibition of alcohol nationwide.

Who are some famous people born on December 5th?

Notable birthdays include opera star Jose Carreras (79) and Goo Goo Dolls musician John Rzeznik (60). Former NFL Hall of Famer Art Monk also celebrates his birthday today. He is now 68 years old.

What was significant about the O.J. Simpson sentencing?

O.J. Simpson was sentenced on December 5, 2008, for a Las Vegas armed robbery. This followed his acquittal in a famous murder trial over a decade earlier. The sentence was up to 33 years in prison.

Why is the Amanda Knox verdict remembered?

The 2009 guilty verdict against American student Amanda Knox was a major international news story. The case involved the murder of her British roommate in Italy. Her conviction was later overturned by Italy’s highest court.

Trusted Sources

Associated Press, Reuters, BBC, The New York Times, The Guardian.