History has a remarkable way of circling back. Every date carries echoes of invention, conflict, courage and tragedy, and 3 December is no exception.
From scientific breakthroughs and cultural milestones to catastrophic disasters and turning points in global politics, this date has witnessed events that left a permanent mark on the world. Here’s a look at some of the most defining moments that unfolded on 3 December across centuries.
Thomas Harriot introduced potatoes – 1580
English astronomer and mathematician Thomas Harriot brought potatoes to the British Isles, planting the seeds for what would later become one of Europe’s most widely consumed crops.
Neon lighting demonstrated publicly – 1910
Renowned crime writer Agatha Christie vanished without explanation for 11 days, sparking a national search and becoming one of the most fascinating real-life mysteries linked to the literary icon.
Agatha Christie disappears mysteriously – 1926
British mystery novelist Agatha Christie vanished for 11 days, triggering nationwide headlines and one of the most bewildering real-life mysteries in literary history.
First human heart transplant – 1967
South African surgeon Dr Christiaan Barnard performed the world’s first human heart transplant on patient Louis Washkansky, setting a new benchmark in global medical innovation.
Assassination attempt on Bob Marley – 1967
Reggae pioneer Bob Marley survived an armed attack at his home in Kingston, Jamaica, an incident widely believed to be driven by political tensions surrounding his rising influence.
Beginning of the Indo-Pakistani War – 1971
Pakistan’s air strikes on North India prompted swift retaliation from the Indian Air Force, marking the beginning of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, a conflict that reshaped South Asian geopolitics.
Bhopal gas tragedy – 1984
One of the deadliest industrial disasters in history occurred when toxic methyl isocyanate gas leaked from the Union Carbide facility in Bhopal, killing more than 15,000 people and injuring over half a million.
End of the Cold War signalled – 1989
At a summit in Malta, US President George H. W. Bush and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev issued statements signalling that the decades-long Cold War was coming to an end.
David Attenborough warns of global collapse – 2018
Speaking at the UN climate summit in Poland, Sir David Attenborough issued a stark warning that humanity faced the potential collapse of civilisation and the natural world due to climate change.
Also Read: What Happened On 1 December
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