On this day in history

December 1

American

1955Rosa Parks is arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, for refusing to give up her bus seat, igniting the bus boycott.

Rosa Parks is arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, for refusing to give up her bus seat, igniting the bus boycott.

1958Fire sweeps the Our Lady of the Angels school in Chicago, killing 92 children and three nuns.

Fire sweeps the Our Lady of the Angels school in Chicago, killing 92 children and three nuns.

1862Abraham Lincoln tells Congress: we cannot escape history, urging emancipation as the war drags on.

Abraham Lincoln tells Congress: we cannot escape history, urging emancipation as the war drags on.

1640Portugal rises against Spain and restores its independence after 60 years under the Spanish crown.

Portugal rises against Spain and restores its independence after 60 years under the Spanish crown.

1959Twelve nations sign the Antarctic Treaty, setting aside the frozen continent for science and peace.

Twelve nations sign the Antarctic Treaty, setting aside the frozen continent for science and peace.

1991Ukrainians vote overwhelmingly for independence from the Soviet Union, dooming the USSR.

Ukrainians vote overwhelmingly for independence from the Soviet Union, dooming the USSR.

1988The first World AIDS Day is observed around the globe.

The first World AIDS Day is observed around the globe.