1860

South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union on a vote of delegates at a secession convention, emboldening other Southern states to follow suit and helping to trigger the American Civil War.

1946

The holiday film “It’s a Wonderful Life” premiered in New York City.

1989

The United States launched Operation Just Cause, sending troops into Panama to topple the government of Gen. Manuel Noriega.

2024

A car slammed into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, eastern Germany, killing six people and injuring more than 200. The suspect, who was arrested, was a doctor originally from Saudi Arabia who had expressed anti-Muslim views and support on social media for a far-right party.