1965

“A Charlie Brown Christmas,” the first animated TV special featuring characters from the “Peanuts” comic strip, premiered on CBS.

1979

Scientists certified the global eradication of smallpox.

1990

Solidarity founder Lech Walesa won Poland’s first free presidential election since 1926.

2008

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested on corruption charges, including attempting to profit from filling the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.