December 8

1914 World War I: The Battle of the Falkland Islands:

A month after German naval forces led by Admiral Maximilian von Spee inflicted the Royal Navy's first defeat in a century by sinking two British cruisers with all hands off the southern coast of Chile, Spee's squadron attempts to raid the Falkland Islands, located in the southern Atlantic Ocean, only to be thwarted by the British navy. Under the command of Admiral Doveton Sturdee, the British seamen sought vengeance on behalf of their defeated fellows.

Spee could have given the Falklands a wide berth, but he brought his fleet close to British squadrons anchored in Cape Pembroke in the Falkland Islands, confident he could outdistance the slow British Dreadnoughts, or big battleships, he saw in the port. Instead, the German light cruisers, damaged by the long voyage and heavy use, soon found themselves pursued by two swift battle cruisers, Inflexible and Invincible, designed by Britain's famous First Sea Lord, Jackie Fisher, to combine speed and maneuverability with heavy hitting power.

Inflexible opened fire on the German ships from 16,500 yards, careful to stay outside the range of the German guns. Spee's flagship, Scharnhorst was sunk first, with the admiral aboard; his two sons, on the Gneisenau and Nürnberg, also went down with their ships. All told, Germany lost four warships and more than 2,000 sailors in the Falkland Islands, compared with only 10 British deaths.

Historians have referred to the Battle of the Falkland Islands as the most decisive naval battle of World War I. It gave the Allies a huge, much-needed surge of confidence on the seas, especially important because other areas of the war—the Western Front, Gallipoli—were not proceeding as hoped. The battle also represents one of the last important instances of old-style naval warfare, between ships and sailors and their guns alone, without the aid or interference of airplanes, submarines, or underwater minefields. (History.com)

1917 World War I: Jerusalem: Allenby assaults the Turkish and German positions, driving them from Jerusalem.

1918 Citation French Government Citation in Honor of 4th American Brigade:

Issued December 8, 1918, in honor of the 4th American Brigade, fighting at Belleau Wood. This brigade consisted of two regiments of Marines, and a Machine-Gun battalion from the "Regulars" of the USA. During these operations [of early June], thanks to the brilliant courage, vigour, dash, and tenacity of its men, who refused to be disheartened by fatigue or losses; thanks to the activity and energy of the officers, and thanks to the personal action of Brig. Gen. Harbord, the efforts of the brigade were crowned with success, realizing after twelve days of incessant struggle an important advance over the most difficult of terrain and the capture of two support points of the highest importance, Bouresches village and the fortified wood of Belleau.



1920 Isolationism: President Woodrow Wilson declines to send a representative to the League of Nations in Geneva.

1922 Birth: Lucian Freud: artist, in Berlin.

1923 Weimar: A German-US friendship treaty is signed.

1932 Nazi party: Gregor Strasser, Hitler's most influential rival in the NSDAP, resigns from his Nazi party offices and goes on vacation. This is an ill-advised move, and will give his enemies the opportunity to isolate him politically.

1932 League of Nations: Japan states that the League has no control or say over Japanese designs in China.

1938 Various:

Holocaust: All Jews are banned from conducting research at German universities. Jewish students can no longer attend German Universities.


Gypsies: Himmler signs an order regarding the need to regulate the "Gypsy question" in Germany.

1939 Various:

Quisling: Alfred Rosenberg introduces Hitler to Vidkun Quisling (above), head of the Norwegian National Unity Party.

Church and Reich: The Vatican issues a pastoral letter to the clergy serving as military chaplains in the armed forces of the warring nations. The present war, Pope Pius declares, should be seen as a manifestation of God's providence, as the will of a Heavenly Father who always turns evil into good.



1940 World War II: Blitz: A heavy overnight raid by German bombers on London causes the first serious damage to the House of Commons and Tower of London.

1941 Various:

Countdown to Infamy: From the US Ambassador to Japan (Joseph Grew) to the US Secretary of State:

At seven this morning the Foreign Minister asked that I call at his official residence. There he handed to me a memorandum of today's date. The Foreign Minister said it had been transmitted to Washington for the Japanese Ambassador to present this morning to you (Washington time, evening of December 7). The Foreign Minister said that the Japanese Emperor desired this memorandum to be considered as his reply to the message of President Roosevelt. The following oral statement was then made to me by the Foreign Minister: "His Majesty has expressed his gratefulness and appreciation for the cordial message of the President. He has graciously let known his wishes to the Foreign Minister to convey the following to the President as a reply to the latter's message: "Some days ago, the President made inquiries regarding the circumstances of the augmentation of Japanese forces in French Indo-china to which His Majesty has directed the Government to reply. Withdrawal of Japanese forces from French Indochina constitute one of the subject matters of the Japanese-American negotiation; His Majesty has commanded the Government to state its views to the American Government also on this question. It is, therefore, desire that the President will kindly refer to this reply. "Establishment of peace in the Pacific, and consequently of the world, has been the cherished desire of His Majesty for the realization of which he has hitherto made his Government to continue its earnest endeavors. His Majesty trusts that the President is fully aware of this fact."

Countdown to Infamy: President Roosevelt addresses a joint session of Congress:

Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack. It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu. Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island. Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation. As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again. Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces—with the unbounded determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God. I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.

The United States declares war on Japan:

Within one hour, the president had his declaration of war, with only one dissenting vote, from a pacifist in the House. FDR signed the declaration at 4:10 p.m., wearing a black armband to symbolize mourning for those lost at Pearl Harbor.

On both coasts, civilian defense groups were mobilized. In New York, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia ordered the rounding up of Japanese nationals, who were transported to Ellis Island and held in custody indefinitely. In California, antiaircraft batteries were set up on Long Beach and the Hollywood Hills. Reports on supposed spy activity on the part of Japanese Americans began pouring into Washington, even as Japanese Americans paid for space in newspapers to declare unreservedly their loyalty to the United States. The groundwork was being laid for the tragic internment of Japanese Americans, thought a necessary caution at the time but regretted years later as a hysterical and bigoted response. [For further details, Click here.]

Jeanette Rankin casts sole vote against WWII:

On this day, Montanan Jeanette Rankin, the first woman elected to Congress and a dedicated lifelong pacifist, casts the sole Congressional vote against the U.S. declaration of war on Japan. She was the only member of Congress to vote against U.S. involvement in both World Wars, having been among those who voted against American entry into World War I nearly a quarter of a century earlier.

Rankin was a committed pacifist, and she cared little about the damage her beliefs caused her political career. Although some male representatives joined her in voting against World War I in 1917, many citizens saw her vote as evidence that a woman could not handle the difficult burdens of national leadership. Perhaps as a result, Montanans voted her out of office two years later. Ironically, Rankin won re-election to the House in 1940, just in time to face another vote on war.

While her commitment to pacifism was politically harmful during World War I, Rankin knew that in the case of World War II, it would be downright suicidal. The surprise Japanese attack on the U.S. military base at Pearl Harbor was devastating, and zeal for revenge was at a fever pitch. The vast majority of Americans supported President Roosevelt's call for a declaration of war.

Rankin, however, believed that Roosevelt deliberately provoked the Japanese to attack because he wanted to bring the U.S. into the European war against Germany; she was determined not to cooperate with the president's plan. After a 40-minute debate on the floor of the House, a roll call vote began. When her turn came, Rankin stood and said, "As a woman, I can't go to war and I refuse to send anyone else."

When news of Rankin's vote reached the crowd gathered outside the capitol, some patriots threatened to attack the Montana congresswoman, and police escorted her out of the building. Rankin was vilified in the press, accused of disloyalty, and called "Japanette Rankin," among other impolite names. She stood her ground, however, and never apologized for her vote.

When her term neared completion two years later, Rankin was certain she would not win re-election and chose not to run again. She continued to be an active advocate for pacifism, and led a campaign against the Vietnam War in 1968 when she was 87 years old.

Countdown to Infamy: From the diary of Count Galeazzo Ciano, Foreign Minister of Italy:

A night telephone call from Ribbentrop. He is overjoyed about the Japanese attack on America. He is so happy about it that I am happy with him, though I am not too sure about the final advantages of what has happened. One thing is now certain, that America will enter the conflict and that the conflict will be so long that she will be able to realize all her potential forces. This morning I told this to the King who had been pleased about the event. He ended by admitting that, in the long run, I may be right. Mussolini was happy, too. For a long time he has favored a definite clarification of relations between America and the Axis.

Countdown to Infamy: Berlin to Tokyo:

At 1:00 PM today (8th) I called on Foreign Minister Ribbentrop and told him our wish was to have Germany and Italy issue formal declarations of war on America at once. Ribbentrop replied that Hitler was then in the midst of a conference at general headquarters discussing how the formalities of declaring war could be carried out so as to make a good impression on the German people, and that he would transmit your wish to him at once and do whatever he was able to have it carried out promptly. At that time Ribbentrop told me that on the morning of the 8th Hitler issued orders to the entire German navy to attack American ships whenever and wherever they may meet them.

Countdown to Infamy: Berlin to Tokyo:

From 5 PM today myself, RIBBENTROP, KASE, USHIDA, and GAUSS put our heads together on this matter of the non-conclusion of a separate peace with a view to imparting to this declaration the loftiest possible significance, and produced the agreement contained in my telegram under reference. This goes beyond the adoption of our proposal in regard to a promise of non-conclusion of a separate peace (Clause II) to the following extent: (a) The Three Powers' firm intention to fight against Anglo-American aggression until final victory is expressed in Clause II. (b) Cooperation with a view to the establishment of a new order after the war is promised in Clause III. Thereby the significance of this war is elucidated, while at the same time Clause III has an advantage from the point of view of obtaining German and Italian cooperation then the Great East Asia co-prosperity sphere is established after the war, this, I believe, being in accord with the views of the Japanese Government. I hope therefore that the above text will be adopted unless there are any serious objections, and that the formalities for signature may be completed promptly. I would add that in the meantime the Germans have notified me that the Italian Government is in complete agreement with this proposal. 2. RIBBENTROP said that he would like the publication of this agreement to take place on the 10th and immediately afterwards hoped to stage a big demonstration. He was at the moment unable to say what kind of demonstration this would be but it was sure to be something distinctly favorable to JAPAN, and he was most anxious that signature should be on the 10th. I therefore told him that this could not be undertaken in view of formalities in JAPAN, but as it is likely to be helpful to us if we play our part in falling in with GERMANY's intention I would suggest that you push on with the formalities as fast as possible with a view to prompt signature. Should signature on the 10th not be possible please reply immediately by telegram on what date it can be accomplished. 3. Just as this very talk was in progress RIBBENTROP received the Imperial Headquarters report of the victory in which the American battleships were sunk, and was greatly delighted and praised highly the daring of our Navy.

Countdown to Infamy: The Dutch government—in exile in London—declares war on Japan.

Countdown to Infamy: San Francisco has its first blackout, at 6.15pm.

Countdown to Infamy: Japanese General Tomoyuki Yamashita begins his attack against the British army at Singapore.

Countdown to Infamy: Hong Kong: Led by Takashi Sakai, the Imperial Japanese Army attacks Hong Kong and quickly achieves air superiority by bombing Kai Tak Airport. [For further information, click here]

World War II: Barbarossa: Hitler issues Directive #39:

The severe winter weather which has come surprisingly early in the East, and the consequent difficulties in bringing up supplies, compel us to abandon immediately all major offensive operations and to go over to the defensive. The way in which these defensive operations are to be carried out will be decided in accordance with the purpose which they are intended to serve, viz: (a) To hold areas which are of great operational or economic importance to the enemy. (b) To enable forces in the East to rest and recuperate as much as possible. (c) Thus to establish conditions suitable for the resumption of large-scale offensive operations in 1942. My detailed orders are as follows: I. Army: 1. The main body of the Army in the East will, as soon as possible, go over to the defensive.

Holocaust: Chelmno:

The first center for the mass extermination of Jews . . . from December 8th 1941 (the arrival of the first transport of prisoners) to April 7th 1943 (the blowing up of the palace and the demolition of the crematories). The extermination took place in mobile gas chambers, (Spezialwagen), using exhaust fumes. After being brought to Chelmno, the [victims] were [led] into the palace, supposedly in order to take a bath. They were later forced into the gas-truck. After the motor was started, the exhaust fumes entered inside the truck as it was being driven to the Rzuchowski Forest, four kilometers away from Chelmno. There a group of Jewish workers, who were picked out from the transports as needed, buried the bodies in large grave ditches. In the summer of 1942, probably for fear of an epidemic, the graves were re-opened and all the bodies were burned in the crematories.

The first to be murdered were the Jews from the nearby ghettos in Kolo, Dabie and Izbica Kujawska. Beginning in January, 1942, the Gypsies from Lodz started to brought in, followed by the Jews from the Lodz ghetto, which also contained Jews from abroad, (Germany, Czechoslovakia, Austria . . . ), for whom the Lodz ghetto was just a transient stage in their tragedy . . . .

[In the ]summer of 1944 . . . . the Sonderkommando crew, which had been sent to Jugoslavia to fight the partisans, returned to Chelmno . . . . The palace had already been destroyed, so extermination was continued in the Rzuchowski Forest. After the arrival of several transports, the operation of the camp was again suspended and the Jews ceased being murdered on a large scale in Chelmno . . . . The last execution took place on the night of January 17th, 1945.

It is difficult to arrive at a possible figure for the number of victims of the Chelmno camp . . . . but according to the analysis of various publications and other sources of information, one may cautiously argue that there were 200,000–250,000 people killed in Chelmno. Most of the victims were Jews, but probably among the murdered were also groups of Poles, Soviet war prisoners, about 5,000 gypsies, children from the Czech village of Lidice. [For further details, Click here.]

1942 Various:

Holocaust: The Germans deport 927 Dutch Jews to Auschwitz.

Medical research: Professor Hallervorden, Department Head at the KWI of Brain Research, writes in a progress report on his research for the DFG: "In addition, during the course of this summer, I have been able to dissect 500 brains from feeble-minded individuals, and to prepare them for examination."

1943 World War II: War in the Pacific: US carrier-based planes sink two cruisers and down 72 planes in the Marshall Islands.

1944 World War II: Various:

World War II: War in the Pacific: The United States conducts the longest, most effective air raid of the war on the Pacific Island of Iwo Jima.

Greece: General Scobie (Athens) to Churchill:

Increased activities on the part of the rebels and widespread sniping limited progress during the fighting, which continued throughout yesterday. By midday the total of rebel prisoners under military guard was 35 officers, 524 other ranks. These figures do not include those held by the police, as it is difficult to obtain accurate figures for them . . . . In face of strong opposition our troops were forced to withdraw in one area. In the area being cleared by the Greek Mountain Brigade an attack was made by the rebels from the flank. The attack was held, but delayed progress of the brigade.

Greece: Churchill to General Scobie (Athens):

There is much talk in the Press tonight of a peace offer by E.L.A.S. Naturally we should be glad to have this matter settled, but you should make quite sure, so far as your influence goes, that we do not give away for the sake of kindness what has been won by our troops. It would seem to me that anything less satisfactory than the terms agreed upon before the revolt took place should not be accepted. Also it is difficult to see how E.A.M. leaders, with their hands wet with Greek and British blood, should resume their places in the cabinet. This however might be got over. The great thing is to proceed with caution and to consult us about the terms when they are made. The clear objective is the defeat of E.A.M. The ending of the fighting is subsidiary to this. I am ordering large reinforcements to come to Athens, and Field-Marshal Alexander will probably be with you in a few days. Firmness and sobriety are what are needed now, and not eager embraces, while the real quarrel is unsettled. Keep us informed before any compromise is settled in which you or Lepper are concerned.

1949 Chinese Nationalists move capital to Taiwan:

As they steadily lose ground to the communist forces of Mao Zedong, Chinese Nationalist leaders depart for the island of Taiwan, where they establish their new capital. Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek left for the island the following day. This action marked the beginning of the "two Chinas" scenario that left mainland China under communist control and vexed U.S. diplomacy for the next 30 years. It also signaled the effective end of the long struggle between Chinese Nationalist forces and those of the communist leader Mao Zedong, though scattered Chinese Nationalists continued sporadic combat with the communist armies. [For further details, Click here.]

1982 Meryl Streep stars in Sophie's Choice:

On this day in 1982, Sophie's Choice, starring the actress Meryl Streep as a Holocaust survivor, opens in theaters. Directed by Alan J. Pakula (All The President's Men, The Pelican Brief) and based on a 1979 novel of the same name by William Styron, Sophie's Choice co-starred Kevin Kline and Peter MacNicol. The "choice" in the film's title refers to a terrible decision Streep's character is forced to make, about which of her two children will live or die while in a concentration camp. Streep went on to win a Best Actress Oscar for Sophie's Choice, firmly establishing herself as one of the greatest actresses of her generation in Hollywood. To date, she has received more Academy Award nominations than any other actor in history. [For further details, Click here.]

1987 President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev sign a treaty calling for destruction of intermediate-range nuclear missiles. (AP)

1991 Russia, Belarus and Ukraine declared the Soviet national government dead, forming a new Commonwealth of Independent States.

Edited by Levi Bookin (Copy editor)
levi.bookin@gmail.com









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