This Day In History : December 11

1946 United States

UNICEF Established by the United Nations

On December 11, 1946, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was established by the United Nations General Assembly. Originally created to provide emergency relief and healthcare to children in war-torn Europe, UNICEF has since evolved into a global organization dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of children worldwide through various programs and initiatives.

Also on This Day in History December 11

Discover what happened on December 11 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, December 11
  • 1889 Walter Knott

    American farmer and businessman who founded Knott's Berry Farm

  • 1781 David Brewster

    Scottish physicist who invented kaleidoscope

  • 1925 Paul Greengard

    American neuroscientist

  • 1892 John Augustus Larson

    Canadian-American psychiatrist who invented the modern polygraph

  • 1843 Robert Koch

    German pioneering bacteriologist who discovered TB, cholera, Nobel Prize 1905

Deaths on This Day, December 11
  • 1945 Charles Fabry

    French physicist who discoverer of ozone layer in upper atmosphere

  • 1971 Maurice McDonald

    American fast-food pioneer

  • 1979 James Gibson

    American perceptual psychologist

  • 1950 Leslie Comrie

    New Zealand astronomer and a pioneer in mechanical computation

  • 1928 Lewis Howard Latimer

    American inventor of carbon filament lightbulb

1997

Kyoto Protocol Adopted

On December 11, 1997, the Kyoto Protocol was adopted. This international treaty aimed to combat climate change by setting binding obligations on industrialized countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The protocol marked a significant step in global efforts to address climate change and laid the groundwork for subsequent international agreements and actions on environmental sustainability.
2001

China Joins the World Trade Organization (WTO)

On December 11, 2001, China officially joined the World Trade Organization (WTO). This event marked a significant milestone in China's integration into the global economy and signaled its commitment to international trade rules and regulations. China's accession to the WTO opened up new opportunities and challenges for its economy and trade relations with countries around the world.
1816

Indiana Becomes the 19th U.S. State

On December 11, 1816, Indiana became the 19th state to join the United States. This milestone marked Indiana's formal admission into the Union, expanding the geographic and political landscape of the growing nation.
2009

Angry Birds released internationally

On December 11, 2009, Angry Birds, a popular Finnish puzzle video game developed by Rovio Entertainment, was released internationally. The game quickly gained worldwide popularity for its addictive gameplay and became a cultural phenomenon, leading to numerous sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise.
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