December 7 is a day that changed history in many ways. From big scientific discoveries to a terrible attack that started a war, this day has seen events that still affect us. It’s also the birthday of artists, scientists, leaders, and stars who made the world different.
Historical Events on December 7
Royal Society Change (1727)
Sir Hans Soane became the new leader of the Royal Society after Sir Isaac Newton died. The Royal Society was (and still is) a very important group of scientists. This change marked the end of Newton’s time leading science in England.
Earth’s Magnetic Field (1804)
Alexander von Humboldt found something interesting about Earth’s magnetic field. He discovered that it’s stronger near Earth’s poles and weaker near the equator. He told other scientists about this in Paris. This helped us understand more about how Earth works.
First Plastic Invention (1909)
Leo Baekeland created Bakelite, the first plastic that could be heated and shaped. This was the start of the plastic age we live in today. Before this, people only used natural materials like wood and metal.
Baseball History (1937)
The Boston Red Sox signed Ted Williams when he was just 19 years old. This was the start of one of baseball’s greatest careers. Williams would become one of the best hitters ever.
Pearl Harbor Attack (1941)
Japan attacked the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. They used 353 planes and killed 2,403 Americans. This surprise attack made America join World War II the next day. Many people still remember this as a very sad day in history.
Famous Birthdays on December 7
Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680)
Category | Information |
---|---|
Born | December 7, 1598 |
Place | Naples, Italy |
Known for | Sculpture and architecture |
Famous work | St. Teresa in Ecstasy |
Career | Artist and architect |
Death | November 28, 1680 |
Bernini was one of the greatest artists ever. He made beautiful sculptures and buildings in Rome. His work helped create the Baroque style that made churches and buildings look very grand.
Theodor Schwann (1810-1882)
Category | Information |
---|---|
Born | December 7, 1810 |
Place | Neuss, France |
Known for | Cell theory |
Career | Scientist |
Discovery | Schwann cells |
Death | January 11, 1882 |
Theodor Schwann helped discover that all living things are made of cells. He also found special cells in our nerves that are named after him. His work helped start modern biology.
Mário Soares (1924-2017)
Category | Information |
---|---|
Born | December 7, 1924 |
Place | Lisbon, Portugal |
Known for | Portuguese leader |
Position | President and Prime Minister |
Service | 1986-1996 (President) |
Death | January 7, 2017 |
Mário Soares helped make Portugal a free country. He was both Prime Minister and President. He fought against people who wanted to control Portugal and helped make it part of modern Europe.
Ellen Burstyn (1932-Present)
Category | Information |
---|---|
Born | December 7, 1932 |
Place | Detroit, Michigan |
Known for | Acting |
Famous roles | The Exorcist |
Awards | Oscar, Emmy, Tony |
Status | Still active |
Ellen Burstyn is one of the best actresses ever. She has won all the big acting awards. She is still acting today and shows that older actresses can still do great work.
Alex Johnson (1942-2015)
Category | Information |
---|---|
Born | December 7, 1942 |
Place | Helena, Arkansas |
Known for | Baseball |
Team | California Angels |
Achievement | Batting champion 1970 |
Death | February 28, 2015 |
Alex Johnson was very good at baseball. He won the American League batting title in 1970. He played for many teams and was known for being able to hit the ball very well.
Takeaway
December 7 shows how one day can have both great achievements and sad events. From the first plastic to the attack on Pearl Harbor, these events changed the world. The people born on this day helped create beautiful art, understand science better, lead countries, and entertain people.
References
- “The Royal Society: A History” – Royal Society Archives
- “Humboldt’s Natural Science Legacy” – Scientific American Historical
- “History of Plastics” – Chemical Heritage Foundation
- “Baseball in America” – National Baseball Hall of Fame
- “Pearl Harbor: Day of Infamy” – National Archives
- “Bernini: The Artist and Rome” – Vatican Museums
- “History of Cell Theory” – National Institutes of Health
- “Portuguese Democracy” – European Historical Review
- “American Film History” – Academy of Motion Pictures
- “Baseball’s Greatest Players” – MLB Historical Society