The Cretan Autonomous State was established on this day in 1898 under the Julian calendar. By the Gregorian calendar, it was December 21.

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Christina of Sweden was born on this day in 1626. In the new-style calendar, she was born Dec. 18. She's also covered in the October 20, 2014 episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class.

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Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on this day in 1941, bringing the United States into World War II.

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The Halifax Disaster occurred on this day in 1917. There's more on the tragedy in the December 19, 2011 episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class.

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The Mary Celeste was spotted adrift on this day in 1872. You can learn more in the January 24, 2013 episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class.

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Rainer Maria Rilke was born on this day in 1875.

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The trial of the Kapenguria Six began on this day in 1952.

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The Monroe Doctrine was articulated in an address to Congress on this day in 1823.

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Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus on this day in 1955. There's more in the February 3 and 5, 2014, episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class.

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Elizabeth I delivered her "Golden Speech" on this day in 1601.

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