877day.year
Louis the Stammerer (son of Charles the Bald) is crowned king of the West Frankish Kingdom at Compiègne.
Louis the Stammerer is crowned king of the West Frankish Kingdom at Compiègne in 877, succeeding his father Charles the Bald.
Louis the Stammerer, son of the powerful Emperor Charles the Bald, ascended to the West Frankish throne on December 8, 877. The coronation at Compiègne symbolized a continuation of Carolingian rule amid growing noble unrest. Despite his royal lineage, Louis was known for his gentle nature and speech impediment, earning him his nickname. His brief reign faced challenges, including baronial uprisings and external threats from Vikings. Louis’s leadership style contrasted sharply with his father’s more assertive approach. He sought to balance the demands of powerful nobles with the need for royal authority. His untimely death in 879 led to further fragmentation of the Frankish realms. Louis’s coronation remains a key moment in the late Carolingian dynasty.
877
Louis the Stammerer
Charles the Bald
West Frankish Kingdom
Compiègne
1907day.year
King Gustaf V of Sweden accedes to the Swedish throne.
King Gustaf V accedes to the Swedish throne on December 8, 1907, succeeding his father Oscar II.
Upon the death of his father, King Oscar II, Gustaf V became the monarch of Sweden on December 8, 1907. Educated in the military and passionate about sports, Gustaf V was popular with his subjects and known for his interest in constitutional monarchy. His long reign spanned both World Wars, during which Sweden maintained a policy of neutrality. Under his rule, Sweden experienced significant social reforms and industrial growth. Gustaf V navigated political tensions between liberal and conservative factions with varying degrees of success. His personal relationships with European royalty linked him to major dynastic events of the era. He abdicated in practice in his later years, passing duties to his son, Gustaf VI Adolf. Gustaf V remains one of Sweden’s longest-reigning monarchs and a symbol of early 20th-century Swedish identity.
1907
King Gustaf V of Sweden
Swedish throne
1912day.year
Leaders of the German Empire hold an Imperial War Council to discuss the possibility that war might break out.
In 1912, senior figures of the German Empire convened an Imperial War Council to deliberate the growing prospect of a major conflict in Europe.
As rival alliances and military buildups intensified across Europe, Kaiser Wilhelm II and his staff met to assess Germany’s strategic readiness. The Council examined intelligence on Russia and France, debated mobilization plans, and weighed diplomatic options. This high-level session reflected the empire’s concern over its place in an increasingly polarized continent. Although no immediate decision to go to war was made, the meeting foreshadowed the preparedness that would characterize Germany’s approach in 1914. Historians view the 1912 Council as a critical moment in pre-war planning and a sign of mounting tensions that led to World War I.
1912
German Empire
Imperial War Council
1955day.year
The Flag of Europe is adopted by Council of Europe.
On December 8, 1955, the Council of Europe officially adopted the twelve-star Flag of Europe as its emblem of unity.
Designed by Belgian artist Arsène Heitz, the circle of twelve golden stars set against a blue background symbolizes solidarity, harmony, and perfection. Though initially representing the Council of Europe, the design was later embraced by the European Economic Community and subsequently the European Union. The flag is now a ubiquitous symbol flown at institutions, schools, and events across Europe. Its adoption marked a step forward in post-war reconciliation and the drive toward continental integration. Enduring through decades of expansion, the Flag of Europe stands as a powerful icon of shared values and cooperation.
1955
Flag of Europe
Council of Europe
1974day.year
A plebiscite results in the abolition of monarchy in Greece.
A national referendum in Greece resulted in the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic.
On December 8, 1974, following the fall of the military junta, the Greek people voted in a plebiscite on the future of the monarchy. The question asked whether they wished to retain King Constantine II as head of state. A decisive majority voted to abolish the monarchy and establish a presidential republic. The result ended centuries of royal rule and restored democratic governance under Prime Minister Constantine Karamanlis. King Constantine lived in exile immediately after the vote. The abolition was later enshrined in the 1975 Constitution of Greece. This pivotal moment reshaped Greek politics and society, marking the final chapter for the House of Glücksburg. Republic Day is celebrated annually in Greece to commemorate the event.
1974
plebiscite
monarchy in Greece
1985day.year
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, the regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union in South Asia, is established.
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was founded to promote economic and regional integration in South Asia.
On December 8, 1985, seven South Asian nations—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—came together in Dhaka to establish SAARC. The organization aimed to enhance cooperation in economics, agriculture, culture, and science and technology among member states. SAARC provided a platform for dialogue to address shared challenges such as poverty, population growth, and regional security. The inaugural summit set up a secretariat in Kathmandu to coordinate activities and implement joint initiatives. Over the years, SAARC has launched programs on health, education, and disaster management. Critics note slow progress due to geopolitical tensions, but SAARC remains a key institution for South Asian diplomacy. Annual observances like SAARC Charter Day reaffirm the commitment to regional collaboration. The association continues to seek ways to deepen integration amidst changing global dynamics.
1985
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
1987day.year
Cold War: The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty is signed by U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in the White House.
The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was signed by the US and USSR, eliminating an entire class of nuclear missiles.
On December 8, 1987, President Ronald Reagan and General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev met in the White House to sign the INF Treaty. This landmark agreement required both superpowers to eliminate all ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. The treaty led to the destruction of 2,692 missiles and implemented on-site verification measures unprecedented in arms control history. It marked the first time Cold War adversaries agreed to reduce and eliminate an entire category of nuclear weapons. The INF Treaty helped de-escalate tensions in Europe and paved the way for further arms reduction talks, including the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. Its rigorous inspection regime built trust between NATO and Warsaw Pact nations. The treaty’s success is credited with contributing to the end of the Cold War. Although the US withdrew from the INF Treaty in 2019, its legacy continues to influence disarmament efforts.
1987
Cold War
Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty
Ronald Reagan
Mikhail Gorbachev
White House
1991day.year
The leaders of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine sign an agreement dissolving the Soviet Union and establishing the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Leaders of Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine signed the Belovezh Accords, dissolving the Soviet Union and creating the CIS.
On December 8, 1991, the presidents of Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine convened at the Belovezh Accords in Belarus.
They signed a declaration that formally declared the Soviet Union dissolved and replaced it with the Commonwealth of Independent States.
The agreement bypassed Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, illustrating the rapid collapse of central authority.
Following the accords, other Soviet republics declared independence or joined the newly formed CIS.
The event marked the definitive end of the Cold War and a major realignment of global power structures.
It led to the emergence of 15 independent nations from the former Soviet territories.
The dissolution reshaped political, economic, and social dynamics across Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
1991
Belarus
Ukraine
agreement
Soviet Union
Commonwealth of Independent States
2001day.year
A raid conducted by the Internal Security Department (ISD) of Singapore foils a Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) plot to bomb foreign embassies in Singapore.
Singapore's ISD raided suspects and thwarted a Jemaah Islamiyah plot to bomb foreign embassies, preventing mass casualties.
On December 8, 2001, the Internal Security Department of Singapore launched a raid against suspected terrorists.
The operation disrupted a Jemaah Islamiyah cell planning to bomb multiple foreign embassies.
Security forces arrested key operatives and seized explosives, averting potential mass casualties.
Authorities credited rapid intelligence gathering and surveillance for the raid's success.
This preemptive action showcased Singapore's robust counterterrorism measures.
Regional partners lauded the operation as a model for international cooperation.
The incident underscored the importance of vigilance in combating terrorist threats.
2001
Internal Security Department (ISD) of Singapore
Jemaah Islamiyah (JI)
plot to bomb foreign embassies in Singapore
2004day.year
The Cusco Declaration is signed in Cusco, Peru, establishing the South American Community of Nations.
South American nations signed the Cusco Declaration to form the South American Community of Nations, aiming for regional unity.
On December 8, 2004, presidents and officials from across South America gathered in Cusco, Peru.
They signed the Cusco Declaration, founding the South American Community of Nations.
The organization aimed to promote political, economic, and cultural integration.
It served as a step toward the later creation of UNASUR in 2008.
Leaders envisioned a regional bloc capable of negotiating trade and addressing social issues collaboratively.
The declaration underscored Latin America's pursuit of collective autonomy and cooperation.
This milestone marked a shift toward deeper South-South engagement on the continent.
2004
Cusco Declaration
Cusco
Peru
South American Community of Nations