This Day in History: What Happened Today in History – 2 December

Every day has a history, a story behind the date we often skip over. What happened on December 2 has shaped nations, science and even our view of medicine. On December 2, 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself Emperor of France, a dramatic turn that changed European history. In 1823, James Monroe announced the Monroe Doctrine, a bold statement that shaped American foreign policy. Then, in 1942, Enrico Fermi led scientists in achieving the world's first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction, ushering in the Atomic Age. Later, in 1982, doctors in the United States implanted the first permanent artificial heart, a medical milestone. In the sections ahead, you'll read more about births, deaths, and other landmark moments from December 2, each with a story worth remembering.

What Happened On This Day—December 2?

Here's what happened in history on December 2:

1942 – First Nuclear Chain Reaction Takes Place

• On December 2, 1942, scientists led by Enrico Fermi created the world's first controlled nuclear chain reaction.
• The experiment took place under the stands of Stagg Field at the University of Chicago.
• It marked a significant milestone for the top-secret Manhattan Project.
• The success helped launch the Nuclear Age.
• Chinese-born physicist Chien-Shiung Wu was one of the unsung contributors and the only Asian American scientist involved.

2001 – Enron Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

• On December 2, 2001, Enron filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, marking one of the largest corporate collapses in U.S. history.
• Massive accounting fraud led to the downfall.
• Thousands of employees were laid off.
• The scandal reshaped corporate accountability and financial regulations.

1776 – George Washington Reaches the Delaware River

• On December 2, 1776, Washington moved the Continental Army's supplies across the Delaware River.
• He reported the action to Congress the following day.
• This came shortly before his famous Christmas-night crossing.

1777 – Lydia Darragh Learns of British Attack Plans

• On December 2, 1777, Philadelphia midwife Lydia Darragh overheard British plans to attack Washington's army.
• Her warning helped save the Continental Army.
• She is remembered as a quiet yet brave patriot spy.

1804 – Napoleon Crowned Emperor

• On December 2, 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself Emperor at Notre Dame Cathedral.
• Pope Pius VII handed him the crown, but Napoleon placed it on his own head.
• His rise reshaped Europe and sparked years of conflict.

1823 – Monroe Doctrine Declared

• On December 2, 1823, President James Monroe announced the Monroe Doctrine.
• It warned European powers not to interfere in the Western Hemisphere.
• It became a long-standing pillar of U.S. foreign policy.

1859 – Abolitionist John Brown Is Executed

• On December 2, 1859, John Brown was hanged for treason, murder, and insurrection.
• He had led anti-slavery actions in Kansas and the raid on Harpers Ferry.
• His death increased tensions before the Civil War.

1954 – Senator Joseph McCarthy Is Condemned

• On December 2, 1954, the U.S. Senate voted to condemn Joseph McCarthy.
• His anti-communist investigations had become widely controversial.
• The censure ended the peak of "McCarthyism".

1961 – Fidel Castro Declares Himself Marxist-Leninist

• On this day in 1961, Castro openly stated he was a Marxist-Leninist.
• This deepened the Cold War divide between Cuba and the U.S.

1970 – Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Opens

• On December 2, 1970, the EPA officially began operations.
• It signalled growing awareness of pollution and environmental damage.
• The agency became a key force in U.S. environmental protection.

1971 – The United Arab Emirates Is Formed

• On this day in 1971, six emirates united to form the UAE.
• A seventh joined soon after.
• The new country grew into a major global economic player.

1972 – The Temptations Score a #1 Hit

• On December 2, 1972, the Temptations reached #1 with "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone".
• It became their final chart-topping single.
• The group left a lasting mark on Motown and soul music.

1991 – William Kennedy Smith Trial Begins

• On December 2, 1991, opening testimony began in the high-profile rape trial of William Kennedy Smith.
• The case drew nationwide media attention.

1997 – Good Will Hunting Premieres

• On December 2, 1997, Good Will Hunting premiered in Los Angeles.
• The film launched Matt Damon and Ben Affleck to stardom.
• It later won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

1999 – First Human Chromosome Fully Sequenced

• On this day in 1999, scientists published the complete DNA sequence of Chromosome 22.
• It was the first human chromosome ever fully decoded.
• This marked a significant milestone in the Human Genome Project.

2006 – UC Berkeley Tree-Sit Protest Begins

• On December 2, 2006, four students began living in oak trees at UC Berkeley.
• They were protesting the planned removal of the grove to make way for a new athletic facility.
• The sit-in lasted 649 days, becoming one of the longest tree protests in U.S. history.

Which Famous Personalities Were Born and Died on December 2?

December 2 marks notable birthdays and deaths of influential figures throughout history, celebrating legacies in the arts, science, and sports.

Born on This Day

Gianni Versace (1946–1997)

• Born on December 2, 1946.
• Italian fashion designer known for bold, glamorous, and provocative styles.
• Founder of the global Versace brand.

Maria Callas (1923–1977)

• Born on December 2, 1923.
• Greek-American opera singer celebrated for her dramatic voice.
• Famous for roles in Tosca and Norma.

Britney Spears (1981– )

• Born on December 2, 1981.
• American pop singer, dancer, and cultural icon.
• Known for hits like "...Baby One More Time" and "Toxic".

Notable Deaths on December 2

Hernán Cortés (d. 1547)

• Died December 2, 1547. 
• Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire.

Marquis de Sade (d. 1814)

• Died December 2, 1814.
• French writer and philosopher. His writings were controversial and influenced discussions on morality and freedom.

John Brown (d. 1859)

• Died December 2, 1859 — executed by hanging.
• An American abolitionist who fought against slavery. His death heightened tensions, leading to the U.S. Civil War.

Aaron Copland (d. 1990)

• Died December 2, 1990.
• Renowned American composer — a key figure in 20th-century classical music.

Desi Arnaz (d. 1986)

• Died December 2, 1986.
• Cuban-American actor, musician and television producer, widely known for his work in early television.