What happened on December 22? - What happened on December 22?
December 22 marks several notable events in German and international history. The day has seen military deployments, political milestones, and the births of influential figures. From peacekeeping missions to cultural premieres, the date carries a mix of significance across decades.
On December 22, 1995, Germany’s Bundeswehr launched its largest foreign operation at the time. A total of 116 soldiers were sent to Split, Croatia, as part of the international peacekeeping force (IFOR) in Bosnia. This deployment marked a key moment in Germany’s post-Cold War military engagement.
Twenty-five years earlier, on December 22, 1965, David Lean’s epic film *Doctor Zhivago* premiered in New York. Though not a German production, the movie became a global cultural landmark. Meanwhile, in 1990, the Soviet Union formally handed over the Soviet War Memorial in Berlin’s Tiergarten to the city’s government, symbolising shifting political ties after the Cold War. The date also saw political change in Europe. On December 22, 1990, Lech Wałęsa was sworn in as Poland’s first democratically elected president following the collapse of communism. His inauguration marked a turning point for the region. In Germany, December 22, 2020, brought a pandemic-related decision. Interior Minister Horst Seehofer (CSU) banned the sale of New Year’s Eve fireworks to curb coronavirus transmission. The move reflected broader efforts to limit gatherings during the health crisis. The day is also tied to the lives of prominent figures. German-American biochemist Thomas Südhof, born on December 22, 1955, later won a Nobel Prize for his work on cell communication. On the same date in 1960, writer Felicitas Hoppe and artist Jean-Michel Basquiat were born, each leaving a mark in their respective fields. Earlier, in 1945, German cabaret artist Konrad Beikircher entered the world, while defense attorney Rolf Bossi passed away on December 22, 2015.
December 22 connects military history, political shifts, and cultural moments. From the Bundeswehr’s Bosnia deployment to pandemic restrictions, the date reflects both global and local changes. Its association with notable births and deaths further cements its place in historical records.
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