December 23 in History

• 1815

  December 23, 1815:

  The novel, “Emma” by Jane Austen is published.

• 1876

  December 23, 1876:

  The Ottoman Empire’s first comprehensive constitution, which was drafted to assign full executive power to the Sultan, goes into use.

• 1888

  December 23, 1888:

  Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh chops off the lower part of his left ear while being severely depressed.

• 1893

  December 23, 1893:

  “Hänsel und Gretel”, an opera by composer Engelbert Humperdinck with a libretto by Adelheid Wette, his sister, is premiered at the Hoftheater in Weimar.

• 1913

  December 23, 1913:

  The United States Federal Reserve System is established after President Woodrow Wilson signs the Federal Reserve Act.

• 1938

  December 23, 1938:

  While filming the “Wizard of Oz” scene where the Wicked Witch exits Munchkinland, actress Margaret Hamilton's costume catches fire causing burns to the right side of her face and her right hand.

• 1951

  December 23, 1951:

  The Los Angeles Rams defeat the Cleveland Browns to win the NFL Championship title.

• 1972

  December 23, 1972:

  The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Franco Harris makes a dramatic catch which would later be nicknamed “the Immaculate Conception”.

• 1997

  December 23, 1997:

  The romantic comedy film, “As Good as It Gets” is released.

• 2001

  December 23, 2001:

  Argentina officially announces its suspension of external debt payment.