Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. Helen Keller
Mohamed Bouazizi set himself on fire
The Tunisian street vendor self-immolated as a protest against the economic conditions in Tunisia. He died 18 days after he set himself on fire in 2010, at the age of 26. His protest and death were a catalyst for the Tunisian revolution and similar revolutions and protests around the Arab world.
The beginning of the Arab Spring
The multi-country protests and demands for change in the Arab world are thought to have begun with street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi’s self-immolation in Tunisia. Bouazizi’s attempt and death 18 days later was the catalyst for the Tunisian Revolution which forced then-president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to step down from his post.
First episode of The Simpsons was aired
The popular American animated series directed by Matt Groening is set in the fictional town of Springfield and it follows the life of the Simpson family. It was first aired on this day in 1989.
Read also: December 16th this day in history
First flight of the Wright Flyer
The powered aircraft was made by the Wright brothers and was the first such aircraft to take flight. It first flew in 1903.
Discovery of the Aztec calendar stone
Also known as the Stone of the Five Eras, the sculpture was excavated in Mexico City.
