On December 8, 1863, Abraham Lincoln issued a "Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction." While in the midst of the Civil War, Lincoln was farsighted enough to see the need for future reconciliation. Many Radical Republicans saw this document as giving too much to the South. Unfortunately, with Lincoln's assassination, his Reconstruction Plan would never come to fruition.

December 7, 1941. The day that led to the widespread support of American involvement in World War II. On this date, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor killing over 2,000 people and damaging or destroying eight battleships greatly harming the Pacific fleet. America officially entered the war the following day and fought on two fronts: Europe and the Pacific.

December 5, 1933 was a happy day for many people indeed. It marked the end of Prohibition for the United States. Utah was the last state to ratify the 21st Amendment which nullified the 18th Amendment. The 18th Amendment prohibited the sale or transportation of liquor.

More Information

• Prohibition Era Timeline

• Herbert Hoover's 1932 Address Where He Discusses the Need to End Prohibition

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was put in jail for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man. Parks arrest was a rallying cry of the Civil Rights movement and led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1956. She died on October 24, 2005 at the age of 92.

Overview of Civil Rights Legislation, Supreme Court Cases, and Activities