What Happened on December 8?

December 8 is National Brownie Day — a chocolate celebration — on the same date the United States declared war on Japan in 1941, leaders signed the INF nuclear treaty in 1987, and the American Federation of Labor was founded in 1886.

• 1886 — The American Federation of Labor is founded

  On December 8, 1886, craft unions formed the American Federation of Labor under Samuel Gompers — a lasting voice for workers. Read the full story →

• 1941 — The United States declares war on Japan

  On December 8, 1941, one day after Pearl Harbor, Congress declared war on Japan — bringing the United States into World War II. Read the full story →

• 1965 — The Second Vatican Council closes

  On December 8, 1965, Pope Paul VI closed the Second Vatican Council — a historic reform meeting of the Catholic Church. Read the full story →

• 1980 — John Lennon is killed in New York City

  On December 8, 1980, musician John Lennon was shot and killed outside his New York apartment — shocking fans worldwide. Read the full story →

• 1987 — The INF Treaty is signed in Washington

  On December 8, 1987, Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev signed the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty — scrapping a whole class of missiles. Read the full story →

Famous birthdays

Diego Rivera (1886–1957) · Sammy Davis Jr. (1925–1990) · Nicki Minaj (1982) · AnnaSophia Robb (1993)

Days & observances

National Brownie Day · Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day · Feast of the Immaculate Conception · National Christmas Card Day