What Happened on December 9?
December 9 is International Anti-Corruption Day — a UN call for honest government — on the same date Engelbart unveiled the computer mouse in 1968, smallpox was certified eradicated in 1979, and Lech Wałęsa won Poland's presidency in 1990.
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1835 — Texan forces capture San Antonio during the Texas Revolution
On December 9, 1835, Texan volunteers forced Mexican troops to surrender San Antonio — a key early victory in the Texas Revolution. Read the full story →
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1905 — France enacts the law separating churches and the state
On December 9, 1905, France passed a landmark law separating church and state — shaping modern secular government there. Read the full story →
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1968 — Douglas Engelbart presents the Mother of All Demos
On December 9, 1968, Douglas Engelbart demonstrated the computer mouse, hypertext, and shared screens — ideas that shape how we use computers today. Read the full story →
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1979 — Scientists certify that smallpox has been eradicated
On December 9, 1979, a global commission declared smallpox wiped out — the first human infectious disease ever eradicated. Read the full story →
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1990 — Lech Wałęsa wins Poland's first direct presidential election
On December 9, 1990, Solidarity leader Lech Wałęsa was elected president of Poland — the country's first popularly chosen head of state. Read the full story →
Famous birthdays
John Milton (1608–1674) · Kirk Douglas (1916–2020) · Judi Dench (1934) · Clarence Birdseye (1886–1956)
Days & observances
International Anti-Corruption Day · National Pastry Day · National Llama Day · Christmas Card Day