December 1, 1891
The International Peace Bureau was launched in Rome, Italy, “. . . to coordinate the activities of the various peace societies and promote the concept of peaceful settlement of international disputes.” The organization won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1910.
December 1, 1948
Costa Rican President Jose Figueres helped draft a constitution that abolished the military and guaranteed free elections with universal suffrage.
December 1, 1955
Rosa Parks, a black seamstress active in the local NAACP, was arrested by police in Montgomery, Alabama, after refusing to give up her seat on the bus to a white man.
December 1, 1959
Representatives of 12 countries, including the United States and the Soviet Union, signed a treaty in Washington setting aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve, free from military activity.
