Today in History: Ford Model A is officially unveiled

The following are some of the major notable events that occurred on December 2 throughout history:

1. 1804 – Napoleon crowns himself Emperor of the French

At Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, Napoleon Bonaparte places the crown on his own head, establishing the First French Empire.

2. 1823 – Monroe Doctrine is proclaimed

US President James Monroe delivers the doctrine to Congress, warning European powers against further colonial expansion in the Americas.

3. 1848 – Franz Joseph I becomes Emperor of Austria

Following the abdication of Ferdinand I during the revolutions of 1848, 18-year-old Franz Joseph ascends the Habsburg throne.

4. 1851 – Louis-Napoléon launches coup d’état in France

President Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte dissolves the National Assembly, beginning the process that will lead to his proclamation as Emperor Napoleon III.

5. 1859 – John Brown is executed in Virginia

Abolitionist John Brown is hanged for treason following his failed raid on Harpers Ferry, becoming a polarising figure in the build-up to the US Civil War.

6. 1908 – Pu Yi becomes Emperor of China

At the age of two, Aisin-Gioro Pu Yi ascends the Qing throne after the death of Emperor Guangxu and Empress Dowager Cixi.

7. 1927 – Ford Model A is officially unveiled

Ford Motor Company introduces the Model A, replacing the Model T and marking a pivotal moment in global automobile history.

8. 1942 – First controlled nuclear chain reaction achieved

Enrico Fermi and his team conduct the world’s first self-sustaining nuclear reaction under the University of Chicago’s Stagg Field, launching the atomic age.

9. 1954 – US Senate condemns Senator Joseph McCarthy

The Senate votes to censure McCarthy for “conduct contrary to senatorial traditions,” effectively ending the era of McCarthyism.

10. 1988 – Benazir Bhutto becomes Prime Minister of Pakistan

Bhutto is sworn in as prime minister on 2 December, becoming the first woman to lead a modern Muslim-majority country.