Births on December 12

Walter Benona Sharp, American businessman, co-founded Hughes Tool Company (d. 1912)

Walter Benona Sharp (12 December 1870 - 28 November 1912) was an American oilman and innovator in drilling techniques.

15 Jan

Thomas Nast
A political cartoon for the first time symbolizes the Democratic Party with a donkey ("A Live Jackass Kicking a Dead Lion" by Thomas Nast for Harper's Weekly).
30 Mar

Reconstruction Era
Texas is readmitted to the Union following Reconstruction.
12 May

Royal Assent
The Manitoba Act is given the Royal Assent, paving the way for Manitoba to become a province of Canada on July 15.
18 Jul

Papal infallibility
The First Vatican Council decrees the dogma of papal infallibility.
19 Sep

Siege of Paris (1870-71)
Franco-Prussian War: The Siege of Paris begins, which will result on January 28, 1871 in the surrender of Paris and a decisive Prussian victory.