"The Great Invasion" sees a vast horde of Vandals, Alans, and Suebi cross the Rhine at Mainz, beginning the invasion of
"The Great Invasion" sees a vast horde of Vandals, Alans, and Suebi cross the Rhine at Mainz, beginning the invasion of Gaul
What Happened on
A complete timeline of historical events, famous births, notable deaths, and holidays that occurred on December 31 throughout history.
105
Events
13
Births
Historical Events on December 31
Genroku earthquake off the coast of Japan near Edo (modern-day Tokyo) kills thousands and triggers a large tsunami that
Genroku earthquake off the coast of Japan near Edo (modern-day Tokyo) kills thousands and triggers a large tsunami that kills thousands more
English astronomer James Bradley announces the discovery of Earth's nutation, or wobble
English astronomer James Bradley announces the discovery of Earth's nutation, or wobble
Battle of Quebec: American Continental Army led by Richard Montgomery is defeated trying to take the British stronghold
Battle of Quebec: American Continental Army led by Richard Montgomery is defeated trying to take the British stronghold of Quebec City in the American Revolutionary War, General Montgomery is killed and Benedict Arnold is wounded
A world record 22,990 mm of rain falls in a single year in Cherrapunji, Assam, India
A world record 22,990 mm of rain falls in a single year in Cherrapunji, Assam, India
Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista informs his cabinet that he is fleeing the country
The Cuban communist revolutionary and politician Fidel Castro took part in the Cuban Revolution from 1953 to 1959.
BBC begins using Big Ben's chimes as an interval signal
BBC begins using Big Ben's chimes as an interval signal
Largest free concert in the world occurs when Rod Stewart performs in front of an estimated 3.5 million people at Copaca
Largest free concert in the world occurs when Rod Stewart performs in front of an estimated 3.5 million people at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil [1]
A heavy, dense fog rolls over Soldier Field in Chicago during the second quarter of the Bears vs. Eagles NFC Divisional
A heavy, dense fog rolls over Soldier Field in Chicago during the second quarter of the Bears vs. Eagles NFC Divisional Playoff game, cutting visibility to 15 to 20 yards in a game known as "The Fog Bowl" (Bears win 20-12)
Jockey Kent Desormeaux sets a record with 598 wins in a single year
Kent Jason Desormeaux is an American thoroughbred horse racing Hall of Fame jockey who holds the U.S. record for most races won in a single year with 598 wins in 1989.
Editor Maxwell Perkins (26) weds Louise Saunders at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in North Plainfield, New Jersey
Editor Maxwell Perkins (26) weds Louise Saunders at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in North Plainfield, New Jersey
Actress Bette Davis (32) weds New England innkeeper Arthur Farnsworth at 15,000-acre ranch in Lake Montezuma, Arizona
Actress Bette Davis (32) weds New England innkeeper Arthur Farnsworth at 15,000-acre ranch in Lake Montezuma, Arizona
American singing cowboy Roy Rogers (36) weds American singer and actress Dale Evans (35) at the Flying L Ranch in Davis,
American singing cowboy Roy Rogers (36) weds American singer and actress Dale Evans (35) at the Flying L Ranch in Davis, Oklahoma, his second marriage, her fourth, until his death in 1998
Byzantine General Belisarius completes the conquest of Sicily, defeating Ostrogothic garrison of Syracuse, and ending hi
Byzantine General Belisarius completes the conquest of Sicily, defeating Ostrogothic garrison of Syracuse, and ending his consulship for the year
Coffin of Ho-tse Shen-hui interred in a stupa built in China
Coffin of Ho-tse Shen-hui interred in a stupa built in China
Skirmish at Englefield: Ethelred of Wessex beats a section of the Viking Great Heathen Army, camped at Reading
Skirmish at Englefield: Ethelred of Wessex beats a section of the Viking Great Heathen Army, camped at Reading
James I of Aragon the Conqueror enters Medina Mayurqa (Palma) consummating Christian conquest of the island of Majorca
James I of Aragon the Conqueror enters Medina Mayurqa (Palma) consummating Christian conquest of the island of Majorca
,000 Jews expelled from Sicily
The history of the Jews in the current-day Spanish territory stretches back to Biblical times according to Jewish tradition, but the settlement of organised Jewish communities in the Iberian...
Cesare Borgia (son of pope Alexander VI) occupies Urbino
Cesare Borgia (13 September 1475 – 13 March 1507) was an Italian cardinal deacon and later a condottiero, as well as a member of the Spanish House of Borgia.
Habsburg Spain and Catholic France sign the secret Treaty of Joinville to combat Protestantism in Europe
Habsburg Spain and Catholic France sign the secret Treaty of Joinville to combat Protestantism in Europe
Dutch East India Company Admiral Steven van der Haghen's fleet reaches Bantam, Indonesia
Dutch East India Company Admiral Steven van der Haghen's fleet reaches Bantam, Indonesia
France and Brandenburg sign a secret treaty
The Treaty of Dover, also known as the Secret Treaty of Dover, was an agreement between Louis XIV of France and Charles II of England signed at Dover on 1 June 1670.
France and England conclude the formal Treaty of Dover, omitting any mention of religion
France and England conclude the formal Treaty of Dover, omitting any mention of religion
De Italiaanse Opera (The Italian Opera) theater opens on the Leidsegracht in Amsterdam with "La Fatiche d'Ercole per Dei
De Italiaanse Opera (The Italian Opera) theater opens on the Leidsegracht in Amsterdam with "La Fatiche d'Ercole per Deianira" by PA Ziani
First Huguenots depart France for the Cape of Good Hope
First Huguenots depart France for the Cape of Good Hope
A window tax is imposed in England, prompting many homeowners and shopkeepers to brick up their windows to avoid paying
A window tax is imposed in England, prompting many homeowners and shopkeepers to brick up their windows to avoid paying it
Russia joins the Alliance of Versailles
The Franco-Austrian alliance was a diplomatic and military alliance between France and Austria that was first established in 1756 after the First Treaty of Versailles.
British expeditionary army occupies Goree (Dakar) Senegal
British expeditionary army occupies Goree (Dakar) Senegal
Rhode Island establishes wage & price controls to curb inflation: Limit is 70 cents a day for carpenters, 42 cents for t
Rhode Island establishes wage & price controls to curb inflation: Limit is 70 cents a day for carpenters, 42 cents for tailors
British fleet beat Dutch Merchant vessels
British fleet beat Dutch Merchant vessels
Bank of North America, 1st US bank opens
The Bank of North America was the first chartered bank in the United States, and served as the country's first de facto central bank.
The Dutch East Indies Company is formally dissolved, taken over by the Batavian Republic [1]
The Republic of the Seven United Netherlands (Dutch: Republiek der Zeven Verenigde Nederlanden), also known as the United Provinces (of the Netherlands), and referred to in historiography as the...
End of French Republican calendar; France returns to Gregorianism
End of French Republican calendar; France returns to Gregorianism
Alabama becomes 1st state to license dental surgeons
Alabama becomes 1st state to license dental surgeons
Dutch colony in Dutch Indies counts 4,800 slaves
Dutch colony in Dutch Indies counts 4,800 slaves
-Jan 20th) Battle of Stone's River (Battle of Murfreesboro), Tennessee in US Civil War
-Jan 20th) Battle of Stone's River (Battle of Murfreesboro), Tennessee in US Civil War
J D Schneiter patents rocket mail in France, (not done)
J D Schneiter patents rocket mail in France, (not done)
Cornerstone laid for Honolulu's Iolani Palace (only royal palace in US)
The ʻIolani Palace was the royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi beginning with Kamehameha III under the Kamehameha Dynasty (1845) and ending with Queen Liliʻuokalani (1893) under...
Brooklyn's last day as a city, it incorporates into NYC (1/1/1898)
Brooklyn is the most populous of the five boroughs of New York City, coextensive with Kings County, in the U.S. state of New York.
In the first election under their new constitution, Cuba elects a Congress and their first president, Tomas Estrada Palm
In the first election under their new constitution, Cuba elects a Congress and their first president, Tomas Estrada Palma
First New Year's Eve celebration is held in Times Square, New York City
One Times Square (also known as 1475 Broadway, the New York Times Building, the New York Times Tower, the Allied Chemical Tower or simply as the Times Tower) is a 25-story, 363-foot-high (111 m)...
French, British and Italian treaty concerning rights on Abyssinia
French, British and Italian treaty concerning rights on Abyssinia
For 1st time, a ball drops at Times Square to signal the New Year
For 1st time, a ball drops at Times Square to signal the New Year
US tobacco industry produced 9 billion cigarettes in 1910
US tobacco industry produced 9 billion cigarettes in 1910
Dutch Social-democratic trade union NVV counts 159,450 members
Dutch Social-democratic trade union NVV counts 159,450 members
Victorian all-rounder Roy Park makes Test cricket debut for Australia v England in 2nd Test in Melbourne; bowled by Harr
Victorian all-rounder Roy Park makes Test cricket debut for Australia v England in 2nd Test in Melbourne; bowled by Harry Howell for a first ball 'golden duck' in his first and only Test innings
Last San Francisco firehorses retired
Last San Francisco firehorses retired
1st transatlantic radio broadcast of a voice, Pittsburgh-Manchester
1st transatlantic radio broadcast of a voice, Pittsburgh-Manchester
14th congress of CPSU decides to accelerate industry
14th congress of CPSU decides to accelerate industry
Ponsford scores 336 against SA, giving him 1146 for month
Ponsford scores 336 against SA, giving him 1146 for month
Pontifical encyclical Casti connubii against mixed marriages
Pontifical encyclical Casti connubii against mixed marriages
City of Paris accepts donation of the writings gathered by feminist publisher Marguerite Durand and establishes a librar
City of Paris accepts donation of the writings gathered by feminist publisher Marguerite Durand and establishes a library (Bibliothèque Marguerite Durand) for the collection
John P O'Brien sworn-in as mayor of NYC
John P O'Brien sworn-in as mayor of NYC
Helen Richey becomes 1st woman to pilot an airmail transport
Helen Richey becomes 1st woman to pilot an airmail transport
Charles Darrow patents the board game Monopoly and becomes the first millionaire game designer
Monopoly is a multiplayer economics-themed board game. In the game, players roll two dice (or one extra special red die depending on the game) to move around the game board, buying and trading...
Daniel Sternefeld conducts premiere of his ballet "Pierlala" at the Royal Flemish Opera of Antwerp; choreographer Wladim
Daniel Sternefeld conducts premiere of his ballet "Pierlala" at the Royal Flemish Opera of Antwerp; choreographer Wladimir Karnetzky also danced the title role
Dutch national debt hits ƒ4,218,553,180.99
Dutch national debt hits ƒ4,218,553,180.99
Young Park (2) in the Bronx named in honor of Samuel Young
The Bronx ( BRONKS) is the northernmost of the five boroughs of New York City, coextensive with Bronx County, in the U.S. state of New York.
Battle of the Barents Sea between British Navy and German Kriegsmarine off North Cape, Norway
The Battle of the Barents Sea was a World War II naval engagement on 31 December 1942 between warships of the German Navy (Kriegsmarine) and British ships escorting Convoy JW 51B to Kola Inlet in the...
48 people die in a train accident in Ogden, Utah
48 people die in a train accident in Ogden, Utah
French troops leave Lebanon
Lebanon, officially the Lebanese Republic, is a country in the Levant region of West Asia.
Dutch police actions up Java gone on strike
Dutch police actions up Java gone on strike
18 countries recognize Republic Indonesia
18 countries recognize Republic Indonesia
American thoroughbred jockeys Bill Shoemaker and Joe Culmone end the year tied, leading the nation with record 388 wins
American thoroughbred jockeys Bill Shoemaker and Joe Culmone end the year tied, leading the nation with record 388 wins
1st battery to convert radioactive energy to electricity announced
1st battery to convert radioactive energy to electricity announced
Danny Nardico stops former world middleweight champion Jake LaMotta in 7 rounds in a light heavyweight non-title bout in
Danny Nardico stops former world middleweight champion Jake LaMotta in 7 rounds in a light heavyweight non-title bout in Coral Gables, Florida; LaMotta is knocked down for the only time in his career, his corner stopping fight after the round
Amateur Athletic Union awards American sprinter Bobby Morrow the James E. Sullivan Award
The AAU James E. Sullivan Award, presented by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), is awarded annually to "the most outstanding athlete at the collegiate or Olympic level in the United States". The...
Bill Shoemaker 1st jockey to win national riding championship 4 times
Bill Shoemaker 1st jockey to win national riding championship 4 times
Failed coup by Syrian group in Lebanon
The Syrian Social Nationalist Party in Lebanon is a Syrian nationalist party operating in Lebanon.
"Match Game" debuts on NBC with host Gene Rayburn
Match Game is an American television panel game show that premiered on NBC in 1962 and has been revived several times over the course of the last six decades.
Dear Abby show premieres on CBS radio (runs 11 years)
Dear Abby show premieres on CBS radio (runs 11 years)
Donald Campbell (UK) sets world water speed record (276.33 mph)
Donald Malcolm Campbell, (23 March 1921 – 4 January 1967) was a British speed record breaker who broke eight absolute world speed records on water and on land in the 1950s and 1960s.
Pirate Radio 390 (Radio Invicata) off England, resumes transmitting
Pirate Radio 390 (Radio Invicata) off England, resumes transmitting
1st NBA game at Great Western Forum, LA Lakers beat Houston 147-118
1st NBA game at Great Western Forum, LA Lakers beat Houston 147-118
New York Jets win AFL championship
The 1968 New York Jets season was the ninth season for the team in the American Football League (AFL). The team had the most successful season in franchise history.
Congo-Brazzaville becomes People's republic, under major Ngouabi
Congo-Brazzaville becomes People's republic, under major Ngouabi
Edmund Compton, then Northern Ireland Ombudsman, is replaced by John Benn
Edmund Compton, then Northern Ireland Ombudsman, is replaced by John Benn
DDT, first of the modern insecticides used against malaria and typhus, is banned by the US Environmental Protection Agen
DDT, first of the modern insecticides used against malaria and typhus, is banned by the US Environmental Protection Agency after evidence of adverse environmental side effects [1]
US 1st class postage stamp rate rises from 10 cents to 13 cents
US 1st class postage stamp rate rises from 10 cents to 13 cents
The Cars played their 1st gig
The Cars played their 1st gig
Amir Sheikh Jabir al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah becomes leader of Kuwait
Kuwait, officially the State of Kuwait, is a country in West Asia. It is situated at the head of the Persian Gulf in the northeastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Iraq to the north and...
CIA director, Admiral Stansfield Turner retires from the Navy
CIA director, Admiral Stansfield Turner retires from the Navy
A Jewish owned hotel in Nairobi Kenya is bombed killing 18
Many terrorist attacks have occurred in Kenya during the 20th and 21st centuries. In 1980, the Jewish-owned Norfolk hotel was attacked by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
CNN Headline News cable TV channel debuts in US
Cable news channels are television networks devoted to television news broadcasts, with the name deriving from the proliferation of such networks during the 1980s with the advent of cable...
CBS Mystery Theater final episode on radio after 8 years
CBS Radio Mystery Theater (a.k.a. Radio Mystery Theater and Mystery Theater, sometimes abbreviated as CBSRMT) is a radio drama series created by Himan Brown that was broadcast on CBS Radio Network...
Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen loses his arm in a car crash
Richard John Cyril Allen is an English musician who has been the drummer of the hard rock band Def Leppard since 1978.
Dupont Plaza Hotel fire in San Juan, Puerto Rico kills 97
On New Year's Eve, December 31, 1986, three disgruntled employees of the Dupont Plaza Hotel (now San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, intentionally set a fire.
Iraq begins a military draft of 17-year-olds
Iraq begins a military draft of 17-year-olds
CPN, Communist Party of Netherland - last day of existence
CPN, Communist Party of Netherland - last day of existence
Anti Apartheid Group of Netherlands (AABN) disbands
Anti Apartheid Group of Netherlands (AABN) disbands
Cartoonist Bill Watterson ends his "Calvin & Hobbes" comic strip after 10 years, believing he had achieved all he could
Cartoonist Bill Watterson ends his "Calvin & Hobbes" comic strip after 10 years, believing he had achieved all he could in the medium
72 year-old Marv Levy retires as coach of the NFL Buffalo Bills after 12 seasons, including 4 consecutive losing Super B
72 year-old Marv Levy retires as coach of the NFL Buffalo Bills after 12 seasons, including 4 consecutive losing Super Bowl appearances
Exchange rates between the euro and legacy currencies in the eurozone become fixed
Exchange rates between the euro and legacy currencies in the eurozone become fixed
Official opening of Taipei 101, then the tallest skyscraper in the world, at a height of 509 metres (1,670 feet)
The tallest building in the world, as of 2026, is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The final contest at the old Lansdowne Road Stadium in Dublin is a rugby match with Leinster beating Ulster 20-12 in a C
The final contest at the old Lansdowne Road Stadium in Dublin is a rugby match with Leinster beating Ulster 20-12 in a Celtic League game
Boston's Big Dig construction project ends
The Big Dig was a megaproject in Boston that rerouted the elevated Central Artery of Interstate 93 into the O'Neill Tunnel and built the Ted Williams Tunnel to extend Interstate 90 to Logan...
36 die and 47 are wounded during a stampede of New Year revellers on Shanghai's Bund riverfront
36 die and 47 are wounded during a stampede of New Year revellers on Shanghai's Bund riverfront
82nd Orange Bowl: #1 Clemson beats #4 Oklahoma, 37-17
82nd Orange Bowl: #1 Clemson beats #4 Oklahoma, 37-17
Chris Ofili is appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to
Chris Ofili is appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to art
Ban on ivory trade in China comes into effect
The ivory trade is the commercial, often illegal trade in the ivory tusks of the hippopotamus, walrus, narwhal, black and white rhinos, mammoth, and most commonly, African and Asian elephants. Ivory...
Singer Lorde called a bigot in ad in Washington Post after cancelling show in Israel
Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, known professionally as Lorde ( LORD), is a New Zealand singer-songwriter.
Houston guard James Harden scores 43 points in Rockets' 113-101 win over Memphis Grizzlies; 4th straight NBA game with 4
Houston guard James Harden scores 43 points in Rockets' 113-101 win over Memphis Grizzlies; 4th straight NBA game with 40+ points and 8th straight with 35+; joins Oscar Robertson as only player with at least 35 points & 5 assists in 8 straight games
Iraqi militiamen and protesters breach the outer wall of the US embassy in Baghdad following US airstrikes against Katai
Iraqi militiamen and protesters breach the outer wall of the US embassy in Baghdad following US airstrikes against Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia, on December 29
WHO grants the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine emergency authorization, paving the way for worldwide distribution
WHO grants the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine emergency authorization, paving the way for worldwide distribution
Trinidad and Tobago declare a state of emergency over gang violence, which has resulted in one of the highest homicide r
Trinidad and Tobago declare a state of emergency over gang violence, which has resulted in one of the highest homicide rates in Latin America [1]
Famous Births on December 31
birth
Henri Matisse is born
Henri Matisse, French artist, known for french artist, was born on 1869-12-31. Henri Émile Benoît Matisse was a French visual artist, known for both his use of colour and his fluid and original…
birth
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is born
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is born
birth
Diane von Furstenberg is born
Diane von Furstenberg, Belgian fashion designer, known for belgian fashion designer, was born on 1947-12-31. Diane von Fürstenberg is a Belgian fashion designer best known for her wrap dress.
birth
Anthony Hopkins is born
Anthony Hopkins, Welsh welsh actor, known for welsh actor, was born on 1938-12-31. Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins is a Welsh actor.
birth
Ben Kingsley is born
Ben Kingsley, English actor, known for english actor, was born on 1944-12-31. Sir Ben Kingsley is an English actor.
birth
John Denver is born
John Denver musician, known for american singer, was born on 1943-12-31. Henry John Deutschendorf Jr.
birth
Donna Summer is born
Donna Summer, American musician, known for american singer, was born on 1948-12-31.
birth
Jennifer Higdon is born
Jennifer Higdon, American musician, known for american composer, was born on 1963-12-31. Jennifer Elaine Higdon is an American composer of contemporary classical music.
birth
Psy is born
Psy, South Korean musician, known for south korean rapper, was born on 1978-12-31. Park Jae-sang, better known as Psy ( SY; 싸이), is a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer.
birth
Alex Ferguson is born
Alex Ferguson, Scottish athlete, known for scottish football manager, was born on 1942-12-31.
birth
Richie McCaw is born
Richie McCaw, New Zealand athlete, known for new zealand international rugby union player, was born on 1981-12-31. Richard Hugh McCaw is a New Zealand retired professional rugby union player.
birth
Gabby Douglas is born
Gabby Douglas, American athlete, known for american artistic gymnast, was born on 1996-12-31. Gabrielle Christina Victoria Douglas is an American artistic gymnast.
birth
Guy Mollet is born
Guy Mollet, French politician, known for french politician, was born on 1905-12-31. Guy Alcide Mollet was a French politician.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on December 31, 406?
- "The Great Invasion" sees a vast horde of Vandals, Alans, and Suebi cross the Rhine at Mainz, beginning the invasion of Gaul
- What happened on December 31, 1703?
- Genroku earthquake off the coast of Japan near Edo (modern-day Tokyo) kills thousands and triggers a large tsunami that kills thousands more
- What happened on December 31, 1744?
- English astronomer James Bradley announces the discovery of Earth's nutation, or wobble
- What happened on December 31, 1775?
- Battle of Quebec: American Continental Army led by Richard Montgomery is defeated trying to take the British stronghold of Quebec City in the American Revolutionary War, General Montgomery is killed and Benedict Arnold is wounded
- What happened on December 31, 1861?
- A world record 22,990 mm of rain falls in a single year in Cherrapunji, Assam, India
Complete Timeline — December 31 Through the Ages
"The Great Invasion" sees a vast horde of Vandals, Alans, and Suebi cross the Rhine at Mainz, beginning the invasion of
"The Great Invasion" sees a vast horde of Vandals, Alans, and Suebi cross the Rhine at Mainz, beginning the invasion of Gaul
Byzantine General Belisarius completes the conquest of Sicily, defeating Ostrogothic garrison of Syracuse, and ending hi
Byzantine General Belisarius completes the conquest of Sicily, defeating Ostrogothic garrison of Syracuse, and ending his consulship for the year
Coffin of Ho-tse Shen-hui interred in a stupa built in China
Coffin of Ho-tse Shen-hui interred in a stupa built in China
Skirmish at Englefield: Ethelred of Wessex beats a section of the Viking Great Heathen Army, camped at Reading
Skirmish at Englefield: Ethelred of Wessex beats a section of the Viking Great Heathen Army, camped at Reading
James I of Aragon the Conqueror enters Medina Mayurqa (Palma) consummating Christian conquest of the island of Majorca
James I of Aragon the Conqueror enters Medina Mayurqa (Palma) consummating Christian conquest of the island of Majorca
,000 Jews expelled from Sicily
The history of the Jews in the current-day Spanish territory stretches back to Biblical times according to Jewish tradition, but the settlement of organised Jewish communities in the Iberian...
Cesare Borgia (son of pope Alexander VI) occupies Urbino
Cesare Borgia (13 September 1475 – 13 March 1507) was an Italian cardinal deacon and later a condottiero, as well as a member of the Spanish House of Borgia.
Habsburg Spain and Catholic France sign the secret Treaty of Joinville to combat Protestantism in Europe
Habsburg Spain and Catholic France sign the secret Treaty of Joinville to combat Protestantism in Europe
Dutch East India Company Admiral Steven van der Haghen's fleet reaches Bantam, Indonesia
Dutch East India Company Admiral Steven van der Haghen's fleet reaches Bantam, Indonesia
France and Brandenburg sign a secret treaty
The Treaty of Dover, also known as the Secret Treaty of Dover, was an agreement between Louis XIV of France and Charles II of England signed at Dover on 1 June 1670.
France and England conclude the formal Treaty of Dover, omitting any mention of religion
France and England conclude the formal Treaty of Dover, omitting any mention of religion
De Italiaanse Opera (The Italian Opera) theater opens on the Leidsegracht in Amsterdam with "La Fatiche d'Ercole per Dei
De Italiaanse Opera (The Italian Opera) theater opens on the Leidsegracht in Amsterdam with "La Fatiche d'Ercole per Deianira" by PA Ziani
First Huguenots depart France for the Cape of Good Hope
First Huguenots depart France for the Cape of Good Hope
A window tax is imposed in England, prompting many homeowners and shopkeepers to brick up their windows to avoid paying
A window tax is imposed in England, prompting many homeowners and shopkeepers to brick up their windows to avoid paying it
Genroku earthquake off the coast of Japan near Edo (modern-day Tokyo) kills thousands and triggers a large tsunami that
Genroku earthquake off the coast of Japan near Edo (modern-day Tokyo) kills thousands and triggers a large tsunami that kills thousands more
English astronomer James Bradley announces the discovery of Earth's nutation, or wobble
English astronomer James Bradley announces the discovery of Earth's nutation, or wobble
Russia joins the Alliance of Versailles
The Franco-Austrian alliance was a diplomatic and military alliance between France and Austria that was first established in 1756 after the First Treaty of Versailles.
British expeditionary army occupies Goree (Dakar) Senegal
British expeditionary army occupies Goree (Dakar) Senegal
Battle of Quebec: American Continental Army led by Richard Montgomery is defeated trying to take the British stronghold
Battle of Quebec: American Continental Army led by Richard Montgomery is defeated trying to take the British stronghold of Quebec City in the American Revolutionary War, General Montgomery is killed and Benedict Arnold is wounded
Rhode Island establishes wage & price controls to curb inflation: Limit is 70 cents a day for carpenters, 42 cents for t
Rhode Island establishes wage & price controls to curb inflation: Limit is 70 cents a day for carpenters, 42 cents for tailors
British fleet beat Dutch Merchant vessels
British fleet beat Dutch Merchant vessels
Bank of North America, 1st US bank opens
The Bank of North America was the first chartered bank in the United States, and served as the country's first de facto central bank.
The Dutch East Indies Company is formally dissolved, taken over by the Batavian Republic [1]
The Republic of the Seven United Netherlands (Dutch: Republiek der Zeven Verenigde Nederlanden), also known as the United Provinces (of the Netherlands), and referred to in historiography as the...
End of French Republican calendar; France returns to Gregorianism
End of French Republican calendar; France returns to Gregorianism
Alabama becomes 1st state to license dental surgeons
Alabama becomes 1st state to license dental surgeons
Dutch colony in Dutch Indies counts 4,800 slaves
Dutch colony in Dutch Indies counts 4,800 slaves
A world record 22,990 mm of rain falls in a single year in Cherrapunji, Assam, India
A world record 22,990 mm of rain falls in a single year in Cherrapunji, Assam, India
-Jan 20th) Battle of Stone's River (Battle of Murfreesboro), Tennessee in US Civil War
-Jan 20th) Battle of Stone's River (Battle of Murfreesboro), Tennessee in US Civil War
Henri Matisse is born
Henri Matisse, French artist, known for french artist, was born on 1869-12-31. Henri Émile Benoît Matisse was a French visual artist, known for both his use of colour and his fluid and original…
J D Schneiter patents rocket mail in France, (not done)
J D Schneiter patents rocket mail in France, (not done)
Cornerstone laid for Honolulu's Iolani Palace (only royal palace in US)
The ʻIolani Palace was the royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi beginning with Kamehameha III under the Kamehameha Dynasty (1845) and ending with Queen Liliʻuokalani (1893) under...
Brooklyn's last day as a city, it incorporates into NYC (1/1/1898)
Brooklyn is the most populous of the five boroughs of New York City, coextensive with Kings County, in the U.S. state of New York.
In the first election under their new constitution, Cuba elects a Congress and their first president, Tomas Estrada Palm
In the first election under their new constitution, Cuba elects a Congress and their first president, Tomas Estrada Palma
First New Year's Eve celebration is held in Times Square, New York City
One Times Square (also known as 1475 Broadway, the New York Times Building, the New York Times Tower, the Allied Chemical Tower or simply as the Times Tower) is a 25-story, 363-foot-high (111 m)...
Guy Mollet is born
Guy Mollet, French politician, known for french politician, was born on 1905-12-31. Guy Alcide Mollet was a French politician.
French, British and Italian treaty concerning rights on Abyssinia
French, British and Italian treaty concerning rights on Abyssinia
For 1st time, a ball drops at Times Square to signal the New Year
For 1st time, a ball drops at Times Square to signal the New Year
Editor Maxwell Perkins (26) weds Louise Saunders at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in North Plainfield, New Jersey
Editor Maxwell Perkins (26) weds Louise Saunders at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in North Plainfield, New Jersey
US tobacco industry produced 9 billion cigarettes in 1910
US tobacco industry produced 9 billion cigarettes in 1910
Dutch Social-democratic trade union NVV counts 159,450 members
Dutch Social-democratic trade union NVV counts 159,450 members
Victorian all-rounder Roy Park makes Test cricket debut for Australia v England in 2nd Test in Melbourne; bowled by Harr
Victorian all-rounder Roy Park makes Test cricket debut for Australia v England in 2nd Test in Melbourne; bowled by Harry Howell for a first ball 'golden duck' in his first and only Test innings
Last San Francisco firehorses retired
Last San Francisco firehorses retired
BBC begins using Big Ben's chimes as an interval signal
BBC begins using Big Ben's chimes as an interval signal
1st transatlantic radio broadcast of a voice, Pittsburgh-Manchester
1st transatlantic radio broadcast of a voice, Pittsburgh-Manchester
14th congress of CPSU decides to accelerate industry
14th congress of CPSU decides to accelerate industry
Ponsford scores 336 against SA, giving him 1146 for month
Ponsford scores 336 against SA, giving him 1146 for month
Pontifical encyclical Casti connubii against mixed marriages
Pontifical encyclical Casti connubii against mixed marriages
City of Paris accepts donation of the writings gathered by feminist publisher Marguerite Durand and establishes a librar
City of Paris accepts donation of the writings gathered by feminist publisher Marguerite Durand and establishes a library (Bibliothèque Marguerite Durand) for the collection
John P O'Brien sworn-in as mayor of NYC
John P O'Brien sworn-in as mayor of NYC
Helen Richey becomes 1st woman to pilot an airmail transport
Helen Richey becomes 1st woman to pilot an airmail transport
Charles Darrow patents the board game Monopoly and becomes the first millionaire game designer
Monopoly is a multiplayer economics-themed board game. In the game, players roll two dice (or one extra special red die depending on the game) to move around the game board, buying and trading...
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is born
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is born
Daniel Sternefeld conducts premiere of his ballet "Pierlala" at the Royal Flemish Opera of Antwerp; choreographer Wladim
Daniel Sternefeld conducts premiere of his ballet "Pierlala" at the Royal Flemish Opera of Antwerp; choreographer Wladimir Karnetzky also danced the title role
Anthony Hopkins is born
Anthony Hopkins, Welsh welsh actor, known for welsh actor, was born on 1938-12-31. Sir Philip Anthony Hopkins is a Welsh actor.
Dutch national debt hits ƒ4,218,553,180.99
Dutch national debt hits ƒ4,218,553,180.99
Actress Bette Davis (32) weds New England innkeeper Arthur Farnsworth at 15,000-acre ranch in Lake Montezuma, Arizona
Actress Bette Davis (32) weds New England innkeeper Arthur Farnsworth at 15,000-acre ranch in Lake Montezuma, Arizona
Young Park (2) in the Bronx named in honor of Samuel Young
The Bronx ( BRONKS) is the northernmost of the five boroughs of New York City, coextensive with Bronx County, in the U.S. state of New York.
Battle of the Barents Sea between British Navy and German Kriegsmarine off North Cape, Norway
The Battle of the Barents Sea was a World War II naval engagement on 31 December 1942 between warships of the German Navy (Kriegsmarine) and British ships escorting Convoy JW 51B to Kola Inlet in the...
Alex Ferguson is born
Alex Ferguson, Scottish athlete, known for scottish football manager, was born on 1942-12-31.
John Denver is born
John Denver musician, known for american singer, was born on 1943-12-31. Henry John Deutschendorf Jr.
48 people die in a train accident in Ogden, Utah
48 people die in a train accident in Ogden, Utah
Ben Kingsley is born
Ben Kingsley, English actor, known for english actor, was born on 1944-12-31. Sir Ben Kingsley is an English actor.
French troops leave Lebanon
Lebanon, officially the Lebanese Republic, is a country in the Levant region of West Asia.
American singing cowboy Roy Rogers (36) weds American singer and actress Dale Evans (35) at the Flying L Ranch in Davis,
American singing cowboy Roy Rogers (36) weds American singer and actress Dale Evans (35) at the Flying L Ranch in Davis, Oklahoma, his second marriage, her fourth, until his death in 1998
Diane von Furstenberg is born
Diane von Furstenberg, Belgian fashion designer, known for belgian fashion designer, was born on 1947-12-31. Diane von Fürstenberg is a Belgian fashion designer best known for her wrap dress.
Dutch police actions up Java gone on strike
Dutch police actions up Java gone on strike
Donna Summer is born
Donna Summer, American musician, known for american singer, was born on 1948-12-31.
18 countries recognize Republic Indonesia
18 countries recognize Republic Indonesia
American thoroughbred jockeys Bill Shoemaker and Joe Culmone end the year tied, leading the nation with record 388 wins
American thoroughbred jockeys Bill Shoemaker and Joe Culmone end the year tied, leading the nation with record 388 wins
1st battery to convert radioactive energy to electricity announced
1st battery to convert radioactive energy to electricity announced
Danny Nardico stops former world middleweight champion Jake LaMotta in 7 rounds in a light heavyweight non-title bout in
Danny Nardico stops former world middleweight champion Jake LaMotta in 7 rounds in a light heavyweight non-title bout in Coral Gables, Florida; LaMotta is knocked down for the only time in his career, his corner stopping fight after the round
Amateur Athletic Union awards American sprinter Bobby Morrow the James E. Sullivan Award
The AAU James E. Sullivan Award, presented by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), is awarded annually to "the most outstanding athlete at the collegiate or Olympic level in the United States". The...
Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista informs his cabinet that he is fleeing the country
The Cuban communist revolutionary and politician Fidel Castro took part in the Cuban Revolution from 1953 to 1959.
Bill Shoemaker 1st jockey to win national riding championship 4 times
Bill Shoemaker 1st jockey to win national riding championship 4 times
Failed coup by Syrian group in Lebanon
The Syrian Social Nationalist Party in Lebanon is a Syrian nationalist party operating in Lebanon.
"Match Game" debuts on NBC with host Gene Rayburn
Match Game is an American television panel game show that premiered on NBC in 1962 and has been revived several times over the course of the last six decades.
Dear Abby show premieres on CBS radio (runs 11 years)
Dear Abby show premieres on CBS radio (runs 11 years)
Jennifer Higdon is born
Jennifer Higdon, American musician, known for american composer, was born on 1963-12-31. Jennifer Elaine Higdon is an American composer of contemporary classical music.
Donald Campbell (UK) sets world water speed record (276.33 mph)
Donald Malcolm Campbell, (23 March 1921 – 4 January 1967) was a British speed record breaker who broke eight absolute world speed records on water and on land in the 1950s and 1960s.
Pirate Radio 390 (Radio Invicata) off England, resumes transmitting
Pirate Radio 390 (Radio Invicata) off England, resumes transmitting
1st NBA game at Great Western Forum, LA Lakers beat Houston 147-118
1st NBA game at Great Western Forum, LA Lakers beat Houston 147-118
New York Jets win AFL championship
The 1968 New York Jets season was the ninth season for the team in the American Football League (AFL). The team had the most successful season in franchise history.
Congo-Brazzaville becomes People's republic, under major Ngouabi
Congo-Brazzaville becomes People's republic, under major Ngouabi
Edmund Compton, then Northern Ireland Ombudsman, is replaced by John Benn
Edmund Compton, then Northern Ireland Ombudsman, is replaced by John Benn
DDT, first of the modern insecticides used against malaria and typhus, is banned by the US Environmental Protection Agen
DDT, first of the modern insecticides used against malaria and typhus, is banned by the US Environmental Protection Agency after evidence of adverse environmental side effects [1]
US 1st class postage stamp rate rises from 10 cents to 13 cents
US 1st class postage stamp rate rises from 10 cents to 13 cents
The Cars played their 1st gig
The Cars played their 1st gig
Amir Sheikh Jabir al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah becomes leader of Kuwait
Kuwait, officially the State of Kuwait, is a country in West Asia. It is situated at the head of the Persian Gulf in the northeastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Iraq to the north and...
CIA director, Admiral Stansfield Turner retires from the Navy
CIA director, Admiral Stansfield Turner retires from the Navy
Psy is born
Psy, South Korean musician, known for south korean rapper, was born on 1978-12-31. Park Jae-sang, better known as Psy ( SY; 싸이), is a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer.
A Jewish owned hotel in Nairobi Kenya is bombed killing 18
Many terrorist attacks have occurred in Kenya during the 20th and 21st centuries. In 1980, the Jewish-owned Norfolk hotel was attacked by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
CNN Headline News cable TV channel debuts in US
Cable news channels are television networks devoted to television news broadcasts, with the name deriving from the proliferation of such networks during the 1980s with the advent of cable...
Richie McCaw is born
Richie McCaw, New Zealand athlete, known for new zealand international rugby union player, was born on 1981-12-31. Richard Hugh McCaw is a New Zealand retired professional rugby union player.
CBS Mystery Theater final episode on radio after 8 years
CBS Radio Mystery Theater (a.k.a. Radio Mystery Theater and Mystery Theater, sometimes abbreviated as CBSRMT) is a radio drama series created by Himan Brown that was broadcast on CBS Radio Network...
Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen loses his arm in a car crash
Richard John Cyril Allen is an English musician who has been the drummer of the hard rock band Def Leppard since 1978.
Dupont Plaza Hotel fire in San Juan, Puerto Rico kills 97
On New Year's Eve, December 31, 1986, three disgruntled employees of the Dupont Plaza Hotel (now San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, intentionally set a fire.
A heavy, dense fog rolls over Soldier Field in Chicago during the second quarter of the Bears vs. Eagles NFC Divisional
A heavy, dense fog rolls over Soldier Field in Chicago during the second quarter of the Bears vs. Eagles NFC Divisional Playoff game, cutting visibility to 15 to 20 yards in a game known as "The Fog Bowl" (Bears win 20-12)
Jockey Kent Desormeaux sets a record with 598 wins in a single year
Kent Jason Desormeaux is an American thoroughbred horse racing Hall of Fame jockey who holds the U.S. record for most races won in a single year with 598 wins in 1989.
Iraq begins a military draft of 17-year-olds
Iraq begins a military draft of 17-year-olds
CPN, Communist Party of Netherland - last day of existence
CPN, Communist Party of Netherland - last day of existence
Largest free concert in the world occurs when Rod Stewart performs in front of an estimated 3.5 million people at Copaca
Largest free concert in the world occurs when Rod Stewart performs in front of an estimated 3.5 million people at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil [1]
Anti Apartheid Group of Netherlands (AABN) disbands
Anti Apartheid Group of Netherlands (AABN) disbands
Cartoonist Bill Watterson ends his "Calvin & Hobbes" comic strip after 10 years, believing he had achieved all he could
Cartoonist Bill Watterson ends his "Calvin & Hobbes" comic strip after 10 years, believing he had achieved all he could in the medium
Gabby Douglas is born
Gabby Douglas, American athlete, known for american artistic gymnast, was born on 1996-12-31. Gabrielle Christina Victoria Douglas is an American artistic gymnast.
72 year-old Marv Levy retires as coach of the NFL Buffalo Bills after 12 seasons, including 4 consecutive losing Super B
72 year-old Marv Levy retires as coach of the NFL Buffalo Bills after 12 seasons, including 4 consecutive losing Super Bowl appearances
Exchange rates between the euro and legacy currencies in the eurozone become fixed
Exchange rates between the euro and legacy currencies in the eurozone become fixed
Official opening of Taipei 101, then the tallest skyscraper in the world, at a height of 509 metres (1,670 feet)
The tallest building in the world, as of 2026, is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The final contest at the old Lansdowne Road Stadium in Dublin is a rugby match with Leinster beating Ulster 20-12 in a C
The final contest at the old Lansdowne Road Stadium in Dublin is a rugby match with Leinster beating Ulster 20-12 in a Celtic League game
Boston's Big Dig construction project ends
The Big Dig was a megaproject in Boston that rerouted the elevated Central Artery of Interstate 93 into the O'Neill Tunnel and built the Ted Williams Tunnel to extend Interstate 90 to Logan...
36 die and 47 are wounded during a stampede of New Year revellers on Shanghai's Bund riverfront
36 die and 47 are wounded during a stampede of New Year revellers on Shanghai's Bund riverfront
82nd Orange Bowl: #1 Clemson beats #4 Oklahoma, 37-17
82nd Orange Bowl: #1 Clemson beats #4 Oklahoma, 37-17
Chris Ofili is appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to
Chris Ofili is appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to art
Ban on ivory trade in China comes into effect
The ivory trade is the commercial, often illegal trade in the ivory tusks of the hippopotamus, walrus, narwhal, black and white rhinos, mammoth, and most commonly, African and Asian elephants. Ivory...
Singer Lorde called a bigot in ad in Washington Post after cancelling show in Israel
Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, known professionally as Lorde ( LORD), is a New Zealand singer-songwriter.
Houston guard James Harden scores 43 points in Rockets' 113-101 win over Memphis Grizzlies; 4th straight NBA game with 4
Houston guard James Harden scores 43 points in Rockets' 113-101 win over Memphis Grizzlies; 4th straight NBA game with 40+ points and 8th straight with 35+; joins Oscar Robertson as only player with at least 35 points & 5 assists in 8 straight games
Iraqi militiamen and protesters breach the outer wall of the US embassy in Baghdad following US airstrikes against Katai
Iraqi militiamen and protesters breach the outer wall of the US embassy in Baghdad following US airstrikes against Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia, on December 29
WHO grants the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine emergency authorization, paving the way for worldwide distribution
WHO grants the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine emergency authorization, paving the way for worldwide distribution
Trinidad and Tobago declare a state of emergency over gang violence, which has resulted in one of the highest homicide r
Trinidad and Tobago declare a state of emergency over gang violence, which has resulted in one of the highest homicide rates in Latin America [1]