Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent occupies Baghdad
Suleiman I (6 November 1494 – 6 September 1566), commonly known as Suleiman the Magnificent, was the Ottoman sultan from 1520 to 1566.
What Happened on
A complete timeline of historical events, famous births, notable deaths, and holidays that occurred on December 4 throughout history.
114
Events
10
Births
3
Deaths
Historical Events on December 4
Council of Trent holds its last session after 18 years, the last ecumenical council for more than 300 years
Council of Trent holds its last session after 18 years, the last ecumenical council for more than 300 years
Thirty-eight colonists from Berkeley Parish, England, disembark in Virginia and give thanks to God, considered by many t
Thirty-eight colonists from Berkeley Parish, England, disembark in Virginia and give thanks to God, considered by many the first Thanksgiving in the Americas
Britain's "The Observer" is first published and becomes the world's oldest Sunday newspaper
Britain's "The Observer" is first published and becomes the world's oldest Sunday newspaper
Britain outlaws "suttee" in India, a Hindu practice where a widow burns herself to death on her husband's funeral pyre
Sati or suttee is a chiefly historical Hindu practice in which a widow burns alive on her deceased husband's funeral pyre, either voluntarily, by coercion, or by a perception of the lack of...
US President Woodrow Wilson sails for the Versailles Peace Conference in France
US President Woodrow Wilson sails for the Versailles Peace Conference in France
Jack Kirkland's play "Tobacco Road" premieres in NYC and becomes the longest-running play of its time
Jack Kirkland's play "Tobacco Road" premieres in NYC and becomes the longest-running play of its time
Duke Ellington opens at the Cotton Club in Harlem, NYC
Duke Ellington opens at the Cotton Club in Harlem, NYC
MLB Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis announces that any baseball club may sign Negro players
Kenesaw Mountain Landis (November 20, 1866 – November 25, 1944) was an American jurist who served as a United States federal judge from 1905 to 1922 and as the first commissioner of baseball from...
Novelist Bram Stoker (31) weds Florence Balcombe (20) in Dublin, Ireland
Novelist Bram Stoker (31) weds Florence Balcombe (20) in Dublin, Ireland
Entertainer Milton Berle (33) marries actress Joyce Matthews (21) for the first time (divorced 1947, remarried 1949)
Entertainer Milton Berle (33) marries actress Joyce Matthews (21) for the first time (divorced 1947, remarried 1949)
Actor Jean-Paul Belmondo marries first wife Élodie Constantin (divorced 1968)
Actor Jean-Paul Belmondo marries first wife Élodie Constantin (divorced 1968)
American tennis player Chris Evert (51) divorces American alpine skier Andy Mill (52) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, citin
American tennis player Chris Evert (51) divorces American alpine skier Andy Mill (52) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, citing irreconcilable differences
Actors Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas divorce after 19 years of marriage
Melanie Richards Griffith is an American actress. Born in Manhattan to actress Tippi Hedren, she was raised mainly in Los Angeles, where she graduated from the Hollywood Professional School at age...
Syrian harbor city Saida (Sidon) surrenders to Crusaders
Sidon ( SY-dən), or Saida ( SY-də, SAH-id-ə; Arabic: صيدا, romanized: Ṣaydā), is the third-largest city in Lebanon.
Adrian IV elected Pope. The only Englishman to become pontiff, Nicholas Breakspear was a member of the family which unti
Adrian IV elected Pope. The only Englishman to become pontiff, Nicholas Breakspear was a member of the family which until recent years brewed beer in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.
Crusaders wound Rabbi Elezar ben Judah
Crusaders wound Rabbi Elezar ben Judah
Battle of Baza - Spanish army captures Baza from Moors
Battle of Baza - Spanish army captures Baza from Moors
First European peace congress opens in Munster
First European peace congress opens in Munster
Middelburg, Netherlands forbids building of synagogue
Middelburg, Netherlands forbids building of synagogue
Father Marquette builds first dwelling in what is now Chicago
Father Marquette builds first dwelling in what is now Chicago
Battle of Lund: A Danish army under the command of King Christian V of Denmark engages the Swedish army commanded by Fie
Battle of Lund: A Danish army under the command of King Christian V of Denmark engages the Swedish army commanded by Field Marshal Simon Grundel-Helmfelt
Hen in Rome lays a uniquely patterned egg, later believed to have predicted the arrival of the Kirch/Newton "Great Comet
Hen in Rome lays a uniquely patterned egg, later believed to have predicted the arrival of the Kirch/Newton "Great Comet of 1680"
First General Assembly in Pennsylvania (Chester)
The speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is the presiding officer of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Emperor Leopold I takes control of Transylvania
Emperor Leopold I takes control of Transylvania
Bonnie Prince Charles reaches Derby
Charles Edward Louis John Sylvester Maria Casimir Stuart (31 December 1720 – 30 January 1788) was the elder son of James Francis Edward Stuart, making him the grandson of James VII and II, and the...
General Washington bids officers farewell at Fraunce's Tavern, NYC
Fraunces Tavern is a museum, bar and restaurant in New York City, situated at 54 Pearl Street at the corner of Pearl and Broad Streets in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan.
Rebellious Flemish farmers occupy Hasselt
Rebellious Flemish farmers occupy Hasselt
Peter Gaillard of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, patents a horse-drawn mower
Peter Gaillard of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, patents a horse-drawn mower
French army begins bombing citadel of Antwerp
French army begins bombing citadel of Antwerp
American Anti-Slavery Society formed by Arthur Tappan in Philadelphia
The American Anti-Slavery Society (AASS) was an abolitionist society in the United States.
Whig party holds its first national convention, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
The Anti-Masonic Party was the earliest third party in the United States. Formally a single-issue party, it strongly opposed Freemasonry in the United States.
Manila paper (made from sails, canvas and rope) patented in Massachusetts
Manila paper (made from sails, canvas and rope) patented in Massachusetts
President Louis Napoleon Boaparte's forces crush an attempted coup d'etat in France
President Louis Napoleon Boaparte's forces crush an attempted coup d'etat in France
Battle of Waynesboro is fought in eastern Georgia between Judson Kilpatrick's Union cavalry and Joseph Wheeler's Confede
Battle of Waynesboro is fought in eastern Georgia between Judson Kilpatrick's Union cavalry and Joseph Wheeler's Confederate cavalry
Former Minnesota farmer Oliver Hudson Kelley founds the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry (better known today as the Gra
Former Minnesota farmer Oliver Hudson Kelley founds the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry (better known today as the Grange)
The first edition of the Los Angeles Times newspaper is published
The Los Angeles Times is an American daily newspaper that began publishing in Los Angeles, California, in 1881.
Explorer Henery Morton Stanley's expedition reaches Bagamoyo in Indian Ocean
Explorer Henery Morton Stanley's expedition reaches Bagamoyo in Indian Ocean
56th Congress (1899-1901) convenes
56th Congress (1899-1901) convenes
Alpha Phi Alpha, first Black Greek Letter Fraternity, forms
Alpha Phi International Women's Fraternity (ΑΦ, also known as APhi) is an international sorority with 175 active chapters and over 270,000 initiated members.
Haiti's president General Alexis Nord flees from military coup
Haiti's president General Alexis Nord flees from military coup
Oldest still-operating NHL franchise is officially established as J. Ambrose O’Brien and Jack Laviolette create the “Clu
Oldest still-operating NHL franchise is officially established as J. Ambrose O’Brien and Jack Laviolette create the “Club de Hockey Canadien,” known today as the Montreal Canadiens
Frank Friday Fletcher is first US admiral to receive Congressional Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the highest military decoration of the United States Armed Forces and is awarded to recognize American soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians, and coast guardsmen...
1st Pro football playoff game Buffalo-7, Canton-3 at Polo Grounds, NYC
1st Pro football playoff game Buffalo-7, Canton-3 at Polo Grounds, NYC
American Professional Football Association Championship, Cubs Park, Chicago: Chicago Staleys beat Buffalo All-Americans,
American Professional Football Association Championship, Cubs Park, Chicago: Chicago Staleys beat Buffalo All-Americans, 10-7 in de facto championship game after teams tied in standings
Lucille Atcherson becomes the first woman admitted to the US Foreign Service
Lucille Atcherson becomes the first woman admitted to the US Foreign Service
WEAF radio begins broadcasting Eveready Hour (variety show)
WEAF radio begins broadcasting Eveready Hour (variety show)
Dmitri Shostakovich's Symphony No. 2 premieres in Moscow
Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich (25 September [O.S. 12 September] 1906 – 9 August 1975) was a Soviet composer and pianist who became internationally known after the premiere of his First Symphony in...
Walter Donaldson and Gus Kahn's musical "Whoopee!", starring Eddie Cantor, premieres on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Th
Walter Donaldson and Gus Kahn's musical "Whoopee!", starring Eddie Cantor, premieres on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre, NYC; runs for 407 performances
Vatican approves rhythm method for birth control
Vatican approves rhythm method for birth control
1,200 at St Joseph's College (Philadelphia) enroll in anticommunism class
1,200 at St Joseph's College (Philadelphia) enroll in anticommunism class
Nazi ordinance places Jews of Poland outside protection of courts
Nazi ordinance places Jews of Poland outside protection of courts
FDR orders dismantling of Works Progress Administration
The foreign policy of the United States was controlled personally by Franklin D. Roosevelt during his first and second and then third and fourth terms as president of the United States from 1933 to...
Germans destroy Rhine dikes, Betuwe flooded
Germans destroy Rhine dikes, Betuwe flooded
11th Heisman Trophy Award: Doc Blanchard, Army (FB)
11th Heisman Trophy Award: Doc Blanchard, Army (FB)
USSR joins International Amateur Athletic Union
USSR joins International Amateur Athletic Union
SS Kiangya hits mine in Whangpoo River, China, sinks killing 2,750
SS Kiangya hits mine in Whangpoo River, China, sinks killing 2,750
Bobby Gage ties the NFL record for the longest touchdown run with a 97-yard score for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Bobby Gage ties the NFL record for the longest touchdown run with a 97-yard score for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Walter P. Reuther chosen chairman of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in the US
Walter P. Reuther chosen chairman of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in the US
The first Burger King fast-food restaurant opens in Miami, Florida
A fast-food restaurant, also known as a quick-service restaurant (QSR) within the industry, is a specific type of restaurant that serves fast-food cuisine and has minimal table service.
22nd Heisman Trophy Award: Paul Hornung, Notre Dame (QB)
22nd Heisman Trophy Award: Paul Hornung, Notre Dame (QB)
2 commuter trains collide in heavy fog killing 92 (St John's, England)
2 commuter trains collide in heavy fog killing 92 (St John's, England)
American pilots Bob Timm and John Cook take off from Las Vegas, Nevada, in "The Hacienda," their modified Cessna 172, in
American pilots Bob Timm and John Cook take off from Las Vegas, Nevada, in "The Hacienda," their modified Cessna 172, in an attempt to break a recently set airplane flight endurance record; the effort succeeds almost 65 days later [1]
NFL Draft: Ernie Davis, University of Syracuse RB #1 pick by Washington Redskins
NFL Draft: Ernie Davis, University of Syracuse RB #1 pick by Washington Redskins
US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
Pope Paul VI closes second session of 2nd Vatican Council
Pope Paul VI was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City from 21 June 1963 until his death on 6 August 1978.
Baseball approves a free-agent draft
Baseball approves a free-agent draft
2 passenger planes collide above Danbury, Connecticut, 4 die
2 passenger planes collide above Danbury, Connecticut, 4 die
San Francisco Giant Masanori Murakami, 4-1 this year, does not renew his contract signing instead with the Nankai Hawks
San Francisco Giant Masanori Murakami, 4-1 this year, does not renew his contract signing instead with the Nankai Hawks of Osaka for $40,000
KETS TV channel 2 in Little Rock, AR (PBS) begins broadcasting
KETS TV channel 2 in Little Rock, AR (PBS) begins broadcasting
Following a civil rights march in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, there is a violent clash between Loyalists and those who
Following a civil rights march in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, there is a violent clash between Loyalists and those who are taking part in the march
Unemployment in US increases to 5.8%
Unemployment is the state of not being in paid employment or self-employment but rather currently available for work.
McGurk's Bar bombing: the UVF explode a bomb at a Catholic-owned pub in Belfast, killing fifteen Catholic civilians and
McGurk's Bar bombing: the UVF explode a bomb at a Catholic-owned pub in Belfast, killing fifteen Catholic civilians and wounding seventeen others; this was the highest death toll from a single incident in Belfast during 'the Troubles'
Dutch DC-8 charter crashes in Sri Lanka killing 191 Muslim pilgrims
Dutch DC-8 charter crashes in Sri Lanka killing 191 Muslim pilgrims
6 South Molukkans occupy Indonesian consulate in The Hague, 1 dead
6 South Molukkans occupy Indonesian consulate in The Hague, 1 dead
Neil Simon's play "Chapter Two" opens in NYC
Neil Simon's play "Chapter Two" opens in NYC
Dianne Feinstein is named as San Francisco's 1st female and Jewish mayor after the assassination of George Moscone, then
Dianne Feinstein is named as San Francisco's 1st female and Jewish mayor after the assassination of George Moscone, then elected for two full terms
Cleveland Cavaliers retire jersey # 7, Bingo Smith
The Cleveland Cavaliers, often referred to as the Cavs, are an American professional basketball team based in Cleveland.
Islanders end 15 game undefeated streak (13-0-2) (Col Rockies)
Islanders end 15 game undefeated streak (13-0-2) (Col Rockies)
"Falcon Crest" premieres on CBS-TV
The following is the list of episodes from the American prime time television soap opera Falcon Crest, which aired for nine seasons on CBS from December 4, 1981 to May 17, 1990. Total of 227 episodes.
48th Heisman Trophy Award: Herschel Walker, Georgia (RB)
48th Heisman Trophy Award: Herschel Walker, Georgia (RB)
NJ Devils 1st shut-out, beating Minnesota North Stars 6-0
NJ Devils 1st shut-out, beating Minnesota North Stars 6-0
Hezbollah militants hijack a Kuwait Airlines plane, killing four passengers.
Hezbollah militants hijack a Kuwait Airlines plane, killing four passengers.
US launches its Fleet Satellite Communications System (Fltsatcom-7)
US launches its Fleet Satellite Communications System (Fltsatcom-7)
Karlstad skates world record 10 km (13:48.51)
Karlstad skates world record 10 km (13:48.51)
Actor Gary Busey critically injured in motorcycle crash
Actor Gary Busey critically injured in motorcycle crash
Orioles trade veteran 1B Eddie Murray to the Dodgers
Eddie Clarence Murray, nicknamed "Steady Eddie", is an American former Major League Baseball (MLB) first baseman, designated hitter, and coach.
Roy Orbison gives his final concert at The Front Row Theater in Cleveland, Ohio
Roy Orbison gives his final concert at The Front Row Theater in Cleveland, Ohio
NBC's premiere of "Howard Beach: Making the Case for Murder", based on December 1986 murders of black youths by white yo
NBC's premiere of "Howard Beach: Making the Case for Murder", based on December 1986 murders of black youths by white youths in New York City
An Iraqi official reports that Iraq will withdraw if it can retain control of the Rumailah field and keep Bubiyan and We
An Iraqi official reports that Iraq will withdraw if it can retain control of the Rumailah field and keep Bubiyan and Werbah islands; also says that demands that the Palestinian issue be treated separately would not be surmountable
Country music mother and daughter act The Judds "farewell" concert at Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; later re
Country music mother and daughter act The Judds "farewell" concert at Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; later re-unions and "farewells" in 2000, 2010, 2015, and 2021
A truce is concluded between the government of Angola and UNITA rebels.
A truce is concluded between the government of Angola and UNITA rebels.
Dan Jansen skates world record 500m (35.92 sec)
Dan Jansen skates world record 500m (35.92 sec)
England's captain Michael Atherton bats for 643 minutes (10 hours and 43 minutes) to score an unbeaten 185 and secure a
England's captain Michael Atherton bats for 643 minutes (10 hours and 43 minutes) to score an unbeaten 185 and secure a draw for his team in the Johannesburg Test
NASA's 1st Mars rover launched from Cape Canaveral
NASA's 1st Mars rover launched from Cape Canaveral
"Diary of Anne Frank" opens at Music Box Theater NYC
"Diary of Anne Frank" opens at Music Box Theater NYC
The Unity Module, the second module of the International Space Station, is launched
The process of assembling the International Space Station (ISS) has been under way since the 1990s. Zarya, the first ISS module, was launched by a Proton rocket on 20 November 1998.
Tens of thousands of people in Hong Kong protest for democracy and call on the Government to allow universal and equal s
Tens of thousands of people in Hong Kong protest for democracy and call on the Government to allow universal and equal suffrage
U.S. debut of the first part of two-part TV biopic miniseries "Pope John Paul II" on CBS
U.S. debut of the first part of two-part TV biopic miniseries "Pope John Paul II" on CBS
An adult giant squid is caught on video by Kubodera near the Ogasawara Islands, 1,000 km (620 miles) south of Tokyo
An adult giant squid is caught on video by Kubodera near the Ogasawara Islands, 1,000 km (620 miles) south of Tokyo
Montreal Canadiens retire Hall of Fame center Elmer Lach's jersey (No. 16), as part of team's centennial celebration
Montreal Canadiens retire Hall of Fame center Elmer Lach's jersey (No. 16), as part of team's centennial celebration
Pedro Martínez officially announces his retirement from professional baseball
Pedro Jaime Martínez is a Dominican-American former professional baseball starting pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1992 to 2009 for five teams—most notably the Boston Red Sox...
29 people are killed by a mortar attack in Bteeha, Syria
29 people are killed by a mortar attack in Bteeha, Syria
Mosconi Cup nine-ball pool, Las Vegas, Nevada: 4 consecutive titles for Europe after an 11-2 thrashing of US; MVP: Niels
Mosconi Cup nine-ball pool, Las Vegas, Nevada: 4 consecutive titles for Europe after an 11-2 thrashing of US; MVP: Niels Feijen (Netherlands)
Mosconi Cup nine-ball pool, Blackpool, England: Team Europe beats US, 11-5 for 5th straight title; MVP: Niels Feijen (Ne
Mosconi Cup nine-ball pool, Blackpool, England: Team Europe beats US, 11-5 for 5th straight title; MVP: Niels Feijen (Netherlands)
Floods in Chennai and Tamil Nadu state, India start receding after a month of heavy rainfall, leaving more 260 dead and
Floods in Chennai and Tamil Nadu state, India start receding after a month of heavy rainfall, leaving more 260 dead and thousands stranded
Austria elects liberal independent Alexander Van der Bellen as President, after original vote in May annulled
Alexander "Sascha" Van der Bellen, also referred to by the abbreviation VdB, is an Austrian politician serving as the president of Austria since 2017.
New York Giants fire head coach Ben McAdoo and manager Jerry Reese after a 2–10 start
Benjamin Lee McAdoo is an American football coach who is currently serving as a senior defensive assistant of the New England Patriots in the National Football League (NFL).
Attempts to establish mob council in Sicily thwarted when 46 members of the mafia arrested including Settimio Mineo
Attempts to establish mob council in Sicily thwarted when 46 members of the mafia arrested including Settimio Mineo
58 migrants drown after a boat sinks off the coast of Mauritania, with 83 saved
58 migrants drown after a boat sinks off the coast of Mauritania, with 83 saved
Mosconi Cup nine-ball pool, Coventry, England: Europe ends US 2-year run with emphatic 11-3 win; MVP: Jayson Shaw (Scotl
Mosconi Cup nine-ball pool, Coventry, England: Europe ends US 2-year run with emphatic 11-3 win; MVP: Jayson Shaw (Scotland)
Mt Semeru erupts on Java island, Indonesia, killing at least 14 and injuring 56
Mt Semeru erupts on Java island, Indonesia, killing at least 14 and injuring 56
French government led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier is toppled by a no confidence vote for the first time since 1962
French government led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier is toppled by a no confidence vote for the first time since 1962 [1]
22nd known lethal US military strike in international waters of suspected drug smuggling vessel kills four in the easter
22nd known lethal US military strike in international waters of suspected drug smuggling vessel kills four in the eastern Pacific Ocean
Famous Births on December 4
birth
Edith Cavell is born
Edith Cavell, British nurse, known for british nurse, was born on 1865-12-04. Edith Louisa Cavell ( KAV-əl; 4 December 1865 – 12 October 1915) was a British nurse.
birth
Pappy Boyington is born
Pappy Boyington, American united states marine corps medal of honor recipient, known for united states marine corps medal of honor recipient, was born on 1912-12-04.
birth
Jeff Bridges is born
Jeff Bridges, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1950-12-04. Jeffrey Leon Bridges is an American actor, best known for his leading man roles in film and television.
birth
Marisa Tomei is born
Marisa Tomei, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1965-12-04. Marisa Tomei is an American actress.
birth
Tyra Banks is born
Tyra Banks is born
birth
Jay-Z is born
Jay-Z, American musician, known for american rapper, was born on 1970-12-04. Shawn Corey Carter, known professionally as Jay-Z, currently stylized as JAŸ-Z is an American rapper, businessman, and…
birth
Kim Seok-jin is born
Kim Seok-jin, South Korean musician, known for south korean singer, was born on 1993-12-04.
birth
Diogo Jota is born
Diogo Jota, Portuguese athlete, known for portuguese footballer, was born on 1996-12-04.
birth
Anke Huber is born
Anke Huber, German athlete, known for german tennis player, was born on 1975-12-04. Anke Huber is a German retired professional tennis player.
birth
Rainer Maria Rilke is born
Rainer Maria Rilke, German poet and writer, known for austrian poet and writer, was born on 1875-12-04.
Notable Deaths on December 4
death
Robert Jenkinson dies
Robert Jenkinson dies
death
Hannah Arendt dies
Hannah Arendt, American american historian and philosopher, known for german and american historian and philosopher, died on 1975-12-04.
death
Frank Zappa dies
Frank Zappa, American musician, known for american musician, died on 1993-12-04. Frank Vincent Zappa (December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993) was an American composer, songwriter, electric guitarist,…
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on December 4, 1534?
- Suleiman I (6 November 1494 – 6 September 1566), commonly known as Suleiman the Magnificent, was the Ottoman sultan from 1520 to 1566.
- What happened on December 4, 1563?
- Council of Trent holds its last session after 18 years, the last ecumenical council for more than 300 years
- What happened on December 4, 1619?
- Thirty-eight colonists from Berkeley Parish, England, disembark in Virginia and give thanks to God, considered by many the first Thanksgiving in the Americas
- What happened on December 4, 1791?
- Britain's "The Observer" is first published and becomes the world's oldest Sunday newspaper
- What happened on December 4, 1829?
- Sati or suttee is a chiefly historical Hindu practice in which a widow burns alive on her deceased husband's funeral pyre, either voluntarily, by coercion, or by a perception of the lack of...
Complete Timeline — December 4 Through the Ages
Syrian harbor city Saida (Sidon) surrenders to Crusaders
Sidon ( SY-dən), or Saida ( SY-də, SAH-id-ə; Arabic: صيدا, romanized: Ṣaydā), is the third-largest city in Lebanon.
Adrian IV elected Pope. The only Englishman to become pontiff, Nicholas Breakspear was a member of the family which unti
Adrian IV elected Pope. The only Englishman to become pontiff, Nicholas Breakspear was a member of the family which until recent years brewed beer in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.
Crusaders wound Rabbi Elezar ben Judah
Crusaders wound Rabbi Elezar ben Judah
Battle of Baza - Spanish army captures Baza from Moors
Battle of Baza - Spanish army captures Baza from Moors
Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent occupies Baghdad
Suleiman I (6 November 1494 – 6 September 1566), commonly known as Suleiman the Magnificent, was the Ottoman sultan from 1520 to 1566.
Council of Trent holds its last session after 18 years, the last ecumenical council for more than 300 years
Council of Trent holds its last session after 18 years, the last ecumenical council for more than 300 years
Thirty-eight colonists from Berkeley Parish, England, disembark in Virginia and give thanks to God, considered by many t
Thirty-eight colonists from Berkeley Parish, England, disembark in Virginia and give thanks to God, considered by many the first Thanksgiving in the Americas
First European peace congress opens in Munster
First European peace congress opens in Munster
Middelburg, Netherlands forbids building of synagogue
Middelburg, Netherlands forbids building of synagogue
Father Marquette builds first dwelling in what is now Chicago
Father Marquette builds first dwelling in what is now Chicago
Battle of Lund: A Danish army under the command of King Christian V of Denmark engages the Swedish army commanded by Fie
Battle of Lund: A Danish army under the command of King Christian V of Denmark engages the Swedish army commanded by Field Marshal Simon Grundel-Helmfelt
Hen in Rome lays a uniquely patterned egg, later believed to have predicted the arrival of the Kirch/Newton "Great Comet
Hen in Rome lays a uniquely patterned egg, later believed to have predicted the arrival of the Kirch/Newton "Great Comet of 1680"
First General Assembly in Pennsylvania (Chester)
The speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is the presiding officer of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Emperor Leopold I takes control of Transylvania
Emperor Leopold I takes control of Transylvania
Bonnie Prince Charles reaches Derby
Charles Edward Louis John Sylvester Maria Casimir Stuart (31 December 1720 – 30 January 1788) was the elder son of James Francis Edward Stuart, making him the grandson of James VII and II, and the...
General Washington bids officers farewell at Fraunce's Tavern, NYC
Fraunces Tavern is a museum, bar and restaurant in New York City, situated at 54 Pearl Street at the corner of Pearl and Broad Streets in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan.
Britain's "The Observer" is first published and becomes the world's oldest Sunday newspaper
Britain's "The Observer" is first published and becomes the world's oldest Sunday newspaper
Rebellious Flemish farmers occupy Hasselt
Rebellious Flemish farmers occupy Hasselt
Peter Gaillard of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, patents a horse-drawn mower
Peter Gaillard of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, patents a horse-drawn mower
Robert Jenkinson dies
Robert Jenkinson dies
Britain outlaws "suttee" in India, a Hindu practice where a widow burns herself to death on her husband's funeral pyre
Sati or suttee is a chiefly historical Hindu practice in which a widow burns alive on her deceased husband's funeral pyre, either voluntarily, by coercion, or by a perception of the lack of...
French army begins bombing citadel of Antwerp
French army begins bombing citadel of Antwerp
American Anti-Slavery Society formed by Arthur Tappan in Philadelphia
The American Anti-Slavery Society (AASS) was an abolitionist society in the United States.
Whig party holds its first national convention, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
The Anti-Masonic Party was the earliest third party in the United States. Formally a single-issue party, it strongly opposed Freemasonry in the United States.
Manila paper (made from sails, canvas and rope) patented in Massachusetts
Manila paper (made from sails, canvas and rope) patented in Massachusetts
President Louis Napoleon Boaparte's forces crush an attempted coup d'etat in France
President Louis Napoleon Boaparte's forces crush an attempted coup d'etat in France
Battle of Waynesboro is fought in eastern Georgia between Judson Kilpatrick's Union cavalry and Joseph Wheeler's Confede
Battle of Waynesboro is fought in eastern Georgia between Judson Kilpatrick's Union cavalry and Joseph Wheeler's Confederate cavalry
Edith Cavell is born
Edith Cavell, British nurse, known for british nurse, was born on 1865-12-04. Edith Louisa Cavell ( KAV-əl; 4 December 1865 – 12 October 1915) was a British nurse.
Former Minnesota farmer Oliver Hudson Kelley founds the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry (better known today as the Gra
Former Minnesota farmer Oliver Hudson Kelley founds the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry (better known today as the Grange)
Rainer Maria Rilke is born
Rainer Maria Rilke, German poet and writer, known for austrian poet and writer, was born on 1875-12-04.
Novelist Bram Stoker (31) weds Florence Balcombe (20) in Dublin, Ireland
Novelist Bram Stoker (31) weds Florence Balcombe (20) in Dublin, Ireland
The first edition of the Los Angeles Times newspaper is published
The Los Angeles Times is an American daily newspaper that began publishing in Los Angeles, California, in 1881.
Explorer Henery Morton Stanley's expedition reaches Bagamoyo in Indian Ocean
Explorer Henery Morton Stanley's expedition reaches Bagamoyo in Indian Ocean
56th Congress (1899-1901) convenes
56th Congress (1899-1901) convenes
Alpha Phi Alpha, first Black Greek Letter Fraternity, forms
Alpha Phi International Women's Fraternity (ΑΦ, also known as APhi) is an international sorority with 175 active chapters and over 270,000 initiated members.
Haiti's president General Alexis Nord flees from military coup
Haiti's president General Alexis Nord flees from military coup
Oldest still-operating NHL franchise is officially established as J. Ambrose O’Brien and Jack Laviolette create the “Clu
Oldest still-operating NHL franchise is officially established as J. Ambrose O’Brien and Jack Laviolette create the “Club de Hockey Canadien,” known today as the Montreal Canadiens
Pappy Boyington is born
Pappy Boyington, American united states marine corps medal of honor recipient, known for united states marine corps medal of honor recipient, was born on 1912-12-04.
Frank Friday Fletcher is first US admiral to receive Congressional Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the highest military decoration of the United States Armed Forces and is awarded to recognize American soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians, and coast guardsmen...
US President Woodrow Wilson sails for the Versailles Peace Conference in France
US President Woodrow Wilson sails for the Versailles Peace Conference in France
1st Pro football playoff game Buffalo-7, Canton-3 at Polo Grounds, NYC
1st Pro football playoff game Buffalo-7, Canton-3 at Polo Grounds, NYC
American Professional Football Association Championship, Cubs Park, Chicago: Chicago Staleys beat Buffalo All-Americans,
American Professional Football Association Championship, Cubs Park, Chicago: Chicago Staleys beat Buffalo All-Americans, 10-7 in de facto championship game after teams tied in standings
Lucille Atcherson becomes the first woman admitted to the US Foreign Service
Lucille Atcherson becomes the first woman admitted to the US Foreign Service
WEAF radio begins broadcasting Eveready Hour (variety show)
WEAF radio begins broadcasting Eveready Hour (variety show)
Duke Ellington opens at the Cotton Club in Harlem, NYC
Duke Ellington opens at the Cotton Club in Harlem, NYC
Dmitri Shostakovich's Symphony No. 2 premieres in Moscow
Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich (25 September [O.S. 12 September] 1906 – 9 August 1975) was a Soviet composer and pianist who became internationally known after the premiere of his First Symphony in...
Walter Donaldson and Gus Kahn's musical "Whoopee!", starring Eddie Cantor, premieres on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Th
Walter Donaldson and Gus Kahn's musical "Whoopee!", starring Eddie Cantor, premieres on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre, NYC; runs for 407 performances
Vatican approves rhythm method for birth control
Vatican approves rhythm method for birth control
Jack Kirkland's play "Tobacco Road" premieres in NYC and becomes the longest-running play of its time
Jack Kirkland's play "Tobacco Road" premieres in NYC and becomes the longest-running play of its time
1,200 at St Joseph's College (Philadelphia) enroll in anticommunism class
1,200 at St Joseph's College (Philadelphia) enroll in anticommunism class
Entertainer Milton Berle (33) marries actress Joyce Matthews (21) for the first time (divorced 1947, remarried 1949)
Entertainer Milton Berle (33) marries actress Joyce Matthews (21) for the first time (divorced 1947, remarried 1949)
Nazi ordinance places Jews of Poland outside protection of courts
Nazi ordinance places Jews of Poland outside protection of courts
FDR orders dismantling of Works Progress Administration
The foreign policy of the United States was controlled personally by Franklin D. Roosevelt during his first and second and then third and fourth terms as president of the United States from 1933 to...
MLB Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis announces that any baseball club may sign Negro players
Kenesaw Mountain Landis (November 20, 1866 – November 25, 1944) was an American jurist who served as a United States federal judge from 1905 to 1922 and as the first commissioner of baseball from...
Germans destroy Rhine dikes, Betuwe flooded
Germans destroy Rhine dikes, Betuwe flooded
11th Heisman Trophy Award: Doc Blanchard, Army (FB)
11th Heisman Trophy Award: Doc Blanchard, Army (FB)
USSR joins International Amateur Athletic Union
USSR joins International Amateur Athletic Union
SS Kiangya hits mine in Whangpoo River, China, sinks killing 2,750
SS Kiangya hits mine in Whangpoo River, China, sinks killing 2,750
Bobby Gage ties the NFL record for the longest touchdown run with a 97-yard score for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Bobby Gage ties the NFL record for the longest touchdown run with a 97-yard score for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Jeff Bridges is born
Jeff Bridges, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1950-12-04. Jeffrey Leon Bridges is an American actor, best known for his leading man roles in film and television.
Actor Jean-Paul Belmondo marries first wife Élodie Constantin (divorced 1968)
Actor Jean-Paul Belmondo marries first wife Élodie Constantin (divorced 1968)
Walter P. Reuther chosen chairman of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in the US
Walter P. Reuther chosen chairman of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in the US
The first Burger King fast-food restaurant opens in Miami, Florida
A fast-food restaurant, also known as a quick-service restaurant (QSR) within the industry, is a specific type of restaurant that serves fast-food cuisine and has minimal table service.
22nd Heisman Trophy Award: Paul Hornung, Notre Dame (QB)
22nd Heisman Trophy Award: Paul Hornung, Notre Dame (QB)
2 commuter trains collide in heavy fog killing 92 (St John's, England)
2 commuter trains collide in heavy fog killing 92 (St John's, England)
American pilots Bob Timm and John Cook take off from Las Vegas, Nevada, in "The Hacienda," their modified Cessna 172, in
American pilots Bob Timm and John Cook take off from Las Vegas, Nevada, in "The Hacienda," their modified Cessna 172, in an attempt to break a recently set airplane flight endurance record; the effort succeeds almost 65 days later [1]
NFL Draft: Ernie Davis, University of Syracuse RB #1 pick by Washington Redskins
NFL Draft: Ernie Davis, University of Syracuse RB #1 pick by Washington Redskins
US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site
Pope Paul VI closes second session of 2nd Vatican Council
Pope Paul VI was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of Vatican City from 21 June 1963 until his death on 6 August 1978.
Baseball approves a free-agent draft
Baseball approves a free-agent draft
2 passenger planes collide above Danbury, Connecticut, 4 die
2 passenger planes collide above Danbury, Connecticut, 4 die
San Francisco Giant Masanori Murakami, 4-1 this year, does not renew his contract signing instead with the Nankai Hawks
San Francisco Giant Masanori Murakami, 4-1 this year, does not renew his contract signing instead with the Nankai Hawks of Osaka for $40,000
Marisa Tomei is born
Marisa Tomei, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1965-12-04. Marisa Tomei is an American actress.
KETS TV channel 2 in Little Rock, AR (PBS) begins broadcasting
KETS TV channel 2 in Little Rock, AR (PBS) begins broadcasting
Following a civil rights march in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, there is a violent clash between Loyalists and those who
Following a civil rights march in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, there is a violent clash between Loyalists and those who are taking part in the march
Unemployment in US increases to 5.8%
Unemployment is the state of not being in paid employment or self-employment but rather currently available for work.
Jay-Z is born
Jay-Z, American musician, known for american rapper, was born on 1970-12-04. Shawn Corey Carter, known professionally as Jay-Z, currently stylized as JAŸ-Z is an American rapper, businessman, and…
McGurk's Bar bombing: the UVF explode a bomb at a Catholic-owned pub in Belfast, killing fifteen Catholic civilians and
McGurk's Bar bombing: the UVF explode a bomb at a Catholic-owned pub in Belfast, killing fifteen Catholic civilians and wounding seventeen others; this was the highest death toll from a single incident in Belfast during 'the Troubles'
Dutch DC-8 charter crashes in Sri Lanka killing 191 Muslim pilgrims
Dutch DC-8 charter crashes in Sri Lanka killing 191 Muslim pilgrims
Tyra Banks is born
Tyra Banks is born
6 South Molukkans occupy Indonesian consulate in The Hague, 1 dead
6 South Molukkans occupy Indonesian consulate in The Hague, 1 dead
Anke Huber is born
Anke Huber, German athlete, known for german tennis player, was born on 1975-12-04. Anke Huber is a German retired professional tennis player.
Hannah Arendt dies
Hannah Arendt, American american historian and philosopher, known for german and american historian and philosopher, died on 1975-12-04.
Neil Simon's play "Chapter Two" opens in NYC
Neil Simon's play "Chapter Two" opens in NYC
Dianne Feinstein is named as San Francisco's 1st female and Jewish mayor after the assassination of George Moscone, then
Dianne Feinstein is named as San Francisco's 1st female and Jewish mayor after the assassination of George Moscone, then elected for two full terms
Cleveland Cavaliers retire jersey # 7, Bingo Smith
The Cleveland Cavaliers, often referred to as the Cavs, are an American professional basketball team based in Cleveland.
Islanders end 15 game undefeated streak (13-0-2) (Col Rockies)
Islanders end 15 game undefeated streak (13-0-2) (Col Rockies)
"Falcon Crest" premieres on CBS-TV
The following is the list of episodes from the American prime time television soap opera Falcon Crest, which aired for nine seasons on CBS from December 4, 1981 to May 17, 1990. Total of 227 episodes.
48th Heisman Trophy Award: Herschel Walker, Georgia (RB)
48th Heisman Trophy Award: Herschel Walker, Georgia (RB)
NJ Devils 1st shut-out, beating Minnesota North Stars 6-0
NJ Devils 1st shut-out, beating Minnesota North Stars 6-0
Hezbollah militants hijack a Kuwait Airlines plane, killing four passengers.
Hezbollah militants hijack a Kuwait Airlines plane, killing four passengers.
US launches its Fleet Satellite Communications System (Fltsatcom-7)
US launches its Fleet Satellite Communications System (Fltsatcom-7)
Karlstad skates world record 10 km (13:48.51)
Karlstad skates world record 10 km (13:48.51)
Actor Gary Busey critically injured in motorcycle crash
Actor Gary Busey critically injured in motorcycle crash
Orioles trade veteran 1B Eddie Murray to the Dodgers
Eddie Clarence Murray, nicknamed "Steady Eddie", is an American former Major League Baseball (MLB) first baseman, designated hitter, and coach.
Roy Orbison gives his final concert at The Front Row Theater in Cleveland, Ohio
Roy Orbison gives his final concert at The Front Row Theater in Cleveland, Ohio
NBC's premiere of "Howard Beach: Making the Case for Murder", based on December 1986 murders of black youths by white yo
NBC's premiere of "Howard Beach: Making the Case for Murder", based on December 1986 murders of black youths by white youths in New York City
An Iraqi official reports that Iraq will withdraw if it can retain control of the Rumailah field and keep Bubiyan and We
An Iraqi official reports that Iraq will withdraw if it can retain control of the Rumailah field and keep Bubiyan and Werbah islands; also says that demands that the Palestinian issue be treated separately would not be surmountable
Country music mother and daughter act The Judds "farewell" concert at Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; later re
Country music mother and daughter act The Judds "farewell" concert at Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee; later re-unions and "farewells" in 2000, 2010, 2015, and 2021
A truce is concluded between the government of Angola and UNITA rebels.
A truce is concluded between the government of Angola and UNITA rebels.
Dan Jansen skates world record 500m (35.92 sec)
Dan Jansen skates world record 500m (35.92 sec)
Kim Seok-jin is born
Kim Seok-jin, South Korean musician, known for south korean singer, was born on 1993-12-04.
Frank Zappa dies
Frank Zappa, American musician, known for american musician, died on 1993-12-04. Frank Vincent Zappa (December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993) was an American composer, songwriter, electric guitarist,…
England's captain Michael Atherton bats for 643 minutes (10 hours and 43 minutes) to score an unbeaten 185 and secure a
England's captain Michael Atherton bats for 643 minutes (10 hours and 43 minutes) to score an unbeaten 185 and secure a draw for his team in the Johannesburg Test
NASA's 1st Mars rover launched from Cape Canaveral
NASA's 1st Mars rover launched from Cape Canaveral
Diogo Jota is born
Diogo Jota, Portuguese athlete, known for portuguese footballer, was born on 1996-12-04.
"Diary of Anne Frank" opens at Music Box Theater NYC
"Diary of Anne Frank" opens at Music Box Theater NYC
The Unity Module, the second module of the International Space Station, is launched
The process of assembling the International Space Station (ISS) has been under way since the 1990s. Zarya, the first ISS module, was launched by a Proton rocket on 20 November 1998.
Tens of thousands of people in Hong Kong protest for democracy and call on the Government to allow universal and equal s
Tens of thousands of people in Hong Kong protest for democracy and call on the Government to allow universal and equal suffrage
U.S. debut of the first part of two-part TV biopic miniseries "Pope John Paul II" on CBS
U.S. debut of the first part of two-part TV biopic miniseries "Pope John Paul II" on CBS
American tennis player Chris Evert (51) divorces American alpine skier Andy Mill (52) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, citin
American tennis player Chris Evert (51) divorces American alpine skier Andy Mill (52) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, citing irreconcilable differences
An adult giant squid is caught on video by Kubodera near the Ogasawara Islands, 1,000 km (620 miles) south of Tokyo
An adult giant squid is caught on video by Kubodera near the Ogasawara Islands, 1,000 km (620 miles) south of Tokyo
Montreal Canadiens retire Hall of Fame center Elmer Lach's jersey (No. 16), as part of team's centennial celebration
Montreal Canadiens retire Hall of Fame center Elmer Lach's jersey (No. 16), as part of team's centennial celebration
Pedro Martínez officially announces his retirement from professional baseball
Pedro Jaime Martínez is a Dominican-American former professional baseball starting pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1992 to 2009 for five teams—most notably the Boston Red Sox...
29 people are killed by a mortar attack in Bteeha, Syria
29 people are killed by a mortar attack in Bteeha, Syria
Mosconi Cup nine-ball pool, Las Vegas, Nevada: 4 consecutive titles for Europe after an 11-2 thrashing of US; MVP: Niels
Mosconi Cup nine-ball pool, Las Vegas, Nevada: 4 consecutive titles for Europe after an 11-2 thrashing of US; MVP: Niels Feijen (Netherlands)
Mosconi Cup nine-ball pool, Blackpool, England: Team Europe beats US, 11-5 for 5th straight title; MVP: Niels Feijen (Ne
Mosconi Cup nine-ball pool, Blackpool, England: Team Europe beats US, 11-5 for 5th straight title; MVP: Niels Feijen (Netherlands)
Actors Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas divorce after 19 years of marriage
Melanie Richards Griffith is an American actress. Born in Manhattan to actress Tippi Hedren, she was raised mainly in Los Angeles, where she graduated from the Hollywood Professional School at age...
Floods in Chennai and Tamil Nadu state, India start receding after a month of heavy rainfall, leaving more 260 dead and
Floods in Chennai and Tamil Nadu state, India start receding after a month of heavy rainfall, leaving more 260 dead and thousands stranded
Austria elects liberal independent Alexander Van der Bellen as President, after original vote in May annulled
Alexander "Sascha" Van der Bellen, also referred to by the abbreviation VdB, is an Austrian politician serving as the president of Austria since 2017.
New York Giants fire head coach Ben McAdoo and manager Jerry Reese after a 2–10 start
Benjamin Lee McAdoo is an American football coach who is currently serving as a senior defensive assistant of the New England Patriots in the National Football League (NFL).
Attempts to establish mob council in Sicily thwarted when 46 members of the mafia arrested including Settimio Mineo
Attempts to establish mob council in Sicily thwarted when 46 members of the mafia arrested including Settimio Mineo
58 migrants drown after a boat sinks off the coast of Mauritania, with 83 saved
58 migrants drown after a boat sinks off the coast of Mauritania, with 83 saved
Mosconi Cup nine-ball pool, Coventry, England: Europe ends US 2-year run with emphatic 11-3 win; MVP: Jayson Shaw (Scotl
Mosconi Cup nine-ball pool, Coventry, England: Europe ends US 2-year run with emphatic 11-3 win; MVP: Jayson Shaw (Scotland)
Mt Semeru erupts on Java island, Indonesia, killing at least 14 and injuring 56
Mt Semeru erupts on Java island, Indonesia, killing at least 14 and injuring 56
French government led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier is toppled by a no confidence vote for the first time since 1962
French government led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier is toppled by a no confidence vote for the first time since 1962 [1]
22nd known lethal US military strike in international waters of suspected drug smuggling vessel kills four in the easter
22nd known lethal US military strike in international waters of suspected drug smuggling vessel kills four in the eastern Pacific Ocean