December 31 marks the end of the year, but it is also a day rich with historical significance. From ancient invasions and pivotal battles to groundbreaking innovations and political milestones, events on this day have left lasting impacts on the world.
As we look back through the centuries, we uncover stories of conquest, resilience, and transformation.
Here are 20 notable events that happened on December 31, arranged chronologically, showcasing the diverse and influential moments that have shaped our history.
December 31st – On this Day in History
406 AD: Vandals, Alans, and Suebians Cross the Rhine
On December 31, 406 AD, a significant event occurred that would shape the future of Western Europe: the crossing of the Rhine by the Vandals, Alans, and Suebians.
This mass movement of tribes marked the beginning of a large-scale invasion into the Western Roman Empire. Driven by pressure from the Huns and the allure of the wealthy Roman territories, these groups breached the frozen Rhine River and entered Gaul.
This invasion led to widespread destruction and significantly contributed to the weakening and eventual fall of the Western Roman Empire.
535 AD: Byzantine General Belisarius Completes the Conquest of Sicily
On December 31, 535 AD, Byzantine General Belisarius achieved a pivotal victory by completing the conquest of Sicily. This event was part of Emperor Justinian I’s ambitious campaign to reclaim former Roman territories in the West.
Belisarius, one of the greatest military commanders of his time, successfully defeated the Ostrogoths who controlled the island.
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The conquest of Sicily not only restored a vital region to the Byzantine Empire but also provided a crucial strategic base for further operations in Italy, heralding the start of the Gothic War.
1229: James I of Aragon Enters Medina Mayurqa
On December 31, 1229, James I of Aragon made a triumphant entry into Medina Mayurqa, now known as Palma de Mallorca, completing his conquest of Majorca.
This victory was a key milestone in the Christian Reconquista, the centuries-long series of campaigns aimed at reclaiming Iberian territories from Muslim rule.
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The capture of Majorca allowed James I to secure a strategic foothold in the Mediterranean, enhancing Aragon’s maritime power and contributing significantly to the expansion of his kingdom.
1600: The British East India Company is Chartered
On December 31, 1600, the British East India Company was officially chartered by Queen Elizabeth I. This charter granted the company a 15-year monopoly on English trade with the East Indies, marking the beginning of its significant role in global commerce.
The East India Company would go on to become one of the most powerful and influential commercial enterprises in history, playing a crucial role in the colonization and economic exploitation of vast regions, particularly in India. Its establishment laid the groundwork for the expansion of British influence across Asia.
1660: James II of England Appointed Duke of Normandy
On December 31, 1660, James II of England, then Duke of York, was appointed Duke of Normandy by Louis XIV of France. This appointment was part of the complex political and dynastic maneuvers of the time, reflecting the intricate relationships between European monarchies.
James’s new title reinforced the longstanding historical connections between England and Normandy, dating back to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. This event also highlighted the diplomatic efforts to strengthen alliances and secure power through titles and territorial claims.
1687: First Huguenots Set Sail from France to the Cape of Good Hope
On December 31, 1687, the first group of Huguenots set sail from France to the Cape of Good Hope, seeking refuge from religious persecution.
The Huguenots, French Protestants who followed the teachings of John Calvin, faced severe repression under King Louis XIV, especially after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, which had previously granted them religious freedoms.
The journey to the Cape was part of a larger exodus that saw many Huguenots fleeing to various parts of the world. Their arrival in South Africa played a crucial role in the cultural and agricultural development of the region, as they brought with them skills in viticulture and other crafts.
1695: A Window Tax is Imposed in England
On December 31, 1695, a window tax was imposed in England as a means of raising revenue for the government. This tax, introduced under the reign of William III, was based on the number of windows in a building. It was a progressive tax, intended to target wealthier homeowners who could afford larger houses with more windows.
However, it had unintended consequences: many householders, in an effort to avoid the tax, bricked up their windows, leading to poorly ventilated and darker living conditions. The window tax remained controversial and was eventually repealed in 1851, after more than a century of affecting British architecture and living standards.
1759: Arthur Guinness Signs a 9,000-Year Lease for St. James’s Gate Brewery
On December 31, 1759, Arthur Guinness signed a remarkable 9,000-year lease for the St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin, Ireland, at an annual rent of £45. This lease marked the beginning of one of the world’s most famous breweries.
Arthur Guinness, an ambitious entrepreneur, transformed the small, dilapidated brewery into a thriving enterprise known for its distinctive dark beer. The lease’s longevity has become legendary, symbolizing the enduring success of the Guinness brand.
Today, Guinness stout is enjoyed worldwide, and the brewery remains a significant landmark and tourist attraction in Dublin.
1775: American Revolutionary War: Battle of Quebec
On December 31, 1775, during the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Quebec took place. American forces, led by General Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold, launched an attack on the British-held city of Quebec.
The assault, conducted in harsh winter conditions, aimed to capture the city and rally support for the American cause in Canada. However, the attack was repulsed by British defenders, resulting in heavy American casualties, including the death of General Montgomery.
The defeat at Quebec marked a significant setback for the American revolutionaries, forcing them to retreat and abandon their hopes of bringing Canada into the revolution.
1790: First Publication of Efimeris, the Oldest Surviving Greek Newspaper
On December 31, 1790, the first issue of Efimeris was published in Vienna, Austria. Efimeris is recognized as the oldest Greek newspaper with surviving copies. It was founded by two Greek merchants, brothers Poulios Markidis-Pouliou and Georgios Markidis-Pouliou, who sought to provide news and information to the Greek diaspora in Europe.
The newspaper played a vital role in promoting Greek culture, language, and national consciousness during a time when Greece was under Ottoman rule. Efimeris covered a wide range of topics, including politics, science, and literature, and became a significant voice for the Greek Enlightenment movement.
1857: Queen Victoria Chooses Ottawa as the Capital of Canada
On December 31, 1857, Queen Victoria made the significant decision to select Ottawa as the capital of Canada. At the time, Canada was a collection of British colonies, and the choice of a capital was a matter of considerable debate.
Ottawa, a relatively small and remote logging town, was chosen for its strategic location on the border between English-speaking Upper Canada (now Ontario) and French-speaking Lower Canada (now Quebec), as well as its defensible position far from the American border.
This decision helped to unify the diverse regions of Canada and laid the foundation for Ottawa’s development into a major political and cultural center.
1862: American Civil War: The Battle of Stones River Begins
On December 31, 1862, one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War commenced near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, known as the Battle of Stones River (or the Battle of Murfreesboro). It pitted the Union Army of the Cumberland, commanded by General William Rosecrans, against the Confederate Army of Tennessee, led by General Braxton Bragg.
The battle was fiercely contested over three days, with heavy casualties on both sides. Despite initial Confederate successes, the Union forces ultimately held their ground, providing a much-needed boost to Northern morale following the defeat at the Battle of Fredericksburg. The Union victory also helped to secure control of central Tennessee.
1879: Thomas Edison Demonstrates Incandescent Lighting to the Public
On December 31, 1879, Thomas Edison publicly demonstrated his incandescent light bulb for the first time at his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. This demonstration marked a pivotal moment in the history of technology and the advent of electric lighting.
Edison’s successful development of a practical and long-lasting light bulb involved finding the right filament material, which turned out to be carbonized bamboo.
The public demonstration attracted widespread attention and laid the groundwork for the widespread adoption of electric lighting. Edison’s innovation not only revolutionized indoor illumination but also had profound implications for industry, urban life, and modern society.
1909: Manhattan Bridge Opens to Traffic in New York City
On December 31, 1909, the Manhattan Bridge was officially opened to traffic, providing a crucial new link between Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River in New York City. Designed by Leon Moisseiff, the bridge is notable for its innovative use of deflection theory in its suspension design, which allowed for a longer and more flexible structure.
The Manhattan Bridge quickly became an essential transportation artery, accommodating cars, trains, and pedestrians. Its completion marked a significant achievement in engineering and urban planning, facilitating the growth and development of New York City in the early 20th century. Today, the bridge remains an iconic part of the city’s skyline.
1946: President Harry S. Truman Proclaims the End of World War II Hostilities
On December 31, 1946, President Harry S. Truman issued a proclamation officially declaring the end of hostilities in World War II.
Although the war had effectively ended in 1945 with the surrender of Germany in May and Japan in September, the formal proclamation by President Truman marked the official conclusion of all wartime activities and the beginning of peacetime operations.
This declaration allowed for the lifting of wartime restrictions, the return of troops, and the start of reconstruction and recovery efforts around the world. It also signified the transition from wartime to a post-war era, setting the stage for the Cold War and the reshaping of international relations in the second half of the 20th century.
1963: The Central African Federation Officially Collapses
On December 31, 1963, the Central African Federation, also known as the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, officially dissolved. Established in 1953, the federation comprised three territories: Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), and Nyasaland (now Malawi).
The federation was created by the British government to promote economic development and strengthen colonial control. However, it faced strong opposition from African nationalists who demanded independence and self-governance.
Persistent political unrest, economic disparities, and resistance to white minority rule led to the federation’s collapse. Its dissolution paved the way for the eventual independence of the three territories, with Malawi and Zambia gaining independence in 1964 and Zimbabwe in 1980.
1983: The AT&T Bell System is Broken Up by the United States Government
On December 31, 1983, the United States government implemented the breakup of the AT&T Bell System, one of the largest and most powerful monopolies in the telecommunications industry. This decision followed a lengthy antitrust lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice in 1974, accusing AT&T of monopolistic practices.
The resulting consent decree required AT&T to divest its 22 local operating companies, leading to the creation of seven regional “Baby Bells.” This landmark event aimed to increase competition and innovation in the telecommunications market. The breakup of the Bell System had far-reaching effects, fostering a more competitive industry, accelerating technological advancements, and ultimately shaping the modern telecommunications landscape.
1988: Mario Lemieux Scores in Five Different Ways in One Game
On December 31, 1988, Mario Lemieux, one of the greatest ice hockey players in history, achieved an extraordinary feat by scoring five goals in five different ways during a single NHL game.
Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins against the New Jersey Devils, Lemieux scored an even-strength goal, a power-play goal, a shorthanded goal, a penalty shot goal, and an empty-net goal.
This remarkable accomplishment highlighted Lemieux’s versatility, skill, and dominance on the ice. His performance not only secured a 8-6 victory for the Penguins but also cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s most talented and innovative players.
1991: The Dissolution of the Soviet Union
On December 31, 1991, the Soviet Union ceased to exist as a political entity, marking the end of a superpower and a significant moment in world history.
This dissolution followed a series of events that included economic stagnation, political reforms, and independence movements within the Soviet republics. Mikhail Gorbachev’s policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) aimed to modernize the country but inadvertently hastened its collapse.
By December 1991, most Soviet republics had declared independence, leading to the formation of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The official end of the Soviet Union marked the conclusion of the Cold War and led to significant geopolitical changes, including the emergence of new independent nations and a shift in global power dynamics.
1999: Boris Yeltsin Resigns as President of Russia
On December 31, 1999, Boris Yeltsin unexpectedly announced his resignation as President of Russia, naming Prime Minister Vladimir Putin as his successor. Yeltsin’s tenure had been marked by significant political and economic turmoil as Russia transitioned from a communist state to a market economy.
His resignation, delivered in a televised address, surprised many and was seen as a strategic move to ensure a smooth transfer of power. Putin, a relatively unknown figure at the time, quickly moved to consolidate his position, winning the presidential election in March 2000. Yeltsin’s resignation and Putin’s rise to power marked a turning point in Russian politics, setting the stage for a new era of leadership and governance.