December 4th has witnessed numerous pivotal events throughout history, spanning various centuries and regions. From significant battles and political treaties to groundbreaking cultural moments and social reforms, this date offers a rich tapestry of historical milestones.
In this article, we explore twenty notable events that occurred on December 4th, providing insights into their historical contexts and lasting impacts.
Each event, ranging from the medieval period to modern times, showcases the diverse and dynamic nature of historical developments on this particular day. Join us as we delve into these fascinating episodes that have helped shape our world.
December 4th – On this Day in History
771 – Charlemagne Becomes Sole Ruler of the Frankish Kingdom
In the year 771, Charlemagne, also known as Charles the Great, became the sole ruler of the Frankish Kingdom following the death of his brother Carloman.
The Frankish Kingdom, a prominent realm in Western Europe, was initially divided between the two brothers after the death of their father, Pepin the Short.
Also Read: December 3 Events in History
Carloman’s sudden and unexpected death left Charlemagne as the uncontested king. His reign marked the beginning of a significant expansion of the Frankish Empire, which would later be recognized as the Carolingian Empire. Charlemagne’s leadership and military conquests greatly influenced the political and cultural landscape of medieval Europe.
1110 – The First Crusade: The Crusaders Conquer Sidon

During the First Crusade, on December 4, 1110, the Crusaders successfully captured the city of Sidon. This coastal city, located in modern-day Lebanon, was a strategic and valuable target due to its location and resources.
The conquest of Sidon was part of the larger efforts of the Crusaders to establish and secure Christian states in the Holy Land. Led by Baldwin I, the King of Jerusalem, the Crusaders’ victory in Sidon solidified their control over the region and provided them with a crucial port for supplies and reinforcements.
The capture of Sidon demonstrated the determination and military prowess of the Crusaders during this period.
1154 – Nicholas Breakspear Becomes Pope Adrian IV
In 1154, Nicholas Breakspear was elected Pope, taking the name Adrian IV. He holds the distinction of being the only Englishman to ever ascend to the papacy. Before becoming Pope, Nicholas Breakspear served as a missionary and later as a cardinal.
Also Read: December 5th – On this Day in History
His election came during a tumultuous period in the Catholic Church, marked by political conflicts and the struggle for authority between the papacy and secular rulers. As Pope Adrian IV, he played a pivotal role in navigating these challenges, including excommunicating the Roman Commune and dealing with the ambitions of Frederick Barbarossa, the Holy Roman Emperor.
His papacy was significant for reinforcing the power and influence of the papacy in medieval Europe.
1259 – Treaty of Paris Between France and England
On December 4, 1259, King Louis IX of France and King Henry III of England signed the Treaty of Paris. This treaty marked a significant moment in the history of the two nations, as it aimed to resolve ongoing territorial disputes and bring peace between the rival kingdoms.
Under the terms of the treaty, Henry III renounced his claims to several French territories, including Normandy, Maine, Anjou, and Poitou, in exchange for Louis IX’s recognition of Henry’s sovereignty over the Duchy of Aquitaine.
The Treaty of Paris was a diplomatic effort to stabilize relations and prevent further conflicts, reflecting the complex and often contentious nature of medieval European politics.
1563 – Final Session of the Council of Trent

The Council of Trent, an ecumenical council of the Catholic Church, held its final session on December 4, 1563. This council, which began in 1545, was one of the most important events of the Counter-Reformation, convened in response to the Protestant Reformation.
Over its 18 years, the council addressed critical issues of church doctrine, reform, and discipline. The final session resulted in significant decrees on the sacraments, the canon of scripture, and the standards for clerical education and conduct.
The Council of Trent’s decisions had a profound and lasting impact on the Catholic Church, shaping its doctrines and practices for centuries to come and reaffirming its authority in the face of growing Protestant movements.
1676 – Battle of Lund: Swedish Forces Defeat Danish Troops
On December 4, 1676, the Battle of Lund was fought between the Swedish and Danish armies during the Scanian War, part of the larger conflict known as the Northern Wars. This battle, one of the bloodiest in Scandinavian history, took place near the town of Lund in southern Sweden.
Swedish forces, led by King Charles XI, engaged the Danish army commanded by King Christian V. Despite being outnumbered and facing severe winter conditions, the Swedish troops managed to achieve a decisive victory.
The Battle of Lund was crucial in securing Swedish dominance in the region and marked a turning point in the war, leading to eventual peace negotiations and the Treaty of Lund in 1679.
1745 – Charles Edward Stuart’s Army Begins Retreat During the Second Jacobite Rising
On December 4, 1745, Charles Edward Stuart, also known as “Bonnie Prince Charlie,” began the retreat of his Jacobite army from Derby, England.
This event occurred during the Second Jacobite Rising, an attempt by the Stuart dynasty to reclaim the British throne. The Jacobite forces had advanced as far south as Derby, only 125 miles from London, causing panic in the British government.
However, faced with logistical challenges, lack of support from English Jacobites, and the approach of government forces, Charles Edward Stuart decided to withdraw to Scotland. The retreat marked a turning point in the rebellion, ultimately leading to the Jacobite defeat at the Battle of Culloden in April 1746.
1783 – General George Washington’s Farewell to His Officers

On December 4, 1783, at Fraunces Tavern in New York City, General George Washington formally bid farewell to his officers, marking the end of his command of the Continental Army after the American Revolutionary War.
This emotional farewell was a poignant moment, symbolizing Washington’s dedication and leadership throughout the struggle for American independence. During the gathering, Washington expressed his gratitude and admiration for his fellow officers, acknowledging their sacrifices and commitment to the cause.
His resignation as commander-in-chief shortly thereafter demonstrated his commitment to civilian rule and set a precedent for the peaceful transfer of power, reinforcing the principles of the new American republic.
1791 – First Issue of The Observer Published in London
On December 4, 1791, the first issue of The Observer was published in London, making it the world’s oldest Sunday newspaper. Founded by W.S. Bourne, The Observer quickly established itself as a reputable source of news and commentary.
The publication aimed to provide comprehensive coverage of national and international events, politics, and culture. Over the years, The Observer played a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse in Britain.
Its commitment to journalistic integrity and quality reporting has earned it a lasting legacy in the world of print media, continuing to inform and engage readers for over two centuries.
1829 – Britain Outlaws Sati in Colonial India
On December 4, 1829, the British colonial government in India officially outlawed the practice of “sati,” the ritual immolation of widows on their husband’s funeral pyre. This reform was largely driven by the efforts of social reformers such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy and supported by the then Governor-General of India, Lord William Bentinck.
The abolition of sati was a significant step towards improving women’s rights and social reform in colonial India. Despite resistance from traditionalists, the British authorities enforced the ban, marking a progressive move towards ending a practice that had claimed the lives of many women and was seen as a major social evil. The outlawing of sati symbolized a broader effort to modernize Indian society and protect vulnerable individuals from harmful traditions.
1861 – The British North America Act Passed in the UK House of Commons
On December 4, 1861, the British North America Act was passed in the UK House of Commons, laying the groundwork for the creation of Canada as a self-governing dominion within the British Empire.
This act was a pivotal moment in Canadian history, as it set the stage for the unification of the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the Province of Canada (which later became Ontario and Quebec) into a single federation.
The British North America Act, later known as the Constitution Act of 1867, outlined the framework for Canada’s federal structure, the division of powers between the federal and provincial governments, and the establishment of parliamentary institutions. This legislative milestone marked the beginning of Canada’s journey towards full sovereignty and nationhood.
1864 – Sherman’s March to the Sea: Battle of Waynesboro

On December 4, 1864, during the American Civil War, Union forces under General Judson Kilpatrick engaged Confederate troops led by General Joseph Wheeler in the Battle of Waynesboro, Georgia.
This battle was part of General William Tecumseh Sherman’s famous “March to the Sea,” a military campaign aimed at crippling the Confederacy’s war effort by destroying its infrastructure and resources.
The Union victory at Waynesboro prevented Wheeler’s cavalry from interfering with Sherman’s march, allowing the Union forces to continue their destructive path towards Savannah. Sherman’s campaign significantly weakened the Confederate war effort and is remembered for its harsh tactics and impact on the Southern states.
1872 – The Mary Celeste Found Abandoned
On December 4, 1872, the American brigantine Mary Celeste was discovered adrift and abandoned in the Atlantic Ocean by the British brig Dei Gratia. The ship, which had departed from New York City bound for Genoa, Italy, was found in good condition with its cargo intact, but without a single crew member on board.
The fate of the Mary Celeste’s crew remains one of the greatest mysteries in maritime history. Various theories have been proposed over the years, including mutiny, piracy, and natural disasters, but none have been conclusively proven. The abandonment of the Mary Celeste has fascinated and puzzled historians and maritime enthusiasts for over a century.
1918 – U.S. President Woodrow Wilson Sails for the Versailles Peace Talks

On December 4, 1918, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson set sail for Europe to attend the peace talks in Versailles, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to travel to Europe while in office. The peace talks were convened to negotiate the terms of the end of World War I and to establish a framework for lasting peace.
President Wilson played a key role in shaping the discussions, advocating for his Fourteen Points, which outlined his vision for a just and equitable peace settlement. His participation in the Versailles Peace Talks underscored the growing influence of the United States on the global stage and marked a significant moment in international diplomacy.
1942 – World War II: Carlson’s Patrol Ends
On December 4, 1942, the long and grueling patrol led by U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel Evans Carlson came to an end during the Guadalcanal Campaign in World War II.
Known as Carlson’s Patrol or the “Long Patrol,” this operation involved a daring and arduous 29-day mission behind Japanese lines on the island of Guadalcanal.
Carlson’s Marine Raiders, a special operations unit, conducted guerrilla warfare tactics, ambushing enemy patrols and disrupting Japanese supply lines.
The patrol covered over 150 miles of rugged terrain and inflicted significant casualties on the Japanese forces. The success of Carlson’s Patrol boosted American morale and demonstrated the effectiveness of unconventional warfare tactics in the Pacific Theater.
1943 – World War II: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt Closes Down the Works Progress Administration
On December 4, 1943, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt formally closed down the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a New Deal agency created to provide jobs and economic relief during the Great Depression. Established in 1935, the WPA employed millions of Americans in various public works projects, including the construction of roads, bridges, schools, and parks.
As World War II progressed and the wartime economy surged, unemployment rates plummeted, rendering many of the WPA’s programs unnecessary. The closure of the WPA marked the end of a significant era in American history, highlighting the transition from economic recovery efforts to the demands of a nation fully mobilized for war.
1961 – Matisse Retrospective Exhibition Opens at the Museum of Modern Art
On December 4, 1961, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City opened a major retrospective exhibition dedicated to the works of Henri Matisse. This exhibition was the largest collection of Matisse’s work ever assembled at that time, showcasing his contributions to modern art and his evolution as an artist.
The retrospective included paintings, sculptures, drawings, and cut-outs, providing a comprehensive overview of Matisse’s diverse and influential career.
The exhibition drew significant public and critical acclaim, reaffirming Matisse’s status as one of the foremost artists of the 20th century and offering viewers an unprecedented opportunity to experience the breadth and depth of his artistic achievements.
1965 – The Grateful Dead’s First Concert Performance Under Their New Name
On December 4, 1965, the iconic rock band the Grateful Dead performed their first concert under their new name at the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco. Previously known as The Warlocks, the band changed their name to the Grateful Dead following the discovery that another band was already using the name The Warlocks.
The Grateful Dead, known for their unique blend of rock, folk, and psychedelic music, quickly became a central figure in the burgeoning counterculture movement of the 1960s. Their improvisational style, eclectic musical influences, and devoted fan base, known as “Deadheads,” cemented their legacy as one of the most influential and enduring bands in rock history.
1971 – The Montreux Casino Burns Down During a Frank Zappa Concert
On December 4, 1971, the Montreux Casino in Switzerland was destroyed by fire during a concert by Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. The blaze broke out when someone in the audience fired a flare gun into the ceiling, igniting the wooden structure.
The incident was famously immortalized in the song “Smoke on the Water” by the British rock band Deep Purple, who were in Montreux at the time to record an album. The lyrics of the song recount the chaotic events of the fire and its aftermath. Despite the destruction of the casino, there were no fatalities, and the event has since become a legendary moment in rock history.
2005 – Mass Protests in Hong Kong for Democracy and Suffrage
On December 4, 2005, tens of thousands of people in Hong Kong took to the streets in a massive protest demanding greater democracy and universal suffrage. The demonstration was one of the largest in the territory since it was handed over to China in 1997.
Protesters called for the implementation of universal and equal voting rights, as promised under the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s mini-constitution. The march was a significant moment in Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement, reflecting widespread public dissatisfaction with the pace of political reform and fears of increasing control by Beijing.
The 2005 protest highlighted the ongoing struggle for democratic rights and autonomy in Hong Kong, a theme that would continue to shape the territory’s political landscape in the following years.