December 5th has been a significant date throughout history, marked by numerous impactful events across different eras and regions.
From pivotal moments in ancient Rome to influential cultural milestones and groundbreaking political changes, this date has seen it all.
In this article, we delve into 20 notable events that occurred on December 5th, exploring their historical contexts and lasting legacies.
Join us as we journey through time, highlighting the diverse and fascinating occurrences that have shaped our world on this remarkable day.
December 5th – On this Day in History
63 BC – Cicero’s Fourth Catiline Oration

In 63 BC, Cicero, a Roman statesman and orator, delivered his fourth and final Catiline Oration. This series of speeches aimed to expose and thwart the conspiracy led by Lucius Sergius Catilina, who plotted to overthrow the Roman Republic.
Cicero’s orations were critical in rallying the Senate and the Roman public against Catilina and his followers, ultimately leading to the suppression of the conspiracy.
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The fourth oration, delivered to the Senate, solidified Cicero’s reputation as a defender of the Republic and showcased his rhetorical prowess, contributing to his legacy as one of Rome’s greatest orators.
771 – Charlemagne Becomes Sole Ruler of the Frankish Empire
On December 5, 771, Charlemagne became the sole ruler of the Frankish Empire following the death of his brother Carloman I. The two brothers had co-ruled the empire after the death of their father, Pepin the Short, in 768.
Carloman’s death allowed Charlemagne to consolidate power and embark on a series of military campaigns that would expand and strengthen the Frankish realm.
His reign marked the beginning of the Carolingian Renaissance, a period of cultural and intellectual revival in Europe. Charlemagne’s legacy as a unifier and protector of Christendom earned him the title of “Father of Europe.”
1484 – Pope Innocent VIII Issues Summis desiderantes affectibus
In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII issued the papal bull Summis desiderantes affectibus, addressing the widespread concern over witchcraft in Europe. This document authorized the inquisitors Heinrich Kramer and Jacob Sprenger to prosecute witches in Germany, leading to the infamous Malleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of Witches).
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The bull reinforced the Church’s stance against witchcraft, encouraging the persecution of those suspected of sorcery. This action significantly influenced the witch hunts that swept across Europe in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, resulting in the torture and execution of thousands of people, predominantly women.
1492 – Columbus Reaches Hispaniola

On December 5, 1492, Christopher Columbus became the first European to set foot on the island of Hispaniola, which is now divided into Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
This event marked a significant moment in the Age of Exploration, as Columbus’s voyages opened the way for the widespread European exploration and colonization of the Americas.
Hispaniola became a critical base for further Spanish expeditions and the eventual establishment of colonial rule in the New World. Columbus’s landing had profound and lasting impacts on the indigenous populations, leading to dramatic cultural, social, and demographic changes.
1766 – James Christie Holds First Auction
In 1766, James Christie held the first sale at what would become Christie’s auction house, one of the world’s most renowned auction houses. The initial auction took place in London and marked the beginning of Christie’s long-standing tradition of selling art, antiques, and valuable items.
Christie’s innovative approach to auctions, focusing on the sale of high-quality and rare objects, quickly gained popularity and established the company as a leader in the art market. Over the centuries, Christie’s has played a pivotal role in the art world, facilitating the sale of some of the most famous and expensive artworks in history.
1791 – Death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
On December 5, 1791, the world lost one of its most prolific and influential composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. At the age of 35, Mozart died in Vienna, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly shaped classical music.
Despite his relatively short life, Mozart composed over 600 works, including symphonies, operas, chamber music, piano concertos, and choral pieces. His innovative compositions, characterized by their emotional depth, technical mastery, and beautiful melodies, continue to be celebrated and performed worldwide.
Mozart’s death remains shrouded in mystery, with various theories about the cause, ranging from rheumatic fever to poisoning. Regardless, his impact on music is undeniable, cementing his status as a genius whose work transcends time.
1831 – John Quincy Adams Takes His Seat in the House of Representatives

On December 5, 1831, former U.S. President John Quincy Adams took his seat in the House of Representatives, making history as the first president to serve in Congress after his presidency. Adams, who had served as the sixth President of the United States from 1825 to 1829, embarked on a new chapter in his political career, representing Massachusetts.
His tenure in the House was marked by his staunch opposition to slavery and his defense of civil liberties. Adams played a significant role in the Amistad case, advocating for the freedom of African captives. His post-presidential career was distinguished by his unwavering commitment to justice and human rights, earning him the nickname “Old Man Eloquent.”
1848 – President James K. Polk Confirms Discovery of Gold in California
On December 5, 1848, President James K. Polk confirmed the discovery of gold in California during his State of the Union address. This announcement triggered the California Gold Rush, one of the most significant mass migrations in American history.
Thousands of prospectors, known as “forty-niners,” flocked to California in search of fortune. The gold rush not only transformed California’s economy but also had far-reaching effects on the United States. It accelerated westward expansion, stimulated economic growth, and led to California’s rapid admission as the 31st state in 1850.
The gold rush era was characterized by both opportunity and hardship, as prospectors faced challenging conditions in their quest for wealth.
1932 – Albert Einstein Granted Visa to Enter the United States
On December 5, 1932, the renowned physicist Albert Einstein was granted a visa to enter the United States. Facing the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany, Einstein decided to emigrate to the U.S., seeking refuge from the growing anti-Semitic threats.

He accepted a position at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, where he continued his groundbreaking work in theoretical physics.
Einstein’s move to America marked a significant chapter in his life, as he became an influential figure not only in science but also in advocating for civil rights and nuclear disarmament. His contributions to the understanding of the universe, particularly his theory of relativity, have left an indelible mark on modern science.
1933 – Prohibition Ends in the United States
On December 5, 1933, Prohibition in the United States officially ended with the ratification of the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Prohibition, which had been in effect since 1920 under the 18th Amendment, banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. The era was marked by the rise of bootlegging, speakeasies, and organized crime.
The movement to repeal Prohibition gained momentum due to the law’s unpopularity and the economic pressures of the Great Depression. The 21st Amendment not only ended the nationwide ban on alcohol but also signified a shift in public policy, acknowledging the need for regulation rather than outright prohibition.
The end of Prohibition was celebrated with widespread public revelry, marking a significant moment in American social history.
1941 – The United Kingdom Declares War on Finland, Romania, and Hungary
On December 5, 1941, the United Kingdom declared war on Finland, Romania, and Hungary during World War II. These countries were allied with Nazi Germany, and the British declaration was part of the broader Allied strategy to combat Axis powers.
Romania and Hungary had joined the Axis to regain territories lost after World War I, while Finland sought to reclaim land taken by the Soviet Union. The British declaration of war underscored the global nature of the conflict, as nations around the world chose sides.
This move also solidified the UK’s commitment to defeating the Axis powers and highlighted the complex alliances and hostilities that defined World War II.
1952 – The Great Smog of London Begins

On December 5, 1952, the Great Smog of London, a severe air pollution event, began. Lasting for several days, this environmental disaster was caused by a combination of cold weather, windless conditions, and the burning of coal, which led to a thick layer of smog enveloping the city.
The smog was so dense that visibility was reduced to a few meters, causing major disruptions in transportation and daily life. The Great Smog resulted in an estimated 4,000 to 12,000 deaths due to respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
This event was a turning point in environmental policy, prompting the UK government to pass the Clean Air Act of 1956, which aimed to reduce air pollution and prevent such occurrences in the future.
1955 – Formation of the AFL-CIO
On December 5, 1955, the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) merged to form the AFL-CIO, a major milestone in the history of American labor unions. This merger brought together two powerful labor organizations with differing approaches: the AFL, which focused on skilled workers, and the CIO, which represented industrial and unskilled workers.
The unified AFL-CIO aimed to strengthen the labor movement and improve working conditions, wages, and benefits for millions of American workers. The merger marked the beginning of a new era in labor relations, as the AFL-CIO became a significant political and social force advocating for workers’ rights and influencing labor policies at both the national and state levels.
1958 – Queen Elizabeth II Inaugurates Subscriber Trunk Dialing in the UK
On December 5, 1958, Queen Elizabeth II inaugurated Subscriber Trunk Dialing (STD) in the UK by making the first long-distance call from Bristol to Edinburgh. STD was a revolutionary advancement in telecommunications, allowing users to dial long-distance calls directly without operator assistance.
This innovation significantly improved the efficiency and convenience of making long-distance calls, paving the way for the modern telecommunications network. The inaugural call by the Queen symbolized the technological progress of the era and highlighted the increasing accessibility of communication technology.
STD played a crucial role in connecting people across the UK, fostering better communication and economic growth.
1969 – The Rolling Stones’ Concert at Altamont Speedway
On December 5, 1969, the Rolling Stones held a free concert at Altamont Speedway in Northern California, which became infamous for the violence and chaos that erupted. The concert, intended to be a West Coast counterpart to the peaceful Woodstock Festival, was marred by inadequate planning, security issues, and escalating tensions.
The Hells Angels motorcycle club, hired as security, clashed with the audience, resulting in multiple altercations. Tragically, the event turned deadly when 18-year-old Meredith Hunter was fatally stabbed by a Hells Angel during the Stones’ performance.
The Altamont concert highlighted the darker side of the 1960s counterculture movement and marked a turning point in the public’s perception of rock music festivals. It underscored the need for better organization and security at large-scale events and remains a cautionary tale in the history of rock and roll.
1978 – Soviet Union Signs “Friendship Treaty” with Afghanistan
On December 5, 1978, the Soviet Union signed a “friendship treaty” with Afghanistan, solidifying the relationship between the two nations and setting the stage for Soviet intervention. The treaty was officially called the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborliness, and Cooperation. It allowed the Soviet Union to station troops in Afghanistan, ostensibly to support the Afghan government against internal and external threats.
However, the treaty marked the beginning of increased Soviet involvement in Afghanistan’s political and military affairs. Within a year, this involvement escalated into a full-scale invasion in December 1979, leading to a decade-long conflict known as the Soviet-Afghan War.
This war had significant geopolitical repercussions, contributing to the strain on the Soviet economy and playing a role in the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
1988 – First World AIDS Day Observed
On December 5, 1988, the world observed the first World AIDS Day, established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) to raise awareness about the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. This annual event aimed to educate the public about HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and to reduce the stigma and discrimination faced by those living with the disease.
World AIDS Day has become a global health day, providing an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for those living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. The day plays a crucial role in mobilizing resources, advocating for policy changes, and promoting research and education to combat the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic.
1991 – Leonid Kravchuk Elected First President of Ukraine
On December 5, 1991, Leonid Kravchuk was elected the first president of an independent Ukraine, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Kravchuk, a former Communist Party official, played a pivotal role in Ukraine’s move toward independence and its subsequent political and economic transformation.
His election marked the beginning of Ukraine’s journey as a sovereign state, navigating the challenges of establishing a democratic government and transitioning from a centrally planned economy to a market economy.
Under Kravchuk’s leadership, Ukraine declared its independence on August 24, 1991, and subsequently held a referendum in December, which overwhelmingly supported independence. His presidency set the foundation for Ukraine’s national identity and its integration into the international community.
2005 – Civil Partnership Act Comes into Effect in the United Kingdom
On December 5, 2005, the Civil Partnership Act came into effect in the United Kingdom, allowing same-sex couples to legally form civil partnerships. This landmark legislation granted same-sex couples many of the same legal rights and responsibilities as heterosexual married couples, including property rights, inheritance tax exemptions, and next-of-kin status.
The Civil Partnership Act was a significant step forward in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality in the UK, providing legal recognition and protection for same-sex relationships. The introduction of civil partnerships marked a major shift in societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals and laid the groundwork for the eventual legalization of same-sex marriage in England, Wales, and Scotland in 2014, and in Northern Ireland in 2020.
2013 – Death of Nelson Mandela
On December 5, 2013, Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa and iconic anti-apartheid revolutionary, passed away at the age of 95. Mandela’s death marked the end of an era for South Africa and the world, as he was celebrated globally for his lifelong struggle against racial oppression and his efforts to establish democracy and reconciliation in South Africa.
Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his activism against apartheid before being released in 1990. He subsequently led negotiations to dismantle apartheid and establish multiracial elections in 1994, becoming South Africa’s first black president. His presidency and his approach to leadership, characterized by forgiveness and inclusivity, helped heal a divided nation.
Mandela’s legacy endures as a symbol of resilience, justice, and the power of reconciliation. His life and work continue to inspire movements for equality and human rights worldwide.