Events on December 31 - Key Moments Throughout History
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Historical Events on December 31: Significant Moments in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on December 31, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

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Events on December 31 - Key Moments Throughout History

  • 1902 Second Boer War peace treaty signed: The Treaty of Vereeniging was signed on May 31, 1902, officially ending the Second Boer War between the British Empire and the two Boer republics. This treaty marked a significant shift in South African governance and British colonial policy. source: britannica.com
  • 1903 Swedish women's suffrage movement established: The Swedish women's suffrage movement was formally established on December 31, 1903. This movement played a crucial role in advocating for women's rights and suffrage in Sweden, leading to significant political changes. source: britannica.com
  • 1904 First Times Square New Year's Eve Celebration: On December 31, 1904, New York City's Times Square hosted its inaugural New Year's Eve celebration, marking the opening of The New York Times' new headquarters. The event attracted approximately 200,000 attendees and featured fireworks and live entertainment, setting the stage for the annual tradition of ringing in the new year in Times Square. source: nytimes.com
  • 1906 Persian Constitutional Revolution: The Persian Constitutional Revolution, initiated in 1905, culminated in the signing of the Persian Constitution on December 31, 1906, by Mozaffar ad-Din Shah Qajar. This marked a significant shift towards constitutional monarchy in Iran, establishing a parliamentary system and limiting the Shah's absolute power. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1907 First Times Square ball drop to signify New Year at midnight: The first Times Square ball drop occurred on December 31, 1907, to signify the start of the new year at midnight. The event featured a 700-pound, 5-foot diameter ball made of iron and wood, illuminated with 100 light bulbs, lowered from a flagpole atop the Times Tower, marking the beginning of a new tradition. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1908 Birth of Simon Wiesenthal, Holocaust Survivor and Nazi Hunter: Simon Wiesenthal, a Holocaust survivor and renowned Nazi hunter, was born on December 31, 1908, in Buczacz, then part of Austria-Hungary (now in Ukraine). He dedicated his life to bringing Nazi war criminals to justice. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1909 Manhattan Bridge Opens to Traffic: On December 31, 1909, the Manhattan Bridge in New York City opened to vehicular traffic, providing a new route between Manhattan and Brooklyn.
  • 1910 US tobacco industry milestone in 1910: In 1910, the US tobacco industry achieved a significant milestone with the introduction of the first pre-packaged cigarettes, revolutionizing the market and consumer habits.
  • 1911 Marie Curie awarded second Nobel Prize: Marie Curie was awarded her second Nobel Prize in 1911, this time in Chemistry, for her discovery of the elements radium and polonium, making her the first person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields. source: britannica.com
  • 1912 Founding of Professional Numismatists Guild: The Professional Numismatists Guild was founded on December 31, 1912, to promote the interests of numismatists and ensure ethical practices in the coin and currency trade. This organization has played a crucial role in the numismatic community. source: britannica.com
  • 1916 Food rationing in Germany during World War I: In response to severe food shortages exacerbated by the Allied blockade and poor harvests, Germany implemented national food rationing starting in early 1915. By December 1916, daily rations were significantly reduced, with civilians receiving approximately 1,500 calories per day, a stark decline from the pre-war average of 3,000 calories. This period, known as the 'Turnip Winter,' saw widespread hunger and reliance on turnips as a staple food. source: tum.de
  • 1918 United Business Media Established: United Newspapers Ltd. was founded in London, which would later evolve into United Business Media, marking the beginning of a significant media and business information company.
  • 1919 New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square: The 1919–1920 New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square, New York, took place on December 31, 1919. This event marked the 13th ball drop since the tradition began in 1907. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1920 Roy Park's unfortunate Test cricket debut: Australian cricketer Roy Park made his Test debut against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 31, 1920, but was dismissed for a duck (zero runs) on the first ball he faced. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1923 BBC begins broadcasting Big Ben chimes: On December 31, 1923, the BBC began broadcasting the chimes of Big Ben, marking a significant moment in British broadcasting history. This event established a tradition of using the iconic clock's chimes as a time signal for radio listeners. source: bbc.co.uk
  • 1924 Hubble discovers extragalactic astronomy: On December 31, 1924, Edwin Hubble announced the existence of galaxies beyond the Milky Way, fundamentally changing our understanding of the universe. His observations provided evidence that the universe is much larger than previously thought and led to the field of extragalactic astronomy. source: nasa.gov
  • 1925 14th Congress of Communist Party of Soviet Union: The 14th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union convened on December 31, 1925. This congress was significant for discussing party policies and leadership, shaping the future of the Soviet state. source: britannica.com
  • 1930 Federal Bureau of Narcotics Established: The Federal Bureau of Narcotics was created, replacing the Narcotics Division of the Prohibition Unit, signaling a new approach to drug enforcement and regulation in the United States.
  • 1931 Huang He River catastrophic flood: The Huang He River experienced a catastrophic flood, leading to widespread devastation. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1934 Helen Richey becomes first woman to pilot airmail transport: On December 31, 1934, Helen Richey made history by becoming the first woman to pilot a regular civil flight, taking a Central Airlines Ford Trimotor on the Washington, D.C. to Detroit route. Despite this achievement, her flying opportunities were limited, leading to her resignation in August 1935. source: encyclopedia.com
  • 1935 Birth of King Salman of Saudi Arabia: King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was born on December 31, 1935, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He became the seventh king of Saudi Arabia in 2015. source: britannica.com
  • 1938 Syrian Resolution Against French Mandate: On December 31, 1938, the Syrian National Congress passed a resolution calling for the end of the French mandate in Syria. This marked a significant step in Syria's struggle for independence from colonial rule. source: britannica.com
  • 1939 Finnish Winter War victory: On December 31, 1939, Finland achieved a significant victory in the Winter War against the Soviet Union. This conflict lasted until March 1940, resulting in significant territorial losses for Finland. source: britannica.com
  • 1940 RAF bombing raids across multiple locations: On December 31, 1940, the Royal Air Force conducted bombing raids targeting various locations in Germany. These raids were part of the broader strategic bombing campaign during World War II aimed at disrupting German military operations and infrastructure. source: bbc.co.uk
  • 1941 Birth of A. G. Milkha Singh: A. G. Milkha Singh, an Indian Test cricketer, was born on December 31, 1941, in Madras, Madras State, British India. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1942 New Year's Eve in Times Square: On December 31, 1942, New Year's Eve celebrations took place in Times Square, New York City. The event was marked by festivities and gatherings, reflecting the resilience of the city during World War II. It was a time for reflection and hope as people welcomed the new year amidst challenging circumstances. source: nytimes.com
  • 1944 Hungary declares war on Germany: On December 31, 1944, Hungary's Provisional National Assembly officially declared war on Germany, ending its previous cooperation with the Axis powers. This declaration marked a significant shift in Hungary's wartime stance. source: history.com
  • 1945 United Nations Charter Ratification Completed: On December 31, 1945, the United Nations officially completed the ratification of its charter, which had been signed on June 26, 1945. This marked the establishment of the UN as an international organization aimed at promoting peace and cooperation among nations. The ratification was a crucial step in the post-war reconstruction of international relations. source: un.org
  • 1946 Liberia grants women the right to vote: On December 31, 1946, Liberia's constitutional amendment granting women the right to vote came into effect, following a referendum held on May 7, 1946. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1947 Burton Cummings born: Burton Lorne Cummings, a Canadian musician and songwriter, was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He is best known for leading the Guess Who during their most successful period from 1965 to 1975 and for his lengthy solo career. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1948 Kinsey Report on Human Sexual Behavior Published: In 1948, the Kinsey Report, titled "Sexual Behavior in the Human Male," was published, providing comprehensive statistical data on male sexual behavior in the United States. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1949 International recognition of Indonesian independence: On December 31, 1949, Indonesia's independence was recognized internationally following the Dutch-Indonesian Round Table Conference. This recognition was a pivotal moment in Indonesia's struggle for sovereignty after years of colonial rule. source: britannica.com
  • 1950 New Year's Eve global celebrations: On December 31, 1950, various global celebrations took place to welcome the New Year. These festivities included fireworks, parties, and cultural events, marking the end of the year and the beginning of 1951 in different parts of the world. source: britannica.com
  • 1951 Marshall Plan Concludes: On December 31, 1951, the Marshall Plan, officially known as the European Recovery Program, concluded after distributing over $13.3 billion in aid to Western European nations. Initiated in 1948, the plan aimed to rebuild war-torn economies, prevent the spread of communism, and promote political stability in Europe. source: loc.gov
  • 1952 NFL Championship Game: On December 31, 1952, the NFL Championship Game took place, where the Detroit Lions faced the Cleveland Browns. This game was pivotal in determining the league champion for the season, with the Lions emerging victorious. source: pro-football-reference.com
  • 1953 Death of Albert Plesman, KLM founder: Albert Plesman, Dutch aviation pioneer and founder of KLM, died on December 31, 1953, at the age of 64. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1954 World Peace tanker collision at Suez Canal: On December 31, 1954, the Greek-owned tanker 'World Peace' collided with the El Firdan swing bridge spanning the Suez Canal. The collision caused a section of the bridge to collapse onto the tanker, effectively blocking the canal for several days and delaying numerous ships. The incident was attributed to a steering gear failure on the tanker. source: canalzoners.co.uk
  • 1955 1955 World Population Census conducted: The 1955 World Population Census was a significant event that aimed to gather demographic data globally. It provided insights into population growth and distribution, influencing future policies and research. source: un.org
  • 1956 Asian Flu Pandemic Origin: The Asian Flu pandemic, caused by the H2N2 influenza A virus, originated in East Asia in 1956 and spread globally, leading to significant health impacts. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1957 Disneyland reaches milestone of 10 million guests: On December 31, 1957, Disneyland celebrated a significant milestone by welcoming its 10 millionth guest. This achievement highlighted the park's growing popularity and success since its opening in 1955. source: disneylandnews.com
  • 1958 Cold War Diplomatic Tension: Berlin Crisis: The Berlin Crisis of 1958 marked a significant period of tension during the Cold War, primarily involving the United States and the Soviet Union. It was characterized by disputes over the status of Berlin and culminated in increased military presence and diplomatic negotiations. source: britannica.com
  • 1959 Breakthrough in plastic manufacturing technology: On December 31, 1959, significant advancements in plastic manufacturing technology were reported, leading to the development of new materials and applications. This innovation played a crucial role in various industries. source: plasticsindustry.org
  • 1960 Population of Asia in 1960: In 1960, Asia's population was approximately 1.7 billion people, making it the most populous continent at that time. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1961 Failed coup attempt in Lebanon by Syrian Social Nationalist Party: On December 31, 1961, members of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) attempted a coup against the Lebanese government. The Lebanese Army and security forces swiftly suppressed the insurrection. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1962 Green Bay Packers NFL Championship victory: The Green Bay Packers secured their first NFL Championship title by defeating the New York Giants. The game was notable for quarterback Bart Starr's exceptional performance.
  • 1963 Central African Federation dissolved: On December 31, 1963, the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland was formally dissolved, leading to the independence of Northern Rhodesia as Zambia and Nyasaland as Malawi in 1964. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1965 Bokassa initiates coup in Central African Republic: On December 31, 1965, Jean-Bédel Bokassa led a coup d'état in the Central African Republic, overthrowing President David Dacko. This event marked the beginning of Bokassa's controversial rule, which would last for over a decade. source: britannica.com
  • 1966 ATS-1 satellite launch: The ATS-1 satellite was launched on December 31, 1966, by NASA. It was the first in a series of experimental satellites designed to test new technologies for communication and weather observation. source: ntrs.nasa.gov
  • 1967 The Ice Bowl: NFL Championship Game: The Green Bay Packers triumphed over the Dallas Cowboys 21–17 in the 1967 NFL Championship Game, famously known as the "Ice Bowl," played at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. source: profootballarchives.com
  • 1968 First supersonic civilian airliner flight: The first flight of the Concorde, the world's first supersonic civilian airliner, took place on December 31, 1968. This marked a significant milestone in aviation history, paving the way for faster air travel. source: britannica.com
  • 1969 Congo-Brazzaville becomes the People's Republic: On December 31, 1969, the Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, was officially declared a People's Republic. This marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape, aligning it more closely with socialist ideologies. source: britannica.com
  • 1970 Paul McCartney sues to dissolve The Beatles: On December 31, 1970, Paul McCartney filed a lawsuit in the United Kingdom seeking to dissolve The Beatles' legal partnership, marking the beginning of the band's official breakup. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1971 Birth of NBA player Brent Barry: Brent Robert Barry, an American basketball coach and former player, was born on December 31, 1971, in Hempstead, New York. He is the son of Basketball Hall of Famer Rick Barry and played in the NBA from 1995 to 2009, winning two championships with the San Antonio Spurs in 2005 and 2007. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1972 Roberto Clemente's tragic death during humanitarian mission: Roberto Clemente tragically died on December 31, 1972, in a plane crash while delivering aid to Nicaragua. His legacy as a humanitarian and baseball icon continues to inspire many. source: britannica.com
  • 1973 Sydney Opera House officially opened: On December 31, 1973, the Sydney Opera House was officially opened, becoming an iconic symbol of Australia and a UNESCO World Heritage site. source: sydneyoperahouse.com
  • 1974 Altair 8800 personal computer debuts: The Altair 8800, often considered the first commercially successful personal computer, was introduced on December 31, 1974. It sparked the personal computing revolution and inspired the creation of Microsoft by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. source: computerhistory.org
  • 1976 Somerset television soap opera concludes: The long-running British soap opera 'Somerset' aired its final episode on December 31, 1976. The show, which had been popular since its debut, was known for its dramatic storylines and character development. Its conclusion marked the end of an era in British television. source: bbc.co.uk
  • 1977 Ted Bundy escapes jail in Colorado: Ted Bundy, the notorious American serial killer, escaped from a Colorado jail on December 31, 1977. This marked his first escape, allowing him to evade capture for several days before being recaptured. source: history.com
  • 1978 U.S.-Taiwan diplomatic shift: On December 31, 1978, the United States announced its decision to establish formal diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, leading to the severing of official ties with Taiwan. This shift was a significant moment in U.S.-China relations and had lasting implications for Taiwan's international status. source: state.gov
  • 1980 Pac-Man video game released in Japan: Pac-Man, one of the most iconic video games, was released by Namco in Japan on December 31, 1980. Created by Toru Iwatani, the game quickly gained popularity and became a cultural phenomenon, influencing the gaming industry and popular culture. Its unique gameplay and character design set it apart from other arcade games of the time. source: britannica.com
  • 1981 Ghanaian military coup d'état: On December 31, 1981, Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings led a military coup in Ghana, overthrowing President Hilla Limann's government. Rawlings established the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), marking his second time in power after a previous coup in 1979. The PNDC ruled Ghana until 1993, implementing various economic and political reforms during its tenure. source: britannica.com
  • 1982 Poland suspends martial law on December 31, 1982: On December 31, 1982, Poland's military authorities suspended martial law, which had been in effect since December 13, 1981. The suspension was announced by the Council of State on December 19, 1982, and took effect at midnight on December 31. Despite the suspension, the government retained the right to re-impose military rule if social unrest erupted. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1983 Breakup of AT&T Bell System completed: The breakup of the AT&T Bell System, initiated by a 1982 antitrust lawsuit, was finalized on December 31, 1983. This landmark decision led to the divestiture of AT&T's local telephone operations, resulting in the creation of seven regional Bell operating companies. The breakup aimed to foster competition in the telecommunications industry and reshape the market landscape. source: fcc.gov
  • 1984 Rajiv Gandhi becomes Prime Minister of India: Following the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi, on October 31, 1984, Rajiv Gandhi was sworn in as the 6th Prime Minister of India on December 31, 1984, at the age of 40, becoming the youngest to hold the position. source: britannica.com
  • 1985 Ricky Nelson dies in plane crash: On December 31, 1985, American singer and actor Ricky Nelson died in a plane crash near De Kalb, Texas. The Douglas DC-3 aircraft, en route from Guntersville, Alabama, to Dallas, Texas, experienced a fire in the passenger cabin, leading to an emergency landing attempt. Nelson, his fiancée Helen Blair, and five band members perished; the two crew members survived with injuries. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1986 Dupont Plaza Hotel arson in San Juan, Puerto Rico: On December 31, 1986, three hotel employees set a fire in the Dupont Plaza Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, resulting in 97 deaths and 140 injuries. The fire began in a storage room adjacent to the ballroom and rapidly spread to the casino and lobby areas. The perpetrators were convicted of murder and arson, receiving sentences ranging from 75 to 99 years in prison. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1987 New Year's Eve celebrations in 1987: New Year's Eve 1987 was marked by various celebrations around the world, including notable events in major cities. In New York City, the iconic ball drop in Times Square continued its tradition, drawing large crowds. Globally, many countries celebrated with fireworks and festivities, welcoming the new year with hopes and resolutions. source: britannica.com
  • 1988 Mario Lemieux scores five goals in five different ways: On December 31, 1988, Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins achieved a historic feat by scoring five goals in five different situations during a game against the New Jersey Devils. He scored at even strength, on the power play, shorthanded, on a penalty shot, and into an empty net, leading the Penguins to an 8-6 victory. source: nhl.com
  • 1989 Me & My Girl Broadway Run Concludes: The popular musical 'Me & My Girl' completes its successful Broadway run at the Marquis Theater in New York City after an impressive 1,420 performances, showcasing the production's significant appeal to theater audiences.
  • 1990 Iraq Implements Military Draft: On December 31, 1990, Iraq began a military draft of 17-year-olds. source: brainyhistory.com
  • 1991 Daniel R. McCarthy elected Yankees managing partner: On December 31, 1991, Daniel R. McCarthy was elected as the managing partner of the New York Yankees, a Major League Baseball team. His leadership marked a new era for the team, focusing on revitalizing its performance and management strategies. source: nytimes.com
  • 1992 Czechoslovakia peacefully dissolves into Czech and Slovak Republics: On December 31, 1992, Czechoslovakia peacefully dissolved, resulting in the formation of two independent nations: the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic. This event, often referred to as the "Velvet Divorce," marked the end of a 74-year union between the Czechs and Slovaks. source: un.org
  • 1993 Death of Thomas J. Watson Jr., IBM leader and diplomat: Thomas J. Watson Jr., the former CEO of IBM and a prominent figure in the tech industry, passed away on December 31, 1993. His leadership helped transform IBM into a major player in the computer industry during the 20th century. source: nytimes.com
  • 1994 First Chechen War: Russian assault on Grozny: On December 31, 1994, Russian federal troops initiated an assault on Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, marking a significant escalation in the First Chechen War. The operation aimed to capture the city from Chechen forces, leading to intense urban combat and substantial casualties on both sides. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1996 Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway merger finalizes: On December 31, 1996, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway merged with the Burlington Northern Railroad, forming the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF). This consolidation created one of the largest freight railroad networks in North America. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1997 Michael Kennedy fatal skiing accident: On December 31, 1997, Michael Kennedy, a member of the prominent Kennedy family, died in a skiing accident in Aspen, Colorado. The incident drew significant media attention due to his family's high profile and the circumstances surrounding the accident. source: nytimes.com
  • 1998 Eurozone currency rates finalization: On December 31, 1998, the finalization of currency rates for the Eurozone took place, marking a significant step towards the introduction of the Euro. This event was crucial for the economic integration of European countries. source: ecb.europa.eu
  • 1999 Euro currency introduced in European Union: On December 31, 1998, the European Union fixed the irrevocable exchange rates for the euro, which became the official currency of 11 EU countries on January 1, 1999. This marked the beginning of a transition period, during which the euro existed only as an electronic currency for accounting purposes, with physical banknotes and coins introduced on January 1, 2002. source: ecb.europa.eu
  • 2000 End of 20th century and 2nd millennium: On December 31, 2000, the world celebrated the end of the 20th century and the 2nd millennium, marking a significant milestone in the Gregorian calendar. This event was commemorated globally with various festivities, reflecting on the past century and millennium while looking forward to the new one. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2002 North Korea Expels Nuclear Inspectors: On December 31, 2002, North Korea expelled international nuclear inspectors from its facilities, escalating tensions over its nuclear weapons program. This move drew widespread international condemnation and raised concerns about regional security. source: nti.org
  • 2003 Death of Arthur R. von Hippel: Arthur R. von Hippel, a German-American physicist and materials scientist, passed away at the age of 105 in Boston, Massachusetts. source: mrs.org
  • 2004 Canada's Tsunami Relief Efforts: In response to the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Canada pledged $40 million in aid and sent military personnel to assist in relief operations. source: canada.ca
  • 2005 AT&T and SBC Communications merger: On December 31, 2005, AT&T and SBC Communications completed their merger, creating one of the largest telecommunications companies in the United States. This merger was significant for the industry and consumers alike. source: reuters.com
  • 2007 Kenyan Presidential Election Riots: Following the announcement of President Mwai Kibaki's victory in the December 27, 2007, presidential election, widespread riots erupted across Kenya. Opposition supporters, particularly in areas like Nairobi's Kibera slum and Kisumu, protested the results, alleging electoral fraud. The unrest led to numerous fatalities and significant displacement of people. source: aljazeera.com
  • 2008 Israel rejects ceasefire in Gaza: On December 31, 2008, Israeli officials announced their rejection of a ceasefire proposal in Gaza amid ongoing military operations. The decision came as tensions escalated in the region, with significant casualties reported on both sides. source: reuters.com
  • 2009 Death of Cardinal Cahal Daly: Cardinal Cahal Daly, a prominent Catholic leader who played a significant role in Northern Ireland's peace process, passed away in Belfast at the age of 92. He was known for his efforts to promote reconciliation during the troubled years of the Troubles.
  • 2010 Tunisian protester dies during demonstrations: Mohamed Bouazizi, a Tunisian street vendor, set himself on fire in protest against police corruption and ill-treatment, an act that sparked widespread protests and led to the Tunisian Revolution.
  • 2011 NASA launches lunar satellite: On December 31, 2011, NASA successfully launched a lunar satellite aimed at studying the Moon's surface and environment. This mission was part of ongoing efforts to explore and understand lunar geology. source: nasa.gov
  • 2012 U.S. Fiscal Cliff Negotiations: On December 31, 2012, President Obama addressed the nation regarding the fiscal cliff negotiations, expressing optimism that an agreement to prevent tax hikes was within reach but not yet finalized. He emphasized the urgency of resolving the issue to prevent tax increases on middle-class families. source: obamawhitehouse.archives.gov
  • 2013 Public papers of President Obama for 2013 published: On December 31, 2013, the public papers of President Barack Obama for the year were published, providing insights into his administration's activities and decisions throughout the year. This release is part of the ongoing transparency efforts of the U.S. government. source: obamawhitehouse.archives.gov
  • 2014 Italian Coast Guard rescues refugees: On December 31, 2014, the Italian Coast Guard conducted a large-scale rescue operation in the Mediterranean Sea, saving hundreds of refugees attempting to cross from North Africa to Europe. The operation highlighted ongoing humanitarian efforts to address the migrant crisis in the region. source: reuters.com
  • 2015 Putin Expands FSB Lethal Force Authorization: On December 31, 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree expanding the Federal Security Service's (FSB) authority to use lethal force against individuals deemed to pose a threat to national security, including those suspected of terrorism. source: reuters.com
  • 2016 U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan: On December 31, 2016, the United States announced the withdrawal of a significant number of troops from Afghanistan, marking a shift in U.S. military presence in the region. This decision was part of a broader strategy to reduce U.S. involvement in prolonged conflicts abroad. source: abc.net.au
  • 2017 Iranian Protests Against Government Suppression: On December 31, 2017, anti-government protests continued in Iran, with demonstrations in Tehran and other cities. The protests, which began on December 28, 2017, were initially sparked by economic issues but quickly expanded to broader political grievances. The Iranian government responded with warnings of a crackdown, and reports indicated that at least 21 people had been killed during the protests. The unrest led to increased international attention and calls for restraint from both the Iranian government and the international community. source: aljazeera.com
  • 2018 Bangladesh election results announced: On December 31, 2018, the results of the Bangladeshi general elections were officially announced, confirming a landslide victory for the Awami League. The elections were marred by allegations of violence and voter intimidation. source: aljazeera.com
  • 2019 US Embassy in Baghdad attacked by protesters: On December 31, 2019, protesters breached the outer wall of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, in response to U.S. airstrikes on the Kata'ib Hezbollah militia. The protesters set fire to a reception area and vandalized the compound. U.S. personnel were unharmed, and no evacuation was planned. The U.S. deployed additional troops to secure the embassy. source: aljazeera.com
  • 2020 WHO First Emergency Use Validation for COVID-19 Vaccine: On December 31, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued its first emergency use validation for a COVID-19 vaccine, marking a critical milestone in the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic. This validation was a significant step in accelerating vaccine distribution and providing international legitimacy for vaccination efforts. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
  • 2021 Death of Betty White, Beloved Actress: Iconic actress Betty White passed away on December 31, 2021, just weeks before her milestone 100th birthday. Her remarkable career spanned over seven decades, making her a beloved figure in American entertainment, known for her comedic roles in shows like 'The Golden Girls' and 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show'.
  • 2022 S&P 500 Experiences Worst Annual Performance Since 2008: The S&P 500 index closed the year with a substantial 19.4% annual loss, reflecting the most challenging financial year for the stock market since the 2008 global financial crisis.
  • 2023 Danish Queen Margrethe II to Abdicate Throne: In a historic and unexpected televised New Year's Eve address, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark announced her decision to abdicate the Danish throne, marking a significant moment in the Danish royal succession. The 83-year-old monarch, who has reigned since 1972, will formally step down on January 14, 2024, passing the crown to her son, Crown Prince Frederik. This planned abdication represents a carefully orchestrated royal transition and reflects the Queen's personal choice to retire after over five decades of service to the Danish monarchy.

What Is special about December 31?

December 31 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about December 31.