Europa
- 1922 – Establishment of the USSR
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was officially established on December 30, 1922, with Moscow as its capital. This union eventually comprised 15 republics and became the largest country in the world by area until its dissolution in 1991. - 1918 – Founding of the Communist Party of Germany
The Spartacus League was transformed into the Communist Party of Germany (KPD) at a party congress on this day, marking a significant moment in German and European leftist politics. - 1916 – Assassination of Grigori Rasputin
Grigori Rasputin, the Russian mystic and influential figure at the Russian court, was murdered by Russian conservatives in an effort to halt his influence over Empress Alexandra and the royal family. - 1986 – British Coal Mines Modernization
The British government announced the replacement of canaries with electronic sensors as early-warning detectors of carbon monoxide in coal mines, marking a modernization in industrial safety. - 1945 – Death of Davy Jones
Davy Jones, British singer and actor, was born on this day, later becoming a notable figure in British pop culture. - 2014 – Death of Luise Rainer
German-born actress Luise Rainer, the first person to win two Academy Awards for acting, died at age 104.
America
- 1853 – Gadsden Purchase
The United States bought about 45,000 square miles of land from Mexico (now parts of southern Arizona and New Mexico) in the Gadsden Purchase, finalizing the continental borders of the U.S. - 1825 – Treaty of St. Louis
The Treaty of St. Louis between the United States and the Shawnee Nation was proclaimed, marking another chapter in the complex history of Native American treaties and land cessions. - 1869 – Knights of Labor Formed
The Philadelphia Knights of Labor, one of the first significant American labor organizations, was established, playing a major role in labor reform movements. - 1873 – American Meteorological Society Founded
The American Meteorological Society was founded, advancing the study and understanding of atmospheric and related sciences. - 1903 – American Political Science Association Founded
The American Political Science Association was established, becoming a leading organization for the study of political science in the United States. - 1903 – Iroquois Theater Fire in Chicago
A tragic fire broke out at the Iroquois Theater in Chicago, Illinois, resulting in the deaths of about 600 people, making it one of the deadliest single-building fires in U.S. history. - 1930 – Colonial National Monument Proclaimed
President Herbert Hoover proclaimed the Colonial National Monument in Virginia, which later became Colonial National Historical Park, preserving important sites from early American history. - 1862 – Civil War Naval Action
During the American Civil War, the Union ironclad ship USS Monitor was towed from Hampton Roads, Virginia, but tragically sank in a storm off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, with the loss of 16 crew members.
Asia
- 1906 – Founding of the All-India Muslim League
The All-India Muslim League was established in Dhaka (now Bangladesh), playing a crucial role in the political developments that eventually led to the creation of Pakistan. - 1927 – Opening of the Ginza Line in Tokyo
The Ginza Line, the first subway line in Asia, opened in Tokyo, Japan, marking a milestone in urban transportation on the continent. - 1941 – World War II: Japanese Forces Occupy Kuantan
During the Pacific War, Japanese forces occupied Kuantan in Malaya, and the Battle of Kampar began, reflecting the rapid Japanese advance in Southeast Asia. - 1943 – Subhas Chandra Bose Hoists Indian Flag at Port Blair
Indian freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the flag of Indian independence at Port Blair, Andaman Islands, symbolizing resistance against British colonial rule. - 2006 – Execution of Saddam Hussein
Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was executed after being convicted of crimes against humanity, marking a pivotal moment in Iraq’s modern history. - 1896 – Rizal Day (Philippines)
December 30 is commemorated as Rizal Day in the Philippines, marking the execution of national hero José Rizal, whose death galvanized the movement for independence from Spanish colonial rule. - 2011 – Samoa and Tokelau Skip December 30
Samoa and Tokelau skipped December 30, 2011, by moving west of the International Date Line to better align with trading partners Australia and New Zealand.
Africa
- 1975 – Madagascar’s Constitution Comes Into Effect
On December 30, 1975, the new constitution of Madagascar was enacted, marking a significant step in the country’s political development after independence. - 1979 – Togo Adopts a New Constitution
The West African nation of Togo adopted its constitution on this day in 1979, shaping its governance and legal framework. - 1935 – Attack on Swedish Red Cross in Ethiopia
During the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, a Swedish Red Cross unit in Ethiopia was destroyed in an attack by Italian fighter planes, highlighting the international dimension of the conflict and the suffering endured by civilians and aid workers. - 2000 – Omar al-Bashir Re-elected President of Sudan
General Omar al-Bashir was re-elected as President of Sudan on December 30, 2000, amid ongoing conflict and international scrutiny.
This day in history: 30 december