This day in history: 31 december

1600: The British East India Company was established, which would play a pivotal role in European colonial expansion and trade.
1991: The formal dissolution of the Soviet Union was completed, marking the end of the Cold War and a major shift in European and global politics.
2002: The euro, the monetary unit of the European Union, was introduced with the issuance of both currency and coins, marking a significant step in European economic integration.
New Year’s Eve: December 31 is widely celebrated as New Year’s Eve across Europe, known in some countries as Saint Sylvester’s Day, with public festivities, fireworks, and cultural traditions.

1775: The Battle of Quebec takes place during the American Revolutionary War, where British forces repulse an attack by the Continental Army led by General Richard Montgomery, who is killed in the battle.
1781: The Bank of North America, the first bank in the United States, receives its charter from the Confederation Congress.
1862: President Abraham Lincoln signs an act admitting West Virginia to the Union, dividing Virginia in two during the Civil War.
1879: Thomas Edison gives the first public demonstration of his electric incandescent lamp at Menlo Park, New Jersey.
1891: The new immigration depot opens on Ellis Island, New York, marking a significant moment in U.S. immigration history.
1904: The first New Year’s Eve celebration is held in Times Square (then Longacre Square), New York City.
1907: The first Times Square ball drop takes place, beginning a lasting New Year’s tradition.
1909: The Manhattan Bridge opens for traffic in New York City.
1946: President Harry Truman officially proclaims the end of hostilities in World War II.
1951: The Marshall Plan, which provided over $13 billion in aid to help rebuild Europe after World War II, expires.
1974: U.S. citizens are allowed to buy and own gold for the first time in over 40 years.

1600: Queen Elizabeth I of England issued a royal charter establishing the British East India Company, granting it exclusive rights to trade with East Asia, Southeast Asia, and India. This marked a pivotal moment in Asian history, as it laid the foundation for British colonial rule in India and significant British influence in Asia.
1929: At midnight in Lahore (then part of British India, now in Pakistan), the Indian National Congress, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, officially pledged to seek complete independence from British rule. The Indian flag was hoisted on the banks of the Ravi River, and Congress called for January 26 to be celebrated as Independence Day from then on.
2004: Taipei 101, which was then the tallest building in the world at 508 meters, was inaugurated in Taipei, Taiwan. This event symbolized Asia’s rapid modernization and economic growth in the 21st century.
2014: A tragic stampede occurred on New Year’s Eve in Shanghai, China, resulting in 36 deaths and 49 injuries, highlighting the risks associated with large public celebrations in rapidly growing Asian cities.

1963: The Central African Federation officially collapsed on December 31, leading to the emergence of Zambia, Malawi, and Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).
1981: Ghana experienced a coup d’état that removed President Hilla Limann’s government and brought Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings and the Provisional National Defence Council to power.
1983: Nigeria underwent a military coup led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari, ending the Second Nigerian Republic on this date.