December 16

What happened on December 16 in history

5 events fall on December 16, from 1653 to 1991. Read them below, then try to place a historical scene yourself — guess where in the world it happened and in what year.

Guess where and when

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Events on December 16

  1. 1653

    Cromwell becomes Lord Protector

    The Protectorate begins.

    Play the Exploration & revolution round

  2. 1773

    The Boston Tea Party

    Colonists throw 342 chests of tea into the harbour.

    Read about Boston Tea PartyPlay the Exploration & revolution round

  3. 1893

    The New World symphony premieres

    Dvorak's ninth is first played at Carnegie Hall.

    Play the 19th century round

  4. 1944

    The Battle of the Bulge begins

    A German offensive surprises the Allies in the Ardennes.

    Play the 20th century round

  5. 1991

    Kazakhstan declares independence

    The last Soviet republic to leave the union does so.

    Play the 20th century round