December 16

    What happened on December 16 in history

    6 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.

    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.

      Read about First Modern Olympic Games, AthensPlay the 19th century round

    4. 1944

      The Battle of the Bulge begins

      A German offensive surprises the Allies in the Ardennes.

      Read about V-J Day Celebration in Times SquarePlay the 20th century round

    5. 1991

      Kazakhstan declares independence

      The last Soviet republic to leave the union does so.

      Play the 20th century round

    6. 1991

      Kazakhstan becomes independent

      The last Soviet republic to declare independence.

      Play the 20th century round

    Guess where and when

    Explore a 360° historical scene and place it on the map and the timeline. Free, no sign-up.

    Play today's challenge