December 30

What happened on December 30 in history

5 events fall on December 30, from 1853 to 2006. Read them below, then try to place a historical scene yourself — guess where in the world it happened and in what year.

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Events on December 30

  1. 1853

    The Gadsden Purchase

    The United States buys territory from Mexico for a southern railway route.

    Play the 19th century round

  2. 1903

    The Iroquois Theatre fire

    Chicago's new theatre burns during a matinee.

    Play the 20th century round

  3. 1922

    The Soviet Union is founded

    Four republics sign the treaty creating the USSR.

    Play the 20th century round

  4. 1947

    Michael of Romania abdicates

    The last king in the Eastern bloc is forced out.

    Play the 20th century round

  5. 2006

    Saddam Hussein is executed

    He is hanged in Baghdad after conviction for crimes against humanity.