December 4

What happened on December 4 in history

5 events fall on December 4, from 1791 to 1991. 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 4

  1. 1791

    The Observer is first published

    The world's oldest Sunday newspaper is first published in London.

    Play the Exploration & revolution round

  2. 1829

    Suttee is banned in Bengal

    The British administration outlaws widow burning.

    Play the 19th century round

  3. 1872

    The Mary Celeste is found

    The ship is discovered under sail in the Atlantic with nobody aboard.

    Play the 19th century round

  4. 1945

    The Senate backs the UN

    The United States votes to join the new organisation.

    Play the 20th century round

  5. 1991

    Terry Anderson is released

    The last American hostage in Lebanon is freed after nearly seven years.

    Play the 20th century round