On This Day – December 4th

December usually means a great deal to many people. For some, it’s a time of cheer and love. For others, it can be particularly lonely and cold. That is why it is so important to consider others every day this month and everything each day might bring them. For example, here is what December 4th has meant to people all over the world throughout the years.

On this day

1The first Thanksgiving took place.

In 1619, 38 colonists from England’s Berkeley Parish disembarked in what became the state of Virginia and gave thanks to God. This event is considered by many as the First Thanksgiving in the Americas, a moment of celebration for many, but a controversial moment in colonial history for others.

2The Observer was published for the first time.

In 1791, Britain’s newspaper, The Observer, was published for the first time. It is the oldest Sunday newspaper in the world! And yes, Sunday papers do still exist, even when many of us still get our news online!

3Louis-Napoléon's troops crushed resistance in Paris.

On 4 December 1851, two days after President Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte seized power in a coup, troops opened fire on crowds in Paris, killing hundreds. A year later he made himself Emperor Napoleon III.

4The Naval Conference in London took place.

In 1908, the world’s ten leading maritime nations attended a Naval Conference in London. They agreed upon rules for blockade, convoys, and seizure of contraband.

5Gemini 7 was launched.

On 4 December 1965, NASA launched Gemini 7 with Frank Borman and Jim Lovell on board. They stayed in orbit for almost 14 days, and Gemini 6A met them in space, the first time two crewed spacecraft came together in orbit.

Special Days Falling on December 4th

We all know what big holiday is celebrated in December, but it is among many others! Here are just some of the celebrations taking place in the world today!

International Cheetah Day

Every 4 December is International Cheetah Day. The world’s fastest land animal is listed as Vulnerable, with only around 7,000 left in the wild, mostly in Africa.

Tupou I Day

December 4th is also King Tupou I Day. George Tupou I was the first king of what’s now known as modern Tonga. He was born today back in 1797, and eventually died on February 18, 1893. He was known for having unified the country into a monarchy. He reigned as King of Tonga from 1845 until 1893, during which time he abolished serfdom in 1862.

World Wildlife Conservation Day

Going back to the animals of the world, did you know that December 4th is also World Wildlife Conservation Day? Animals truly make this world, and without them, we would be nowhere. Beyond their undeniable beauty and fascinating ways, they also play a key role in our ecosystems, and should be respected at the very least! Yet, the biggest threat to animals is us. Humans have destroyed entire ecosystems and killed countless animals, and sadly, not just out of necessity.

This month in history

The first Christmas card was sent. In December 1843, Sir Henry Cole, the founder of the Victoria and Albert Museum, commissioned the first commercial Christmas card. Around 1,000 were printed, and one sold at auction in 2001 for over £20,000.

Famous Birthdays on December 4th

• Thomas Carlyle, Scottish essayist and historian, born 1795
• Jeff Bridges, American actor, born 1949
• Marisa Tomei, American actor, born 1964
• Jay-Z, American rapper, born 1969
• Tyra Banks, American model and TV host, born 1973