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Explore the historical events that shaped our world on December 30th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
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Pope Gregory XI, the last French Pope and final Avignon Pope, is elected on December 30, 1370, by the cardinals in Avignon, France, succeeding Pope Urban V.
Avignon had been the seat of the papacy since 1309, Gregory XI returned the papacy to Rome in 1377. His Papacy reign was from December 30, 1370 to March 27, 1378.
The Battle of Castillon marks the end of the Hundred Years' War between England and France.
Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the French minister of finance, creates the Académie Royale d'Architecture. in 1671, under the authority of King Louis XIV. The academy's purpose was to formalize architectural practice, promote classical design, and provide expert advice on royal building projects.
Philippine nationalist José Rizal is publicly executed on December 30, 1896 by the Spanish Colonial government enraging and uniting Filipinos against Spain. Rizal came from a prosperous family, was educated in Manila and at the University of Madrid.
A brilliant medical student, he became an ophthalmologist by profession. He was also a writer and a key member of the Filipino Propaganda Movement, which advocated political reforms for the colony under Spain, although he never advocated Philippine independence. The night before his execution he wrote “Último adiós” (“Last Farewell”), a masterpiece of 19th-century Spanish verse. More
Grigori Rasputin, the Siberian self proclaimed mystic was murdered on December 30, 1916 by Russian nobles and conservatives, who reportedly poisoned, shot, and then drowned the Siberian mystic to halt his influence over Empress Alexandra and the royal family. More
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics ( USSR) is established with its capital in Moscow on December 30, 1922 and the Communist Party, led by Marxist revolutionary Vladimir Lenin took control of the government. The Union eventually incorporated 15 republics and constituted the largest country (in area) in the world until its dissolution in 1991.
Ferdinand Emmanuel Marcos Sr.is first inaugurated as the 10th President of the Philippines. He ruled under martial law from 1972 until 1981. He was deposed in 1986. His rule was infamous for its corruption and brutality. More
The Beatles' manager, Brian Epstein, secures a contract for the band to produce animated television shows.
Saddam Hussein, former president of Iraq, is executed December 30, 2006, after being convicted in 2004 of crimes against humanity. More
