What happened on December 31 in world history? Here are 4 events worth remembering: See them above in our 57-second video, and below for more details!
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Queen Victoria Chooses Ottawa as the Capital of Canada
Ottawa’s selection as the capital of Canada marked a pivotal moment in the country’s history. Once a small lumber town, Ottawa became the center of Canadian government.
• Queen Victoria’s decision, made in 1857, was influenced by the desire to find a neutral location that would balance the interests of English and French Canadians.
• Ottawa was chosen over other cities like Toronto and Montreal due to its strategic location between English and French-speaking regions.
• The city’s growth was fueled by its new status, leading to the construction of important government buildings, including the Parliament Hill.
Borin Yeltsin Resigns as President of Russia
The resignation of Boris Yeltsin in 1999 marked the end of an era in Russian history. It paved the way for Vladimir Putin to rise to power.
• Yeltsin’s resignation was a surprise, announced on December 31st, just before the turn of the millennium.
• In his resignation speech, Yeltsin nominated Vladimir Putin, his Prime Minister, as the acting president.
• This event signified the beginning of Putin’s political dominance in Russia, a position he has held in various capacities for decades.
Blue moon and Lunar Eclipse Occurs on the Same Night
The occurrence of both a blue moon and a lunar eclipse is a rare astronomical event that captured the attention of skywatchers worldwide.
• A blue moon is the second full moon in a calendar month, a phenomenon that occurs once every two to three years.
• A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the latter.
• The rare occurrence of both events on the same night was a spectacle for astronomy enthusiasts and led to widespread media coverage.
The First New Year Celebration in Times Square
The first New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square in 1907 began what would become one of the most iconic annual events in the world.
• Times Square was initially known as Longacre Square before it was renamed in honor of The New York Times.
• The first ball drop event, organized by the newspaper’s publisher, marked the start of an American tradition.
• The celebration has since grown, with millions tuning in each year to watch the iconic ball drop, symbolizing the passage of time.