22 significant historical events occurred on December 31. December 31 has seen important historical events such as wartime naval battles, political changes, and social crises. Notable events on this date include the 1942 Battle of the Barents Sea between German and British naval forces in Arctic waters, the 1992 dissolution of Czechoslovakia which created the independent Czech Republic and Slovakia, and the 2015 New Year's Eve sexual assaults in various German cities.
21 famous birthdays on December 31
Including George C. Marshall, Avram Hershko, Henri Matisse
Event Distribution by Century
Darker = Higher Density12th Century
1 event15th Century
1 event18th Century
1 event19th Century
4 events20th Century
3 events1942 battle between warships of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine and British ships escorting convoy JW 51B to Kola Inlet in the USSR
Dissolution of Czechoslovakia — process that led to the creation of two independent nations, the Czech Republic and Slovakia
21st Century
12 eventsNew Year's Eve sexual assaults in Germany — overview about the 2015–16 New Year's Eve sexual assaults in Germany
Explore More for December 31
Discover births, deaths, and deeper historical trends for this date.