771day.year
Austrasian king Carloman I dies, leaving his brother Charlemagne as sole king of the Frankish Kingdom.
In 771, King Carloman I of Austrasia died, leaving his brother Charlemagne as sole ruler of the Frankish Kingdom.
Carloman I ruled Austrasia alongside his brother after the death of their father, Pepin the Short. His unexpected death on December 4, 771, at age 26, paved the way for Charlemagne to consolidate power over the entire Frankish realm. This moment marked the beginning of Charlemagne's sole reign, under which the Carolingian Empire expanded dramatically. Charlemagne would go on to be crowned Emperor of the Romans in 800, shaping medieval Europe. The dynastic shift strengthened central authority and set the stage for the Golden Age of Carolingian culture. This transition is seen as a pivotal event in the foundation of modern France and Germany.
771
Austrasian
Carloman I
Charlemagne
Frankish Kingdom
963day.year
The lay papal protonotary is elected pope and takes the name Leo VIII, being consecrated on 6 December after ordination.
In 963, the papal protonotary was elected Pope Leo VIII, highlighting the influence of Emperor Otto I over the Church.
Following the deposition of Pope John XII, Emperor Otto I orchestrated the election of his lay protonotary as pontiff on December 4, 963. Though unordained at the time of his election, the new pope assumed the name Leo VIII. His consecration on December 6 solidified imperial control over the papacy during the Ottonian era. Leo VIII's papacy was contested by supporters of John XII and later Benedict V, reflecting the power struggle between secular and ecclesiastical authorities. This episode exemplifies the medieval investiture conflict and set precedents for Church-State relations.
963
papal protonotary
Leo VIII
1259day.year
Kings Louis IX of France and Henry III of England agree to the Treaty of Paris, in which Henry renounces his claims to French-controlled territory on continental Europe (including Normandy) in exchange for Louis withdrawing his support for English rebels.
In 1259, Louis IX of France and Henry III of England signed the Treaty of Paris, resolving long-standing territorial disputes.
The Treaty of Paris, concluded on December 4, 1259, saw Henry III formally renounce his claims to Normandy and other continental territories in return for peace with France. King Louis IX agreed to withdraw support for English dissenters, stabilizing relations between the two kingdoms. This diplomatic agreement ended generations of conflict over Normandy since the time of William the Conqueror. It allowed both monarchs to focus on internal consolidation and crusading ambitions. Although subsequent wars erupted, the treaty represented a high point of medieval Franco-English diplomacy.
1259
Louis IX of France
Henry III of England
Treaty of Paris
Normandy
1783day.year
At Fraunces Tavern in New York City, U.S. General George Washington bids farewell to his officers.
On December 4, 1783, George Washington bade farewell to his officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York City, marking the end of his Continental Army command.
After the American Revolutionary War ended, General George Washington convened his senior officers at Fraunces Tavern on December 4, 1783. In an emotional address, he thanked them for their service and urged unity as civilians. His farewell underscored his commitment to civilian authority over the military, setting a democratic precedent. Washington's departure from the Army heralded his return to private life at Mount Vernon. This moment is celebrated as a testament to American republican ideals and the peaceful transfer of power.
1783
Fraunces Tavern
George Washington
bids farewell to his officers
1804day.year
The United States House of Representatives adopts articles of impeachment against Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase.
The U.S. House of Representatives adopts articles of impeachment against Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase, marking an early test of judicial accountability.
On December 4, 1804, the United States House of Representatives approved articles of impeachment against Associate Justice Samuel Chase of the Supreme Court. The charges stemmed from allegations of political bias and improper conduct during trial proceedings. This event marked the first impeachment attempt against a Supreme Court Justice and tested the separation of powers in the young republic. President Thomas Jefferson's supporters saw the move as a way to curb Federalist influence, while opponents warned it threatened judicial independence. Though the Senate later acquitted Chase, the proceedings established important precedents for impeachment and reinforced the principle that federal judges enjoy lifetime tenure subject to good behavior.
1804
United States House of Representatives
adopts
articles of impeachment
Supreme Court Justice
Samuel Chase
1829day.year
In the face of fierce local opposition, British Governor-General Lord William Bentinck issues a regulation declaring that anyone who abets sati in Bengal is guilty of culpable homicide.
British Governor-General Lord William Bentinck issues a regulation banning the practice of sati in Bengal, classifying it as culpable homicide.
On December 4, 1829, Lord William Bentinck, the Governor-General of British India, enacted a regulation declaring that anyone who assisted or abetted the ritual of sati in Bengal would be guilty of culpable homicide. Sati, the immolation of a widow on her husband's funeral pyre, had faced mounting criticism from reformers and missionaries. Bentinck's decision followed reports of coercion and violence against widows, and it affirmed the colonial government's authority to intervene in social customs. The regulation sparked fierce debate among Indian elites and British officials, balancing respect for tradition against humanitarian concerns. Ultimately, the ban on sati became a milestone in the broader movement for social reform in India and influenced future legislation on women's rights.
1829
Governor-General
Lord William Bentinck
sati
Bengal
culpable homicide
1861day.year
American Civil War: The 109 electors of the several states of the Confederate States of America unanimously elect Jefferson Davis as President and Alexander H. Stephens as Vice President.
The Confederate States of America elect Jefferson Davis as President and Alexander H. Stephens as Vice President.
On December 4, 1861, the Confederacy’s electoral college unanimously selected Jefferson Davis as its President and Alexander H. Stephens as Vice President. The election formalized the political leadership of the seceded Southern states during the American Civil War. Davis, a former U.S. Senator and Secretary of War, faced the daunting task of unifying the nascent nation under wartime pressures. Stephens, once a Unionist, became the Confederacy's chief political voice. Their administration focused on military organization, diplomatic recognition, and maintaining civilian morale amid escalating conflict on multiple fronts.
1861
American Civil War
electors
Confederate States of America
elect
Jefferson Davis
President
Alexander H. Stephens
Vice President
1865day.year
North Carolina ratifies 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, followed two days later by Georgia, and U.S. slaves were legally free within two weeks.
North Carolina ratifies the 13th Amendment, formally abolishing slavery in the United States.
On December 4, 1865, North Carolina became the first former Confederate state to ratify the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery. Two days later, Georgia followed suit, ensuring the amendment’s adoption before the end of 1865. With these ratifications, millions of enslaved African Americans were legally freed across the United States. The amendment marked a pivotal achievement of the Reconstruction era. Although emancipation began with the Emancipation Proclamation, the 13th Amendment provided a permanent constitutional guarantee against slavery. Its passage reshaped American society and laid the groundwork for subsequent civil rights movements.
1865
North Carolina
13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
Georgia
U.S. slaves
1875day.year
Notorious New York City politician Boss Tweed escapes from prison; he is later recaptured in Spain.
William “Boss” Tweed made a daring escape from New York’s Ludlow Street Jail, defying imprisonment before his eventual recapture in Spain.
William "Boss" Tweed, the powerful head of Tammany Hall, was convicted of massive fraud in 1873.
On December 4, 1875, he broke out of prison and disappeared from New York City under an assumed identity.
Tweed traveled across Europe, evading authorities until he was recognized in Spain in 1876.
His flight and capture highlighted the rampant political corruption of the Gilded Age.
Tweed’s story became emblematic of the era’s struggle for reform and accountability in American politics.
1875
Boss Tweed
1917day.year
The Finnish Senate submits to the Parliament of Finland a proposal for the form of government of the Republic of Finland and issued a communication to Parliament declaring the independence of Finland.
The Finnish Senate formally proposed a republican constitution and declared Finland’s independence to Parliament.
Amid the collapse of the Russian Empire, Finland sought self-governance and autonomy.
On December 4, 1917, the Senate submitted draft legislation outlining the governmental framework for a Republic of Finland.
Simultaneously, it issued a communication affirming Finland’s intention to sever ties with Russia.
This dual action marked a decisive step toward full sovereignty.
Parliament debated the draft over the following days, leading to the official Declaration of Independence on December 6, 1917.
1917
Finnish Senate
Republic of Finland
independence of Finland
1918day.year
U.S. President Woodrow Wilson sails for the World War I peace talks in Versailles, becoming the first US president to travel to Europe while in office.
President Woodrow Wilson became the first sitting U.S. president to cross the Atlantic on his way to the Versailles peace conference.
After the Armistice ended World War I, President Wilson embarked on a historic voyage to Europe.
On December 4, 1918, he set sail aboard the USS George Washington toward the Paris Peace Conference.
Wilson aimed to advocate for his Fourteen Points and the creation of a League of Nations.
His unprecedented trip signaled the United States’ new role on the world stage.
Wilson spent months in Europe negotiating treaties that would reshape national borders and international relations.
1918
Woodrow Wilson
Versailles
US president
1943day.year
World War II: In Yugoslavia, resistance leader Marshal Josip Broz Tito proclaims a provisional democratic Yugoslav government in-exile.
On December 4, 1943, Yugoslav Partisan leader Josip Broz Tito declared a provisional democratic government in exile.
Amidst the turmoil of World War II, Marshal Josip Broz Tito announced the formation of a provisional democratic Yugoslav government in exile on December 4, 1943. Operating from territories liberated from Axis occupation, the new government aimed to unite resistance factions and secure Allied recognition and support. Tito’s declaration challenged the royalist Chetnik movement and the pre-war Yugoslav government’s legitimacy, solidifying the Partisan movement’s political authority. The move also facilitated diplomatic relations with the British and Soviets, leading to increased military and material aid. Tito’s leadership during this period laid the groundwork for post-war Yugoslavia’s federal socialist republic. This announcement was a pivotal step in establishing a new political order in the Balkans after the war.
1943
Yugoslavia
Josip Broz Tito
provisional democratic Yugoslav government in-exile