Discover what happened on December 16 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.

December 16

Discover what happened on December 16 with HISTORY&#8217;s summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.

What Happened on December 16 | HISTORY

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America’s Founding Fathers decided that one elected civilian—the U.S. president—would lead the executive branch of the federal government, a governmental structure that has remained in place for more than 200 years.

U.S. Presidents

World War I pitted Germany, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire against Great Britain, the United States, France, Russia, Italy and Japan. New military technology resulted in unprecedented carnage. By the time the war was over and the Allied Powers claimed victory, more than 16 million people—soldiers and civilians alike—were dead.

World War I

The 1960s was one of the most tumultuous and divisive decades in world history. The era was marked by the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War and antiwar protests, countercultural movements, political assassinations and the emerging "generation gap."

1960s

Crime has been a dark and powerful undercurrent in human society throughout history. Uncover the facts behind some of the most daring robberies, brazen scams and brutal murders ever committed.

Crime

Sports and recreation are an integral part of human history, from the ancient Olympics to the Kentucky Derby, Jackie Robinson, Negro League Baseball, the Super Bowl and more.

Sports

The Revolutionary War waged by the American colonies against Britain influenced political ideas and revolutions around the globe, as a small fledgling nation won its freedom from the greatest military force of its time.

American Revolution

Videos

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History.com Editors

Art history tells the complex story of human civilization through art, literature and design. It ranges from prehistoric art of the Neolithic period through Renaissance masterpieces, Impressionism, Modernism, the Bauhaus and contemporary art.

Art, Literature and Film History

World War II was the biggest and deadliest war in history, involving more than 30 countries. Sparked by the 1939 Nazi invasion of Poland, the war dragged on for six bloody years until the Allies defeated the Axis powers of Nazi Germany, Japan and Italy in 1945. Explore the battles, leaders and atrocities from the war and its impact on geopolitics and humankind.

World War II

Though the 19th century saw the rise of populism, the labor movement and Jacksonian democracy, it also ushered in the Gilded Age, when men like Cornelius Vanderbilt and J. P. Morgan wielded vast control over politics and business.

This Day In History: December 16

The Boston Tea Party

Also on This Day in History December | 16

Blockbuster sci-fi film “Avatar” has its U.S. premiere

This Day in History Video: What Happened on December 16

Antonin Dvorak’s “New World Symphony” receives its world premiere in New York City

Germans bombard English ports of Hartlepool and Scarborough

OJ Simpson rushes record 2,000 yards in a season

U.S. House of Representatives recommends impeaching Clinton

President Clinton orders air attack on Iraq

Buffalo Bill Cody makes his first stage appearance

Jane Austen is born

Two airplanes collide over New York City

A terrorist bomber begins his deadly rampage

President Truman declares state of emergency over Korean War

Battle of the Bulge begins

Also on This Day in History December | 16

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