December 31 in History for Kids

December 31 collects short history notes for families. The years on this page include 1491, 1514, 1687, 1790. Violent events and crimes are left off. Each line is a small true thing to ask about, not a whole lesson. February 29 is included so a leap-day birthday still has a page. Walk with the previous and next links, or open the December hub for the rest of the month.

In 1491, Jacques Cartier was born. Jacques became known as french navigator and explorer.
In 1514, Andreas Vesalius was born. Andreas became known as belgian anatomist, physician, and author.
In 1687, the first Huguenots set sail from France to the Cape of Good Hope.
In 1790, efimeris, the oldest Greek newspaper of which issues have survived till today, is published for the first time.

Pair a date with a story in the library or a geography quiz if you want to keep going.