10 December, 1768 – Encyclopedia Britannica first published

The first part of the first edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica, the oldest continuously published and revised work in the English language, was published and advertised for sale in Edinburgh on this day in 1768.

11 December, 1981 – Muhammad Ali fought his last professional bout

American boxer Muhammad Ali fought his last professional bout, losing to Trevor Berbick in a decision.

12 December, 2000 – U.S. Supreme Court decision on the presidential election

On this day in 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court effectively awarded the presidency to George W. Bush, ruling that a fair recount of ballots in Florida could not be performed by the deadline for certifying the state's electors.

13 December, 1642 – New Zealand sighted

On this day in 1642, Dutch navigator Abel Tasman sighted South Island, New Zealand, and later, mistaking the strait north of the island for a bay, believed he had found the west coast of a hypothetical southern continent.

14 December, 2013- Irish actor Peter O'Toole died

Irish actor Peter O'Toole, who captivated audiences with performances that showcased his versatility in roles ranging from classical drama to contemporary farce during a seven-decade stage and screen career, died at age 81.

15 December, 1939 – Premiere of Gone with the Wind

Starring Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable, the film Gone with the Wind – a romantic tale of the American South during the Civil War adapted from the 1936 novel by Margaret Mitchell – premiered this day in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1939.

16 December, 1773- Boston Tea Party

On this day in 1773, in what is known as the Boston Tea Party, American colonists disguised as Mohawk Indians threw 342 chests of tea belonging to the British East India Company into Boston Harbour to protest a tax on tea.