American actor and singer, Dean Martin, died at the age of 78. He was one of the most celebrated entertainers of 20th century America.

Mikhail Gorbachev resigned as president of the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union itself was officially dissolved one day later.

Former communist ruler of Romania, Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife Elena, were condemned to death and executed after their capture two days earlier.

Spanish painter, Joan Miro, died at the age of 90. He was one of the most influential painters of the 20th century.

English singer, Dido, was born in London.

Scottish singer, Annie Lennox, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. She is one of the most distinct personalities of modern music, both as a solo artist and as the lead singer of the band, Eurythmics.

American actress, Sissy Spacek, was born in Texas.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was introduced by Montgomery Ward department stores. It was written and published in order to be handed out to children during the Christmas holiday period.

Hirohito became Emperor of Japan, succeeding Emperor Taisho.

Swiss, Louis Chevrolet, was born in Neuchatel, Switzerland. He emigrated to the United States in 1901 where he worked at various major automobile manufacturers as lead mechanic. He was the founder of the Chevrolet Motor Car Company.

In Japan, shogunate rebels, established the Ezo Republic on the island of Hokkaido.