1952⚡ Event
Great Smog of London begins
The "Great Smog of London" began and lasted for five days. It caused 12,000 deaths and led to the Clean Air Act 1956.
disasterlawmedicine
What Happened on December 5?
Discover 15 historical moments on December 5 — 5 events, 5 birthdays, and 5 notable deaths spanning centuries of human history.
artssportsentertainmentlawpoliticsmusicdisastermedicine
Hero image inspired by: Great Smog of London
Historical Events on December 5(5)
1958⚡ Event
Preston Bypass opens
Britain's first motorway, the Preston Bypass, opened to the public.
technologylaw
1965⚡ Event
Glasnost meeting in Moscow
The "glasnost meeting" took place in Moscow, becoming the first demonstration in the Soviet Union after World War II. It marked the beginning of the civil rights movement in the country.
politics
1972⚡ Event
Gough Whitlam becomes Prime Minister of Australia
Gough Whitlam took office as the 21st Prime Minister of Australia, forming a duumvirate with his deputy Lance Barnard. This ended 23 years of Liberal–Country Party government.
politics
2007⚡ Event
Westroads Mall shooting
A gunman killed nine people at a shopping mall in Omaha, Nebraska.
Famous Birthdays on December 5(5)
Notable Deaths on December 5(5)
2022🕊️ Death
Kirstie Alley
Kirstie Alley, American actress and producer, has died. She was born in 1951.
entertainmentarts
2023🕊️ Death
Norman Lear
Norman Lear, American screenwriter and producer, has died. He was born in 1922.
entertainmentarts
2024🕊️ Death
Jacques Roubaud
Jacques Roubaud, French poet, writer, and mathematician, has died. He was born in 1932.
literaturesciencearts
2025🕊️ Death
Frank Gehry
Frank Gehry, Canadian-American architect and designer, has died. He was born in 1929.
arts
2025🕊️ Death
Michael Annett
Michael Annett, American former NASCAR driver, has died. He was born in 1986.
sports
December 5 in History
December 5 is home to 15 recorded historical entries in our collection, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 deaths. This date has witnessed momentous occasions spanning from 1952 to the present day.
Major Events on December 5
Among the most notable events on December 5: Great Smog of London begins (1952), Preston Bypass opens (1958), Glasnost meeting in Moscow (1965). View all events →
Famous Birthdays on December 5
Notable figures born on December 5 include Conan Gray, Randal Kolo Muani, Soobin. View all birthdays →
Notable Deaths on December 5
Remembered figures who died on December 5 include Kirstie Alley, Norman Lear, Jacques Roubaud. View all →
Browse what happened on December 4 or December 6, explore the full month of December, or discover a random historical fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on December 5?
- December 5 is home to 15 recorded historical entries, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 notable deaths.
- What is the most notable event on December 5?
- One of the most notable events on December 5 is: Great Smog of London begins.
- Who was born on December 5?
- Famous figures born on December 5 include Conan Gray, Randal Kolo Muani, Soobin.
- How many historical events happened on December 5?
- Our collection records 5 historical events on December 5, spanning centuries of world history.
?
🎯 Test Your History Knowledge
Guess the year this event occurred.
History, Delivered Daily.
Join thousands of history buffs. Get a curated 1-minute read of the day's most fascinating historical events sent straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy.