On This Day for 12/30 - Rudyard Kipling is born, the union of Soviet Socialist Republics is established, and more

Don't miss an issue of On This Day! Simply add [customerservice@eb.com] to your address book. On This Day December 30 Discover the Fastest Route to Britannica - [EB.com]! Biography of the Day [Rudyard Kipling, oil on canvas by Sir Philip Burne-Jones, 1899.] [Rudyard Kipling] Born this day in 1865, [Rudyard Kipling], winner of the 1907 [Nobel Prize] for Literature, was an English short-story writer, poet, and novelist remembered for his celebration of British [imperialism] and his stories for children. Who else was born today? Find out with the newest version of [our best-selling software! >>] On This Day [Flag of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, 1922–91.] 1922: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics established The [Union of Soviet Socialist Republics], formed this day in 1922 with its capital in [Moscow], eventually incorporated 15 republics and constituted (in area) the largest country in the world until its dissolution in 1991. Explore more key moments in history for just $39.95 [Learn more >>] [Sign up now] for our monthly newsletter, showcasing articles hand-picked by our editors! More Events On This Day 2006: [Saddam Hussein], the former president of [Iraq], was executed after being convicted of crimes against humanity. 1984: [LeBron James.]American [basketball] player [LeBron James], who is one of the [NBA]'s superstars, was born. 1975: [Tiger Woods]American golfer [Tiger Woods]--the first player to win consecutively the game's four major tournaments (the [Masters], [U.S. Open], the [British Open], and the [PGA Championship])--was born. 1918: The [Spartacus League] was transformed into the Communist Party of Germany at a party congress. 1916: [Grigory Yefimovich Rasputin.][Grigory Yefimovich Rasputin] was poisoned by Russian conservatives in an effort to halt his influence over Empress [Alexandra] and the royal family. 1902: [Robert Falcon Scott.]A new southing record was set by [Robert Falcon Scott], in company with [Ernest Henry Shackleton] and E.A. Wilson, as they reached the [Ross Ice Shelf] at the head of the [Ross Sea] in Antarctica. 1896: [Jose Rizal]Philippine nationalist [José Rizal] was publicly executed, enraging and uniting Filipinos. 1853: [U.S. postage stamp commemorating the Gadsden Purchase.]The United States acquired nearly 30,000 square miles (78,000 square km) of additional northern Mexican territory with the signing of the [Gadsden Purchase]. 1847: [John Peter Altgeld.]The reformist Illinois governor [John Peter Altgeld], known principally for his pardon of German American anarchists involved in the [Haymarket Riot], was born in Niederselters, Prussia. 1803: The Maratha chief Daulat Rao Sindhia and the British signed the [Treaty of Surji-Arjungaon]. A Great Gift Idea from The Britannica Store [1768 Encyclopaedia Britannica Replica Set] The handsome three-volume reproduction is so beautifully executed that it's almost indistinguishable from the 1768 original, right down to the natural age spots and watermarks on the pages. A must-have for collectors of history or vintage books, the set lends an unmistakable air of prestige to any home or office. [Get yours today]! Our Best-Selling Software! Access the world's most trusted and authoritative information for [only $39.95]. Britannica on Facebook [Become a fan] on Facebook and get updated Britannica content in your news feed! Britannica on Twitter [Follow @Britannica] and enjoy daily tweets relating to the news stories of the day! [Home] [Advocacy for Animals] [Newsletters] [Feedback] [Help] Please note that if you do not open or click on any On This Day email during any consecutive 14-day period, we reserve the right to remove your address from the active mailing list. This policy does not apply to RSS feeds. Share: [Bebo] [Delicious] [Digg] [Facebook] [LinkedIn] [MySpace] [Reddit] [Twitter] Was this message forwarded to you? [Click here] and we'll start sending you the On This Day newsletters. This message has been sent to {EMAIL}. To unsubscribe [click here]. To unsubscribe by postal mail, send your request to: Encyclopaedia Britannica 325 N. LaSalle St. - Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60654 US ATTN: Customer Service - On This Day © 2016 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. [Privacy Policy] — [Help]