A Day in the Past · history worksheet
On this day: 21 December
Name: Class: Date:
1. What happened on 21 December?
- 1804 Born: Benjamin Disraeli
Benjamin Disraeli was a British politician and writer who served twice as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. - 1844 The Rochdale Pioneers open their co-operative shop
A group called the Rochdale Pioneers opened their shop in Rochdale, England. - 1872 HMS Challenger sets sail to explore the world's oceans
HMS Challenger left Portsmouth, England, on a scientific voyage around the world that lasted until 1876. - 1923 Britain recognises Nepal as an independent country
Nepal and the United Kingdom signed a treaty at Singha Durbar in Nepal. - 1937 Snow White, the first cel-animated feature film, premieres
Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs had its premiere at the Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles. - 1965 The United Nations agrees a treaty against racial discrimination
The United Nations adopted the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. - 1988 The giant Antonov An-225 Mriya makes its first flight
The Antonov An-225 Mriya, a huge cargo aircraft built in the Soviet Union, flew for the first time. - 1994 Mexico's Popocatépetl volcano wakes up after 47 years
The Popocatépetl volcano in central Mexico began erupting after 47 quiet years.
2. How long ago?
This year is 2026. Work out how many years ago each thing happened.
| Year | What happened | Sum | Years ago |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1804 | Born: Benjamin Disraeli | 2026 − 1804 = | |
| 1872 | HMS Challenger sets sail to explore the world's oceans | 2026 − 1872 = | |
| 1937 | Snow White, the first cel-animated feature film, premieres | 2026 − 1937 = | |
| 1988 | The giant Antonov An-225 Mriya makes its first flight | 2026 − 1988 = |
3. Put them in order
Write 1 next to the oldest event, then 2, 3 and so on up to the newest. Use list 1 to help you!
- Britain recognises Nepal as an independent country
- HMS Challenger sets sail to explore the world's oceans
- The Rochdale Pioneers open their co-operative shop
- Snow White, the first cel-animated feature film, premieres
4. Quick quiz
In which year did this happen: “The Rochdale Pioneers open their co-operative shop”?
- A. 1923
- B. 1988
- C. 1844
In which year did this happen: “HMS Challenger sets sail to explore the world's oceans”?
- A. 1872
- B. 1923
- C. 1937
Which of these happened first?
- A. The Rochdale Pioneers open their co-operative shop
- B. HMS Challenger sets sail to explore the world's oceans
- C. Britain recognises Nepal as an independent country
5. Draw it!
Draw your favourite event from 21 December. Then write a sentence about why you chose it.
Answers for teachers
How long ago: 1804 → 222 years; 1872 → 154 years; 1937 → 89 years; 1988 → 38 years.
Order: 1 = The Rochdale Pioneers open their co-operative shop (1844), 2 = HMS Challenger sets sail to explore the world's oceans (1872), 3 = Britain recognises Nepal as an independent country (1923), 4 = Snow White, the first cel-animated feature film, premieres (1937).
Quiz: 1. C (1844); 2. A (1872); 3. A (The Rochdale Pioneers open their co-operative shop).