On This Day: December 2nd

Franz Joseph I becomes Emperor of Austria.

Manifest Destiny: In a State of the Union message, U.S. President James K. Polk proposes that the United States should aggressively expand into the West.

Monroe Doctrine: In a State of the Union message, U.S. President James Monroe proclaims American neutrality in future European conflicts, and warns European powers not to interfere in the Americas.

War of the Third Coalition: Battle of Austerlitz: French troops under Napoleon decisively defeat a joint Russo-Austrian force.

At Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Napoleon Bonaparte crowns himself Emperor of the French.

Swedish parliament approves the Swedish Freedom of the Press Act and implements it as a ground law, thus being first in the world with freedom of speech.

Dedication of the Touro Synagogue, in Newport, Rhode Island, the first synagogue in what will become the United States.

St Paul's Cathedral, rebuilt to the design of Sir Christopher Wren following the Great Fire of London, is consecrated.

The University of Leipzig opens.

Pope Innocent IV arrives at Lyon for the First Council of Lyon.