800
Politics
Charlemagne Crowned Emperor
Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne Emperor of the Romans at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome on Christmas Day. The coronation established the concept of a revived Western Roman Empire.
On This Day in History
1776
War & Conflict
Washington Crosses the Delaware
General George Washington led 2,400 troops across the icy Delaware River on Christmas night for a surprise attack on Hessian forces at Trenton. The daring victory revived the American Revolution.
1066
Politics
William the Conqueror Crowned
William of Normandy was crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day, formalizing the Norman Conquest. The ceremony established traditions of coronation that continue today.
1991
Politics
Gorbachev Resigns
Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev resigned and the Soviet flag was lowered over the Kremlin for the last time. The dissolution of the Soviet Union ended the Cold War and the communist superpower.
1642
Science
Isaac Newton Born
The scientist who would formulate the laws of motion and universal gravitation was born in Woolsthorpe, England. Newton's work in physics, mathematics, and optics transformed human understanding of the natural world.
1914
War & Conflict
Christmas Truce Continues
The informal Christmas truce along the Western Front continued, with soldiers from both sides meeting in No Man's Land. The moment of humanity amid industrial warfare was never repeated on such a scale.
1758
Science
Halley's Comet Returns
Halley's Comet was observed on its predicted return, confirming Edmund Halley's calculation and Newton's theory of gravity. It was the first time a comet's return had been successfully predicted.