TODAY IN HISTORY

DECEMBER 25

1066

William the Conqueror was crowned King of England.

1776

George Washington crossed the Delaware River and surprised the Hessians.

1868

President Andrew Johnson granted an unconditional pardon to all persons involved in the Southern rebellion that resulted in the Civil War.

1926

Hirohito became emperor of Japan.

1977

British film actor, director, and producer Charlie Chaplin died in Switzerland at age 88.

1989

Former Romanian president Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife were executed.

1991

President Mikhail Gorbachev resigned following the disintegration of the Soviet Union.

1939
Montgomery Ward introduces Rudolph as the 9th reindeer.