The start of the Second Crusade, as European forces begin their journey to the Holy Land.
View Historical Events by Day:
On This Day in History: December 24
Explore the historical events that shaped our world on December 24th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
Note: Sources for the historical content shown, include research and reviews of relevant Online History Resources or printed material. When possible, we show a link to a source which provides additional or unique perspective about the event.
We do our best to provide accurate information but would appreciate being notified if any incorrect information is found. You may do so by using our Feedback link.
Kublai Khan issues a decree that allows Marco Polo to become an emissary of the Mongol Empire.
Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama passes away in India during his second voyage to the East.
The Treaty of Ghent is signed, on December 24 1814, officially ending the "War of 1812" between the United States and the United Kingdom. More
An accidental fire in the Library of Congress on Christmas Eve destroys approximately 35,000 volumes, including nearly two-thirds of Jefferson's library.
During the war of 1812, British troops set fire to government buildings in Washington, D.C. The Library’s 3,000 or so reference books, then housed in an unfinished U.S. Capitol, provided ready fuel for the fire. In 1815, after the war of 1812, Congress had purchased the 6,487-volume personal library of former U.S. President Thomas Jefferson to replace the lost collection. Most of which were lost in the 1825 fire.
The KKK is founded in Pulaski, Tennessee, More
Thomas Edison filed for a patent for the phonograph on December 24, 1877 and the patent was issued on February 19, 1878. The original phonograph was invented and patented by French Inventor, Edouard-Leon Scott in 1857. He called his device the phonautograph. His invention made a recording of sound waves on a glass plate, but it was not able to play back the sounds. More
Idris becomes King of newly independent Libya on December 24, 1951. He ruled over Libya until September 1, when he was removed from power by a military coup led by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. Libya.
The monarchy was abolished, and the country was renamed the Libyan Arab Republic. Gaddafi remained in control of Libya until October 20, 2011 when he was also deposed in a violent coup inspired by the Arab Spring protests.
The Soviet Union invades Afghanistan, beginning the Soviet-Afghan War. More
The United Kingdom and the European Union reach a post-Brexit trade deal, averting a no-deal scenario.