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Explore the historical events that shaped our world on December 26th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
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Pope Leo III was elected on December 26, 795 and he was consecrated the following day. His predecessor was Pope Adrian I, who died on December 25, 795.
This rapid succession was likely a move by the Romans to quickly select a new leader and prevent potential interference in the papal election from Frankish King, Charlemagne.
Boxing Day, also known as St Stephen's Day. or Offering Day, is celebrated on December 26th in the UK and Commonwealth nations. It originated as a day for the wealthy to give "Christmas boxes" with gifts, money, or leftovers to servants and the poor after they worked on Christmas day, as thanks for year-round service and also give a day off and for churches to distribute alms.
Now, it's a popular holiday known for huge post-Christmas sales, major sporting events (soccer, horse racing), and relaxing family time with Christmas leftovers, evolving from a charitable tradition to a mix of shopping, sports, and rest.
King Charles I and the Scots reached a secret agreement in December 26, 1647, known as the Engagement, where by the Scots promised to support his restoration in exchange for him accepting Presbyterianism in Scotland and imposing it in England for three years.
This pact led to the Second English Civil War in 1648. However, the Scottish army under the Earl of Hamilton was defeated by Oliver Cromwell at the Battle of Preston. The loss ultimately contributed to Charles I's execution on January 30, 1649 by beheading, after being found guilty of treason.
The Constitutional Act (or Canada Act) dividing Canada into Upper Canada and Lower Canada takes effect on December 26, 1791. The British Parliament had passed the Act in June 1791.
The Act divided the existing Province of Quebec into two separate colonies: Upper Canada (now Ontario) and Lower Canada (now Quebec) to accommodate United Empire Loyalists and French-speaking inhabitants.
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President Wilson issues a declaration that he had nationalized the railroad system under the Federal Possession and Control Act.
Wilson appointed his son-in-law, Treasury Secretary William McAdoo, as administrator for the United States Railroad Administration. After the end of WWI in the railroads became private property once again on March 2020.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs into law a bill establishing the fourth Thursday in November as the Federal Thanksgiving Day holiday ending the confusion that had taken place since 1939 when FDR had changed the official Thanksgiving to the second to last Thursday of the month.
Since there were five Thursdays and the last Thursday of the month was the last day of the month and there was a worry that it would shorten the Christmas shopping season. Only 32 states had issued similar proclamations while 16 states refused to accept the change creating confusion. More
The modern, popular Frisbee was patented by Ed Headrick for the Wham-O company in 1967, adding stabilizing ridges that made it a true sport toy. The design built on Fred Morrison's earlier design which had been also sold to Wham-O in 1957.
Headrick's design went on to become a huge success and the standard for all flying discs, enabling the growth of disc sports. He also founded the International Frisbee Association and invented disc golf. and the foundation for disc sports like Ultimate Frisbee.
The Sumatra-Andaman 9.3 Earthquake, strikes in the India Ocean off the coast of Sumatra. The massive under-sea quake triggered a Tsunami with waves up to 100 Feet (30 meters) affecting 14 countries, resulting in an estimated 230,000 fatalities and billions in material losses.
Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka experienced the highest death tolls, with the city of Banda Aceh in Indonesia being particularly hard-hit. It was the largest earthquake ever recorded in Asia and one of the largest worldwide and the tsunami, the deadliest tsunami in history. More
