What happened on December 24?

What happened on December 24? - What happened on December 24?

December 24th has seen many notable events across history, from political milestones to cultural moments. This date marks everything from the founding of controversial groups to the birth of influential figures in sports and music.

On December 24, 1865, the Ku Klux Klan was founded in Pulaski, Tennessee. The group would later become infamous for its violent opposition to civil rights.

Exactly 60 years later, in 1925, Austrian composer Alban Berg passed away. His contributions to classical music, particularly his twelve-tone technique, left a lasting impact. The date also saw the birth of several prominent German figures. Hans Eichel, later a key politician, was born in 1941. Decades later, speed skater Erhard Keller arrived in 1944, followed by football coach Marcus Sorg in 1965 and shot putter Christina Schwanitz in 1985. In 1924, the first Winnie-the-Pooh story appeared in the *London Evening News*, introducing a character who would become a global icon. Meanwhile, in 1985, Frank Schöbel’s *Christmas in the Family* became East Germany’s best-selling record. More recently, the EU and UK reached a trade deal on December 24, 2020, avoiding a no-deal Brexit. The agreement included new fishing rights in British waters. A year later, on the same date in 2024, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, launching a Holy Year where believers could seek plenary indulgence. Looking ahead, Boris Rhein is set to become Minister-President of Hesse on December 24, 2025, following Hans Eichel’s death.

December 24th remains a date of contrasts—marking both historical controversies and cultural celebrations. From political shifts to artistic achievements, its events continue to shape society in lasting ways.