Also on this day: The first known commemoration of Christmas on Dec. 25 takes place in Rome. William the Conqueror is crowned King of England.
Gen. George Washington leads his troops across the Delaware River in this painting by Emmanuel G. Leutze, Dec. 1776, during the Revolutionary War. (AP Photo) Hirohito becomes emperor of Japan, succeeding his father, Emperor Yoshihito.
New York’s Metropolitan Opera broadcasts an entire live opera over radio for the first time -- "Hansel and Gretel" by Engelbert Humperdinck.
Pope John XXIII formally announces the upcoming convocation of the Second Vatican Council, which would open in Oct. 1962. Romanian President Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife, Elena, are executed following a popular uprising.Former.
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