Shimla, Dec. 25

2006
American singer and songwriter James Brown, known as “the Godfather of Soul,” died at the age of 73.Test your knowledge of music
1991
Mikhail Gorbachev resigned the presidency of the Soviet Union, which ceased to exist at the end of the year.How much do you know about Russian history?
1977
Charlie Chaplin, the British comedic actor and director who is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in motion-picture history, died in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland.Take our quiz about movies
1962
The film adaptation of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird premiered and became a classic, especially noted for Gregory Peck’s portrayal of Atticus Finch.Test your knowledge of To Kill a Mockingbird
1821
Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, was born in Oxford, Massachusetts.Take our quiz about the United States
1776
During the American Revolution, General George Washington crossed the Delaware River and surprised the British at Trenton, New Jersey.Read our timeline of the American Revolution
1066
William I was crowned king of England, formally completing the Norman Conquest.How much do you know about the kings of England?
800
Charlemagne, king of the Franks, became the first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.