This day in history: 26 december

Europa

• Treaty of Pressburg (1805)
  On December 26, 1805, the Treaty of Pressburg was signed between Austria and France. This treaty followed Napoleon’s victory at the Battle of Austerlitz and resulted in significant territorial losses for Austria, marking a pivotal moment in the Napoleonic Wars.
• Saint Stephen’s Day
  December 26 is widely celebrated across Europe as Saint Stephen’s Day, honoring the first Christian martyr. It is a public holiday in countries such as Austria, Ireland, Germany, and Switzerland, among others.
• Boxing Day
  In the United Kingdom and several Commonwealth countries, December 26 is known as Boxing Day, a tradition stemming from the practice of giving alms to the poor on St. Stephen’s Day.

America

Battle of Trenton (1776)

• On December 26, 1776, General George Washington led the Continental Army in a surprise attack against Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey. This decisive victory boosted American morale during the Revolutionary War and is considered a turning point in the conflict.

Dakota War Mass Execution (1862)

• The largest mass execution in U.S. history took place in Mankato, Minnesota, where 38 Dakota men were hanged following the Dakota War of 1862.

Battle of Chickasaw Bayou Begins (1862)

• The opening engagement of the Vicksburg Campaign during the Civil War began as Union forces under General William T. Sherman landed near Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Babe Ruth Sold to Yankees (1919)

• The Boston Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees, a move that led to the “Curse of the Bambino” superstition in baseball lore.

First Kwanzaa Celebrated (1966)

• The first Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration of African-American culture and heritage, began in the United States.

Notable Deaths

• 1972: Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States, died.
• 2006: Gerald Ford, 38th President of the United States, died.

Other Notable Events

• 1620: Pilgrims landed at New Plymouth, Massachusetts, establishing Plymouth Colony.
• 1865: The coffee percolator was patented by James H. Mason.
• 1941: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day in the U.S..
• 1982: TIME magazine named the personal computer as “Man of the Year”.

Asia

2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami

• On December 26, 2004, a 9.1–9.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, triggering a massive tsunami with waves up to 30 meters (100 feet) high. The disaster killed an estimated 227,898 to 230,000 people across 14 countries, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and others, making it the deadliest natural disaster of the 21st century and one of the worst in recorded history. The tsunami devastated coastal communities, displaced hundreds of thousands, and prompted a global humanitarian response.

Africa

Day of Goodwill (South Africa)

• December 26 is celebrated as the Day of Goodwill in South Africa. Formerly known as Boxing Day, the holiday was renamed in 1994 after the end of apartheid to promote unity, generosity, and community spirit, moving away from colonial associations. South Africans use this day to spend time with family, relax, and perform acts of charity, such as donating items and volunteering.

Kwanzaa and African Heritage

• Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration of African heritage and culture, begins on December 26. While it originated in the United States, Kwanzaa draws inspiration from African “first fruits” festivals, such as the Zulu Umkhosi Wokweshwama, and is recognized by people of African descent worldwide.