This is a list of 10 interesting things which happened at Christmastime, during history. History has had many fascinating and important events surrounding the Yuletide season. Let us start with number one - William the Conqueror. 1. William the Conqueror On Christmas Day in 1066, William the Conqueror was crowned King of England. William the Conqueror was crowned at Wesminster Abbey. He became king after he invaded England, and defeated King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings. On the 14th of October, 1066. William is not only known for 1066, but also for his architecture. It was William the Conqueror who gave us many castles and famous landmarks - such as the Tower of London. 2. Christmas is cancelled Oliver Cromwell brought a period of uncertainty to the British Isles when he was military leader. That uncertainty also existed during the festive season. Christmas time during Cromwell's leadership wasn't a very pleasant one. He is associated with banning Christmas . Markets and shops were forced to stay open on Christmas Day. People were prevented from going to Christmas Day mass. And, those who were found with Christmas food, were forced to had it over to authorities. Oliver Cromwell to this day remains a controversial figure. 3. World War I Christmas truce On Christmas Day in 1914, it is believed that a truce came into force between the two opposing sides. It was reported that peace existed for that day, during one of the bloodiest battles in human history. Soldiers left their trenches and went into no man's land. Accounts of them; exchanging gifts, playing football and carol singing have all been reported. By the start of World War I, it was assumed that the war would be over before Christmas. This wasn't to be. Those on the battlefield became aware of this. And therefore, looked for truces. 4. George Washington George Washington and his troops set sail across the Delaware River, on Christmas Day, 1776. The river was icy, so it was a risk. But, a risk which paid off for Washington. It paid off due to his opponents guard being down. Since it was the Christmas season, the attack was surprising. A risk it may have been, but clever. He attacked German soilders known as Hessains. This happened at the end of the Revolutionary War. But, it was a pivotal moment in US history, and world history. For it paved the way towards what we know today as - the United States of America. 5. Soviet Union invades Afghanistan The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan on the 24th of December, 1979. A total of 30,000 troops were sent into Afghanistan. The conflict lasted for nine years. From December 1979 until February 1989. And was known as the Soviet-Afghan war. The war was one of the bloodiest in modern history. It is estimated that as many as 2 million people were killed. It was also a failure for the USSR forces. The Soviet-Afghan war was one of the most important turning points in modern history. It was responsible for weaking the USSR. Which eventually collapsed in 1991, just two years after the war ended. And arguably influential in today's wars in the Middle East.
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