In History, Today on December 24

A tsunami triggered by an undersea landslide caused by the eruption of Anak Krakatoa struck the Sunda Strait in Indonesia, resulting in over 400 deaths and widespread destruction.

Sony Pictures released 'The Interview' online after initially canceling its release due to threats from hackers. The film's release followed a cyberattack attributed to North Korea.

A suicide bombing in the city of Mansoura, Egypt, targeted a police headquarters, killing at least 16 people and injuring over 100. The attack was later claimed by the militant group Ansar Beit al-Maqdis.

A Russian-built Soyuz spacecraft successfully delivered a three-member crew to the International Space Station, continuing international cooperation in space exploration.

The United Nations Security Council voted to lift sanctions on Iraq, which had been in place since the Gulf War, as a recognition of the country's progress in rebuilding and stabilizing.

The Lord's Resistance Army, a rebel group in Uganda, launched a series of attacks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians over the Christmas period.

A powerful earthquake struck near the Macquarie Islands in the Southern Ocean, registering a magnitude of 8.1, but it did not generate a significant tsunami.

The United States announced the capture of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, who had been hiding in a hole near his hometown of Tikrit.

The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, marking the beginning of a decade-long conflict. This invasion led to widespread international condemnation and was a significant event in the Cold War era.

Apollo 8, the first manned mission to orbit the Moon, transmitted a live television broadcast from lunar orbit. The crew read from the Book of Genesis and showed images of the Earth and Moon, marking a significant moment in space exploration.

Libya gained independence from Italy, becoming the United Kingdom of Libya under King Idris. This marked the first time Libya was united as a single independent country.

Hong Kong surrendered to Japan during World War II after 18 days of fierce fighting.

The Christmas Truce occurred during World War I, when soldiers on the Western Front unofficially ceased hostilities to celebrate Christmas. This truce involved soldiers from both sides exchanging greetings and gifts, and even playing football together.

The Ku Klux Klan was founded in Pulaski, Tennessee, by a group of Confederate veterans. The organization became known for its violent actions against African Americans and other minority groups during the Reconstruction era and beyond.

The Treaty of Ghent was signed, ending the War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom. The treaty restored relations between the two nations to status quo ante bellum, meaning no territorial gains were made by either side.

Kiritimati, also known as Christmas Island, was discovered by Captain James Cook. It is the largest coral atoll in the world and was named for the day of its discovery.

Pope Boniface VIII succeeded Pope Celestine V, who had abdicated earlier in the month. Boniface VIII's papacy was marked by significant conflicts with secular rulers, particularly King Philip IV of France.