Major Events of December 1925: Key Historical Moments from the Month
Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from December 1925 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of December 1925: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 01 Dec 1925 Locarno Treaty Signed in London: The Locarno Treaties were formally signed in London, establishing crucial post-World War I territorial settlements and aiming to stabilize diplomatic relations in Europe. These treaties represented a significant diplomatic effort to prevent future conflicts and normalize international relations after the devastation of World War I.
- 02 Dec 1925 Bolivian Presidential Election: On December 2, 1925, Bolivia held a new general election after the previous May 2nd election results were officially annulled. In this election, Hernando Siles Reyes was successfully elected as President, signaling a significant moment in Bolivia's democratic process during the early 20th century.
- 03 Dec 1925 Kim Dae-jung: South Korean President and Nobel Laureate: Kim Dae-jung, a prominent South Korean political figure who served as the 8th President and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts towards democracy and reconciliation with North Korea.
- 04 Dec 1925 Armenian Orphan Rug Gifted to President Coolidge: On December 4, 1925, a remarkable and poignant diplomatic gesture occurred when the Armenian Orphan Rug was formally presented to U.S. President Calvin Coolidge. This intricately woven textile symbolized deep gratitude for American humanitarian efforts during and after the devastating Armenian Genocide. The rug, created by Armenian orphans who survived the tragic ethnic cleansing, represented resilience, hope, and international compassion. It was crafted as a testament to the support provided by the American people through relief organizations like Near East Relief, which saved thousands of Armenian children from certain death.
- 05 Dec 1925 Medina Surrenders to Ibn Saud: The city of Medina peacefully capitulated to the forces of Ibn Saud, a pivotal moment in the unification of the Arabian Peninsula and the eventual formation of Saudi Arabia.
- 06 Dec 1925 Jaghbub Accord between Italy, Britain, and Egypt: A diplomatic agreement signed between Italy, Britain, and Egypt that redefined territorial boundaries, transferring the Jaghbub region to Italian control. This accord represented a significant moment in colonial-era geopolitical negotiations, reshaping territorial control in North Africa.
- 07 Dec 1925 Biltmore Theater Inaugurates in Manhattan: The historic Biltmore Theater officially opened its doors at 261 West 47th Street in New York City, marking a significant moment in the city's theatrical landscape. Located in the heart of the Theater District, this venue would become an important cultural landmark for Broadway and off-Broadway productions.
- 08 Dec 1925 Calvin Coolidge's Third State of the Union Address: U.S. President Calvin Coolidge delivered his third State of the Union address to Congress, emphasizing continuity and gradual progress in national governance. He argued that the country was on the right track and did not require radical policy changes, but instead needed careful refinement of existing approaches. Coolidge's speech reflected the conservative economic and political philosophy of the 'Roaring Twenties', characterized by pro-business sentiment and a belief in incremental governmental improvement.
- 09 Dec 1925 Red Grange and Chicago Bears Triumph in New York: Professional football gained significant popularity in New York City as the Chicago Bears, led by legendary player Red Grange, defeated the New York Giants in front of an impressive crowd of 73,000 spectators.
- 10 Dec 1925 George Bernard Shaw Receives Nobel Prize in Literature: George Bernard Shaw, the renowned Irish playwright, critic, and political activist, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature on December 10, 1925. Known for his sharp wit, social commentary, and groundbreaking plays like 'Pygmalion', Shaw was recognized for his significant contributions to dramatic literature and his ability to challenge societal norms through his writing. His works often critiqued social inequalities and explored complex human relationships, making him a pivotal figure in early 20th-century literature.
- 11 Dec 1925 Pope Pius XI's Encyclical Quas Primas: Pope Pius XI published the important papal encyclical Quas Primas, which established the Feast of Christ the King in the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar. This document emphasized Christ's spiritual kingship and sought to address the growing secularization of society in the early 20th century.
- 12 Dec 1925 Reza Shah Pahlavi Rises to Power: Reza Chan, a Cossack officer and former premier, becomes the Shah of Persia (Iran), marking a significant political transition and the beginning of the Pahlavi dynasty.
- 14 Dec 1925 Secret Anglo-Italian Pact on Ethiopian Influence: Italy's Fascist government entered into a confidential diplomatic agreement with Britain, strategically positioning itself to reinforce its potential dominance and colonial interests in Ethiopia. This secret pact reflected the complex geopolitical maneuverings of European powers in Africa during the interwar period.
- 15 Dec 1925 Reza Shah Establishes Pahlavi Dynasty: Reza Shah took the oath to become the first shah of Persia (Iran) of the Pahlavi dynasty, marking a significant turning point in Iranian political history and setting the stage for major modernization efforts.
- 16 Dec 1925 Italianization Tensions in South Tyrol: The Italianization of South Tyrol escalated into a diplomatic dispute between Italy and Germany when a newspaper run by Gustav Stresemann published an editorial protesting an Italian decree that banned Christmas trees, symbolizing cultural suppression.
- 17 Dec 1925 End of Siege of Jeddah: The Siege of Jeddah concluded with a victory for Ibn Saud, a pivotal moment in the unification of Saudi Arabia and the establishment of the modern Saudi state.
- 18 Dec 1925 14th Congress of the All-Union Communist Party: The 14th Congress of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks) convened in Moscow, marking a significant moment in Soviet political history. This congress was crucial in shaping the Communist Party's strategic direction during the early years of the Soviet Union, likely discussing leadership, economic policies, and party organization.
- 19 Dec 1925 Abdication of Ali of Hejaz: On December 19, 1925, Ali ibn Hussein, the Sharif of Mecca and King of Hejaz, abdicated his throne. This event was significant in the context of the shifting political landscape of the Arabian Peninsula during the early 20th century, as the region was experiencing major transformations in governance and territorial control.
- 21 Dec 1925 Battleship Potemkin Film Premiere: Sergei Eisenstein's groundbreaking silent film 'Battleship Potemkin' made its historic debut in Moscow on December 21, 1925. The film, renowned for its revolutionary montage techniques and powerful political narrative, would go on to become a landmark work in cinema history, dramatically influencing future filmmakers and storytelling techniques.
- 22 Dec 1925 First Asteroid Discovered by Photography: On December 22, 1925, astronomers made a groundbreaking achievement in astronomical research by discovering Asteroid 323 Brucia using photographic techniques. This marked a significant technological advancement in astronomical observation, moving beyond traditional visual methods of celestial object detection. The asteroid was named after Catherine Wolfe Bruce, a prominent patron of astronomical research, highlighting the collaborative nature of scientific discovery.
- 23 Dec 1925 Ibn Saud Conquers Jeddah: Sultan Ibn Saud of Nejd successfully captured the city of Jeddah, a significant milestone in his campaign to unify the Arabian Peninsula under Saudi control. This conquest was a crucial step in establishing the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- 24 Dec 1925 Pope Pius XI Concludes Holy Year at St. Peter's Basilica: On December 24, 1925, Pope Pius XI officially closed the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica, marking the conclusion of the Jubilee Year. This ceremonial act symbolizes the end of a special period of spiritual renewal and pilgrimage in the Catholic Church, traditionally held every 25 years. The closing of the Holy Door is a significant liturgical tradition representing the passage from sin to grace, and the faithful's opportunity for spiritual reconciliation.
- 25 Dec 1925 Formation of IG Farben Chemical Conglomerate: On December 25, 1925, IG Farben was established through the strategic merger of six prominent German chemical companies. This consolidation created one of the most powerful industrial enterprises in Europe, which would later play a significant role in Germany's industrial and wartime economic landscape.
- 26 Dec 1925 Bauhaus Moves to Dessau: The influential Bauhaus design school relocated to a new building in Dessau, designed by Walter Gropius, which would become an iconic symbol of modernist architecture and design philosophy.
- 27 Dec 1925 Birth of Michel Piccoli: Michel Piccoli, a renowned French actor, singer, director, and producer, was born in Paris, France. Throughout his illustrious career spanning over six decades, Piccoli became one of the most versatile and respected figures in European cinema, collaborating with legendary directors like Luis Buñuel, Jean-Luc Godard, and Claude Sautet.
- 28 Dec 1925 Romanian Royal Succession Crisis: Crown Prince Carol of Romania renounced his right to the throne due to a scandalous personal affair, creating significant political upheaval in the Romanian royal family and potentially impacting the country's political stability.
- 29 Dec 1925 Major Floods Devastate Central European Regions: In late December 1925, a severe flooding event struck Central Europe, with Hungary and Romania experiencing significant water damage. The city of Cluj-Napoca and surrounding areas were particularly hard-hit, causing widespread disruption to local communities and infrastructure. These floods highlighted the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events and the need for improved water management and flood prevention strategies.
- 30 Dec 1925 Release of Ben-Hur Film: The historical epic film Ben-Hur, directed by Fred Niblo and starring Ramon Novarro, was released in the United States. This silent film adaptation of Lew Wallace's novel was a significant cinematic event of the 1920s, known for its groundbreaking production scale and dramatic storytelling.
- 31 Dec 1925 14th Congress of Communist Party of Soviet Union: The 14th Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) convened to discuss and implement strategies for accelerating industrial development in the Soviet Union, marking a significant moment in the country's economic planning and industrialization efforts.