December 25, 1665France establishes the French East Indies Trade Company in India to compete with England. The move sparks war between the two countries in the struggle to rule India.

December 26, 1979The Soviet Unions Red Army attacks Afghanistan. However, unable to bear the huge cost of the war, Moscow withdraws its occupying forces in 1989.

December 27, 1945The International Monetary Fund and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Devel