Europa
- 1492: Surrender of Granada
The Emirate of Granada, the last Moorish stronghold in Spain, surrendered to the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II and Isabella I. This event marked the end of the Reconquista, concluding nearly eight centuries of Muslim rule on the Iberian Peninsula and paving the way for Spain’s rise as a global empire. - 69 CE: Vitellius Proclaimed Roman Emperor
Roman legions in Germania Superior refused to swear loyalty to Emperor Galba, instead rebelling and proclaiming Vitellius as emperor. This was a pivotal moment during the turbulent Year of the Four Emperors in Roman history. - 366 CE: Alemanni Invade the Roman Empire
The Alemanni, a confederation of Germanic tribes, crossed the frozen Rhine River in large numbers and invaded Roman territory, contributing to the ongoing instability of the late Roman Empire. - 533 CE: Pope John II Elected
Mercurius became Pope John II, notable for being the first pope to adopt a new papal name upon elevation. - 1776: Abolition of Torture in Austria and Bohemia
Empress Maria Theresa of Austria amended the Constitutio Criminalis Theresiana, abolishing torture throughout the Habsburg-ruled countries of Austria and Bohemia. - 1727: Birth of James Wolfe
British General James Wolfe, known for his role in the capture of Quebec during the Seven Years’ War, was born on this day.
America
- 1788: Georgia Ratifies the U.S. Constitution
Georgia became the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, joining the Union and helping to shape the early United States. - 1792: Georgetown University Opens
The first classes began at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., marking the start of what would become the oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher education in the United States. - 1900: “Open Door Policy” Announced
U.S. Secretary of State John Hay announced the “Open Door Policy,” a significant diplomatic initiative aimed at promoting equal trading rights for all nations in China and preserving Chinese territorial integrity. - 1942: Japanese Capture Manila
During World War II, Japanese forces captured Manila, the capital of the Philippines, which was then an American territory, marking a major event in the Pacific theater. - 1960: John F. Kennedy Launches Presidential Campaign
Senator John F. Kennedy of Massachusetts announced his candidacy for the U.S. presidency, a campaign that would ultimately lead to his election as the 35th President. - 1967: Ronald Reagan Sworn in as Governor of California
Ronald Reagan took the oath of office as Governor of California, beginning his political career that would later lead to the U.S. presidency. - 1974: National Speed Limit Signed into Law
President Richard Nixon signed legislation requiring states to limit highway speeds to 55 miles per hour as a measure to conserve gasoline during the OPEC oil embargo.
Asia
- 1942: Japanese Capture of Manila
During World War II, Japanese forces captured Manila, the capital of the Philippines, marking a pivotal moment in the Pacific theater and enabling Japan to control the Philippines. - 1905: Surrender at Port Arthur
In the Russo-Japanese War, the Russian garrison at Port Arthur (now Lüshunkou, China) surrendered to Japanese forces. This event significantly shifted the balance of power in East Asia in favor of Japan. - 1900: Open Door Policy Announced
U.S. Secretary of State John Hay announced the “Open Door Policy” to promote equal trading rights for all nations in China, influencing the region’s diplomatic and economic landscape. - 1975: Assassination in India
Lalit Narayan Mishra, India’s Minister of Railways, was fatally wounded in a bomb blast at Samastipur, Bihar, during the opening of a new railway line. - 1978: Multan Massacre, Pakistan
Paramilitary forces opened fire on peaceful protesting workers at Multan Colony Textile Mills on the orders of President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, resulting in what is known as the Multan massacre. - 1989: Death of Safdar Hashmi, India
Renowned Indian playwright and activist Safdar Hashmi died after being attacked during a street play, an event that galvanized the Indian cultural and political community. - 2023: Japan’s Defense Reforms
Japan began significant reforms to bolster its national defense, including new funding, missile development, and cybersecurity enhancements, reflecting ongoing regional security concerns.
Africa
- 1666: Laying of Cape Town’s Castle of Good Hope Cornerstones
The four cornerstones of the Castle of Good Hope, the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa, were laid on this day. The castle remains a significant historical landmark in Cape Town. - 1837: Voortrekker Leaders Mobilize Against the Ndebele
Voortrekker leaders Andries Hendrik Potgieter and Gerrit Maritz set out for Western Transvaal to retaliate against the Ndebele following the attack at Vechtkop (Vegkop), marking a key moment in the migration and conflicts of South Africa’s early colonial history. - 1896: End of the Jameson Raid
Sir Leander Starr Jameson and about 500 Rhodesian police surrendered to the Boers at Doornkop, near Krugersdorp, after the failure of the Jameson Raid. This event heightened tensions leading up to the Second Anglo-Boer War. - 1913: Mahatma Gandhi Leaves Tolstoy Farm, South Africa
Mahatma Gandhi departed from Tolstoy Farm in Transvaal, South Africa, an important center for his nonviolent resistance campaign against racial discrimination in the country. - 1964: Failed Assassination Attempt on Ghana’s President
There was a failed assassination attempt on President Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, a pivotal figure in African independence movements. - 1968: Second Heart Transplant in South Africa
Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed South Africa’s second heart transplant on Dr. Philip Blaiberg, who survived for one year and seven months with the new heart, marking a milestone in global medical history.
This day in history: 2 january