Europa
- 41 CE: Claudius affirmed as Roman Emperor
After the assassination of Caligula, Claudius was declared emperor by the Praetorian Guard. His reign marked major expansions of the Roman Empire, including the conquest of Britain. - 1327: Accession of King Edward III of England
Edward III became king, beginning a 50-year reign that transformed England into a formidable military power and saw important developments in government, especially the evolution of Parliament. - 1533: Secret marriage of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
King Henry VIII of England secretly married Anne Boleyn, defying the Pope. This act was pivotal in triggering the English Reformation and the establishment of the Church of England. - 1858: Royal marriage strengthens European ties
Victoria, Princess Royal of the United Kingdom, married Prince Frederick of Prussia. This union symbolized the strengthening of alliances between Britain and Prussia, influencing European diplomacy and royal lineage. - 1915: First transcontinental telephone call
Alexander Graham Bell made the first transcontinental telephone call, connecting New York to San Francisco. While this was a U.S. event, it showcased the era’s technological advancements that would soon impact Europe as well. - 1916: Montenegro surrenders to Austria-Hungary
During World War I, Montenegro officially surrendered to Austria-Hungary, marking a significant moment in the Balkan campaign. - 1918: Finnish Defence Forces established
The Finnish Defence Forces (White Guards) were established as the official army of independent Finland, with Baron C. G. E. Mannerheim appointed as Commander-in-Chief. This was a crucial step in Finland’s path to independence. - 1924: First Winter Olympics open in Chamonix, France
The inaugural Winter Olympic Games began in Chamonix, marking a major milestone in international sports and European unity through athletic competition. - 1932: Alt Llobregat insurrection in Central Catalonia, Spain
An uprising in Central Catalonia was suppressed, reflecting the period’s political unrest in Spain. - 2014: Burns’ Day Storm in north-western Europe
One of the strongest storms on record struck north-western Europe, causing significant disruption and damage.
America
- 1787 – Shays’ Rebellion: The largest confrontation of Shays’ Rebellion took place outside the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts, where federal troops broke up a protest by debt-ridden farmers, resulting in four deaths and twenty wounded. This uprising was a key event leading to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
- 1863 – Civil War Leadership Change: President Abraham Lincoln accepted the resignation of Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside as commander of the Army of the Potomac and replaced him with Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker.
- 1890 – Nellie Bly’s Journey: Journalist Nellie Bly (Elizabeth Cochrane) completed her famous round-the-world trip in 72 days, 6 hours, and 11 minutes, setting a new record and becoming a media sensation.
- 1890 – United Mine Workers Founded: The United Mine Workers of America was established in Columbus, Ohio, marking a significant development in American labor history.
- 1915 – First Transcontinental Telephone Call: Alexander Graham Bell, in New York, made the first official transcontinental telephone call to his former assistant Thomas Watson in San Francisco, demonstrating a major advance in American telecommunications.
- 1945 – Water Fluoridation: Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first U.S. city to add fluoride to its public water supply, a public health milestone aimed at reducing tooth decay.
- 1961 – First Live Presidential News Conference: President John F. Kennedy delivered the first live televised presidential news conference from Washington, D.C., setting a precedent for future presidential communications.
- 1971 – Manson Convictions: Charles Manson and three female followers were convicted in Los Angeles for the 1969 murders of actress Sharon Tate and others, a case that gripped the nation.
- 1981 – Iran Hostages Return: Fifty-two Americans who had been held hostage in Iran for 444 days arrived back in the United States, ending a major international crisis.
Asia
- 1957 – Diplomatic Visit by Zhou Enlai: Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai visited Nepal, meeting King Mahendra and Prime Minister Acharya. The two nations issued a joint communique emphasizing the importance of Asian unity for world peace and reaffirming their commitment to national independence, despite differing political systems.
- 1885 – Sino-French War, Battle of Núi Bop: French forces under General Oscar de Négrier defeated a larger Qing Chinese force in northern Vietnam, marking a pivotal moment in the conflict over influence in Southeast Asia.
- 2011 – Violence in Pakistan: At least 10 people were killed near a Shia Muslim procession in Lahore, and two others died in an attack in Karachi, reflecting ongoing sectarian tensions and violence in Pakistan.
- 2015 – India–U.S. Relations: U.S. President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made progress on defense and nuclear trade cooperation, strengthening strategic ties between the two countries.
- 1980 – Iran’s First Presidential Election: Abolhassan Banisadr was elected as the first president of Iran following the 1979 revolution, marking a major shift in the country’s political landscape.
- 1979 – Infrastructure in Japan: The Oshimizu railroad tunnel in central Honshu, Japan, was completed, representing a significant engineering achievement.
Africa
- 2011 – Egyptian Revolution Begins:
January 25 is most notably the anniversary of the start of the Egyptian Revolution against President Hosni Mubarak’s regime. This day, originally celebrated as Police Day in Egypt, became a symbol of protest and the wider Arab Spring, inspiring mass demonstrations and ultimately leading to Mubarak’s resignation. - 2011 – Yemeni National Dialogue Concludes:
In Yemen, January 25 marks the conclusion of the National Dialogue Conference, a major step in the country’s post-Arab Spring political transition. The conference brought together representatives from across the political spectrum to chart a new federal structure for Yemen. - 2014 – Tunisian Constitution Approved:
January 25 is also significant in Tunisia, where the draft of the new constitution was approved, marking a milestone in the country’s democratic transition following the Arab Spring. - 2025 – M23 Offensive in DRC:
On January 25, 2025, fighting intensified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo between government forces and M23 rebels, resulting in the deaths of 13 UN peacekeepers (nine from South Africa, three from Malawi, and one from Uruguay). This marked a major escalation in the ongoing Kivu conflict. - 2025 – Sudanese Civil War, Siege of El Fasher:
At least 70 people were killed in a drone attack on the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher, Sudan, one of the last functioning hospitals in the city, as violence continued during the Sudanese civil war. - 2025 – Nigeria Gasoline Tanker Explosion:
In Enugu State, Nigeria, a gasoline tank truck explosion killed 18 people and injured 10 more, highlighting ongoing safety and infrastructure challenges. - 1905 – Cullinan Diamond Discovered:
The world’s largest diamond, the Cullinan, was found near Pretoria, South Africa, on January 25, 1905—a landmark event in the history of mining and gemstones. - 1971 – Idi Amin’s Coup in Uganda:
On January 25, 1971, General Idi Amin led a military coup that overthrew Ugandan President Milton Obote, dramatically altering the country’s political trajectory. - 41 CE – Claudius Becomes Roman Emperor:
Claudius I, who extended Roman rule in North Africa, was affirmed as Roman emperor, impacting the region’s ancient history.
This day in history: 25 january