Europa
- 1349 – Massacre of Basel Jews:
Approximately 600 Jews were burned alive in Basel, Switzerland, as part of anti-Semitic violence during the Black Death. The Jewish community was falsely accused of poisoning wells, leading to their mass execution and expulsion from the city. This event is a stark example of how fear and misinformation during times of crisis led to horrific acts of persecution in medieval Europe. - 1431 – Trial of Joan of Arc Begins:
The trial of Joan of Arc, a pivotal figure in the Hundred Years’ War, began in Rouen, France. Captured by the Burgundians and handed over to pro-English clergy, Joan’s politically motivated trial would eventually lead to her execution for heresy. Her story remains a symbol of faith, politics, and national identity in European history. - 1768 – Creation of the Modern Circus:
Philip Astley, an Englishman, staged the first modern circus performance in London. Astley’s innovation laid the foundation for modern circus entertainment, and his influence quickly spread across Europe, including performances before French royalty and the establishment of permanent circuses in many European cities. - 1905 – Bloody Sunday in Russia (O.S. 9 January):
On this day (according to the Old Style calendar then used in Russia), peaceful demonstrators led by Father Georgy Gapon marched to the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg to present a petition to Tsar Nicholas II. Imperial troops opened fire, killing and wounding hundreds. The massacre triggered widespread outrage and strikes, marking the beginning of the 1905 Russian Revolution and setting the stage for further upheaval in Russia and across Europe. - 681: The Twelfth Council of Toledo convened in Spain, implementing anti-Jewish measures under King Erwig, reflecting the religious and political dynamics of medieval Spain.
- 1760: The Battle of Wandiwash in India, where European colonial powers clashed, affecting European interests abroad.
- 1799: Britain introduced income tax to fund the Napoleonic Wars, impacting European economic history.
America
- 1861 – Mississippi Secedes from the Union
Mississippi became the second state to secede from the United States, a pivotal moment leading up to the American Civil War. On the same day, the Star of the West, a Union supply ship, was fired upon by Confederate forces as it attempted to reach Fort Sumter, marking one of the war’s earliest hostilities. - 1788 – Connecticut Ratifies the U.S. Constitution
Connecticut became the fifth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, further solidifying the foundation of the United States government. - 1900 – American League Officially Organized
The American League, which would become a major part of Major League Baseball, was formally organized, bringing together teams from several U.S. cities and significantly shaping professional baseball. - 1913 – Birth of Richard Nixon
Richard Milhous Nixon, who would become the 37th President of the United States, was born in Yorba Linda, California. - 1914 – First Public Defender’s Office in the U.S.
Los Angeles County opened the nation’s first public defender’s office, a significant step in the development of the American legal system. - 1945 – Battle of Luzon Begins
During World War II, American forces landed at Lingayen Gulf in the Philippines, launching the Battle of Luzon, which was a major Allied victory over Japanese forces. - 2007 – Introduction of the iPhone
Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone at the Macworld conference in San Francisco, revolutionizing mobile technology and communication worldwide.
Asia
- 1127 – Jin–Song Wars: Sack of Bianjing (Kaifeng), China
Jurchen soldiers from the Jin dynasty besieged and sacked Bianjing (modern-day Kaifeng), the capital of the Northern Song dynasty in China. Emperor Qinzong and other members of the royal family were abducted, effectively ending the Northern Song dynasty and marking a major shift in Chinese history. - 1760 – Battle of Barari Ghat (India)
Ahmad Shah Durrani, the founder of modern Afghanistan, defeated the Maratha forces at the Battle of Barari Ghat near Delhi. This was a pivotal moment in the decline of Maratha power and the shifting balance of power in northern India. - 1953 – South Korean Ferry Disaster
A South Korean passenger ferry sank off the coast of Pusan (now Busan), resulting in the loss of 349 lives, one of the deadliest maritime disasters in Korean history.
Africa
- 2005 – Comprehensive Peace Agreement Signed in Sudan
On this day, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed in Sudan, effectively ending the Second Sudanese Civil War. This landmark accord granted autonomy to Southern Sudan and set the stage for the region’s eventual independence as South Sudan in 2011. The CPA is celebrated as a critical step toward peace after decades of conflict, and January 9 is recognized as Comprehensive Peace Agreement Day in South Sudan.
This day in history: 9 january