This day in history: 26 january

1340: King Edward III of England was proclaimed King of France, a key moment in the long-running conflict between the two kingdoms, later known as the Hundred Years’ War.
1531: A devastating earthquake struck Lisbon, Portugal, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people.
1564: The Council of Trent issued its final conclusions, which helped define the distinctions between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism during the Reformation.
1564: The Grand Duchy of Lithuania defeated the Tsardom of Russia at the Battle of Ula during the Livonian War, influencing the power dynamics in Eastern Europe.
1918: In the context of World War I, two German submarines (SM U-84 and SM UB-35) were sunk by Allied forces, and the first judo club in Europe, Budokwai, was opened in London.
1924: Saint Petersburg was renamed Leningrad, marking a major symbolic change in Soviet Russia.
1934: The German–Polish declaration of non-aggression was signed, a diplomatic effort to ease tensions before World War II.
1939: During the Spanish Civil War, Nationalist troops led by Francisco Franco, aided by Italy, captured Barcelona, a decisive victory for Franco’s forces.
1942: The first United States forces arrived in Europe during World War II, landing in Northern Ireland, marking the beginning of direct American military involvement on the continent.

1837: Michigan was admitted as the 26th U.S. state, expanding the Union and shaping the nation’s Midwest.
1861: Louisiana seceded from the Union, becoming the sixth state to do so, a key event leading up to the American Civil War.
1863: General Ambrose Burnside was relieved of command of the Army of the Potomac after setbacks in the Civil War, marking a significant leadership change for Union forces.
1911: Glenn Curtiss achieved the first successful hydroaeroplane flight in San Diego, California, advancing aviation technology.
1915: Rocky Mountain National Park was established by an act of Congress, becoming a major site for conservation and recreation.
1934: The legendary Apollo Theater reopened in Harlem, New York City, which would become a cornerstone of African American culture and entertainment.
2005: Condoleezza Rice was sworn in as U.S. Secretary of State, becoming the first African American woman to hold the post.
1784: Benjamin Franklin wrote to his daughter expressing his disapproval of the bald eagle as the national symbol, preferring the turkey instead.
1979: The TV show “The Dukes of Hazzard” premiered in the United States.
2020: Kobe Bryant, basketball legend, died in a helicopter crash in California.

1841 – Foundation of Hong Kong as a British Colony: On this day, Britain formally colonized Hong Kong after signing the Chuenpi Convention with the Qing government, marking the start of Hong Kong as a free port. This event is commemorated as Hong Kong Foundation Day, though it is not an official public holiday. The day is recognized for opening Hong Kong to international commerce, which was previously restricted under the Qing dynasty’s Canton System.
1950 – India Becomes a Republic: The Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950, making India a republic. This day is celebrated annually as Republic Day, with grand parades and cultural events across the country, especially in New Delhi.
1930 – Indian National Congress Declares Independence Day: On January 26, 1930, the Indian National Congress declared this date as Independence Day (Poorna Swaraj), demanding complete independence from British rule. Seventeen years later, India achieved independence.
2001 – Gujarat Earthquake: A devastating earthquake struck the Indian state of Gujarat on January 26, 2001, resulting in approximately 20,000 deaths and over 160,000 injuries.

1885 – The Fall of Khartoum: Mahdist forces captured the city of Khartoum (in present-day Sudan) after a nine-month siege, resulting in the death of Governor-General Charles George Gordon and the massacre of most of the British garrison and inhabitants. This was a pivotal event in the Mahdist War, shaping the future of Sudan and British colonial involvement in the region.
1905 – Discovery of the Cullinan Diamond: The world’s largest diamond, the Cullinan Diamond, was found at the Premier Mine near Pretoria, South Africa. Weighing 3,106.75 carats, it remains the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered and is a symbol of South Africa’s mineral wealth.