by Juan Rosero-Narvaez

As winter settles in and the new year begins, January is a month often filled with resolutions, fresh starts, and hope. Beyond the chilly temperatures and the start of a new calendar year, January is also a month rich in historical events that have helped shape the world we know today. From groundbreaking scientific achievements to political milestones, January has seen its fair share of pivotal moments. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most significant events that took place in January throughout history.

January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation is placed into act, freeing all slaves in the US.

January 1, 1912. The Republic of China was officially established, which overthrew the Qing Dynasty that ruled for more than 250 years.

January 2, 1968. The Civil Rights Act was signed into law in the United States, ending segregation and discrimination based on race, color, and ethnicity throughout the country.

January 4, 1958. The first artificial satellite is sent into space. Launched by the Soviet Union, this event marked the beginning of the Cold War space race between the United States and the Soviet Union.

January 8, 1918. Towards the end of WW1, US President Wilson proposed his Fourteen Points, aimed at preventing future conflicts.

January 16, 1991. The launch of the Gulf War. This war was a result of Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990.