1. January 15, 1559 – Elizabeth I crowned Queen of England
On January 15, 1559, Elizabeth I was crowned Queen of England at Westminster Abbey. Her accession to the throne marked the beginning of the Elizabethan Era, which is often considered a golden age in English history. Elizabeth inherited a kingdom divided by religious conflict, but she managed to establish the Elizabethan Religious Settlement, which created a moderate form of Protestantism. Her reign saw the flourishing of English drama, led by playwrights such as William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe. Additionally, Elizabeth’s leadership helped England emerge as a major world power by the end of the 16th century.
2. January 15, 1929 – Martin Luther King Jr. born
Martin Luther King Jr., the influential American civil rights leader, was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. He would go on to become the most prominent figure in the American civil rights movement. King advocated for nonviolent resistance and played a key role in ending legal segregation in the United States. He is best known for his “I Have a Dream” speech delivered during the 1963 March on Washington. King’s efforts helped lead to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
3. January 15, 1919 – The Great Molasses Flood in Boston
On January 15, 1919, a large molasses storage tank burst in Boston’s North End, releasing a wave of molasses that rushed through the streets. This disaster, known as the Great Molasses Flood, caused extensive damage and resulted in the deaths of 21 people. The thick molasses was so sticky that it trapped victims and slowed rescue efforts. The flood also damaged buildings and infrastructure in the area. The event remains a strange and tragic occurrence in Boston’s history and led to stricter regulations on industrial storage.
4. January 15, 1943 – Soviet forces begin the encirclement in the Battle of Stalingrad
During World War II, on January 15, 1943, Soviet forces launched an offensive that contributed to the encirclement of the German 6th Army in Stalingrad. This battle was one of the deadliest and most significant conflicts of the war. The Soviet victory at Stalingrad marked a turning point on the Eastern Front, halting the German advance into the Soviet Union. The encirclement trapped tens of thousands of German troops, leading to their eventual surrender. The battle demonstrated the resilience and strategic capability of the Soviet forces.
5. January 15, 1973 – The Paris Peace Accords signed
On January 15, 1973, the Paris Peace Accords were signed, officially ending direct U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War. The agreement was signed by the United States, North Vietnam, South Vietnam, and the Viet Cong. It included provisions for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of American troops. Despite the accords, fighting between North and South Vietnam continued until the fall of Saigon in 1975. The peace agreement was a major moment in Cold War history and U.S. foreign policy.
6. January 15, 1967 – The first Super Bowl is played
The first-ever Super Bowl was played on January 15, 1967, between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. This game marked the beginning of what would become the most popular annual sporting event in the United States. The Green Bay Packers won the game 35-10. The Super Bowl has since grown into a cultural phenomenon, featuring elaborate halftime shows and commercials. It also symbolizes the merger between the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL).
7. January 15, 2001 – Wikipedia is launched
Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, was launched on January 15, 2001, by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger. It has since become one of the largest and most popular reference websites globally. Wikipedia’s model allows users to collaboratively edit and create content, which has revolutionized access to information. The platform supports multiple languages and covers a vast range of topics. Wikipedia’s open-edit policy has also sparked discussions about reliability and the role of crowd-sourced knowledge.
8. January 15, 1910 – Robert Falcon Scott reaches the South Pole
British explorer Robert Falcon Scott reached the South Pole on January 15, 1912 (note: some records indicate the reach date as January 17, but the expedition’s South Pole arrival was around mid-January). His team had set out to be the first to reach this remote point in Antarctica. Unfortunately, they arrived shortly after Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, who had beaten them by about a month. Scott’s return journey was tragic; he and his party perished due to extreme weather and starvation. Scott’s expedition remains a poignant story of exploration and endurance.
9. January 15, 1834 – The French Foreign Legion is established
On January 15, 1834, the French Foreign Legion was officially created by King Louis-Philippe. The Legion was formed to allow foreign nationals to serve in the French Army, often used in colonial conflicts. It quickly developed a reputation for toughness and discipline. The Legion has been involved in major conflicts around the world, including both World Wars, and continues to operate today. Its unique composition and esprit de corps make it one of the most famous military units globally.
10. January 15, 1917 – The United States purchases the Danish West Indies
On January 15, 1917, the United States completed the purchase of the Danish West Indies from Denmark, renaming them the U.S. Virgin Islands. This acquisition was part of a strategic move during World War I to enhance American presence in the Caribbean. The islands provided a valuable naval base and helped the U.S. control access to the Panama Canal. The transfer was ratified by the U.S. Senate and officially took effect on March 31, 1917. Today, the U.S. Virgin Islands remain an unincorporated territory of the United States.