Osun Defender History Corner: January 1 In Focus

Today, on the history corner, we take a trip in the realm of flashback and recall some events that marked this day.

January 1, 45 BC

The Julian calendar takes effect as the Roman calendar reform is instituted by Julius Caesar.

January 1, 1502

Portuguese explorers, led by Gaspar Corte-Real, reach what is now Newfoundland, Canada.

January 1, 1772

The first traveler’s cheques are issued by London banker, Henry Thornton.

January 1, 1801

The legislative union of Great Britain and Ireland is completed, forming the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

January 1, 1863

The Emancipation Proclamation, issued by Abraham Lincoln, comes into effect, declaring all slaves in Confederate territory to be free.

January 1, 1892

Ellis Island in New York Harbor opens as a U.S. immigration depot.

January 1, 1912

The Republic of China is established, with Sun Yat-sen as the provisional president.

January 1, 1942

The Declaration by United Nations is signed by 26 Allied nations during World War II, affirming their commitment to the principles outlined in the Atlantic Charter.

January 1, 1959

Fidel Castro leads the overthrow of Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista, establishing a communist government in Cuba.

January 1, 1984

The Brunei Dollar is officially introduced in Brunei.

January 1, 1985

The Internet’s Domain Name System is created.

January 1, 1993

Czechoslovakia peacefully divides into two separate countries, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

January 1, 1994

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) comes into effect.

January 1, 2002

The Euro becomes the official currency for 12 of the European Union countries.

January 1, 2004

In the largest expansion in the history of the European Union, ten countries join the EU.

January 1, 2007

Bulgaria and Romania join the European Union.

January 1, 2010

The tallest man-made structure at that time, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, officially opens.

January 1, 2014

Latvia adopts the Euro as its official currency.

January 1, 2020

The World Health Organization is alerted to several cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, China, leading to the discovery of the COVID-19 pandemic.

January 1, 2021

The United Kingdom formally leaves the European Union as the Brexit transition period concludes.

Please note that these are just a few historical events that happened on January 1. History is full of numerous other significant events on this day, ranging from politics and warfare to cultural and scientific milestones.