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Explore the fascinating stories behind January 20th in this episode of Old News Daily with host Michael Thomas. From political milestones to territorial disputes and groundbreaking achievements, today’s episode covers a wide range of historical events.
Featured Stories:
- Inauguration Day: Learn how the 20th Amendment moved presidential inaugurations to January 20th and discover notable firsts, including JFK’s inauguration as the youngest and first Catholic president, and Barack Obama’s as the first African American president.
- Hong Kong Island Occupied: In 1841, British forces took control of Hong Kong Island during the First Opium War, marking the start of a colonial era that lasted over 150 years.
Additional Stories:
- 1567: Portuguese forces expel the French from Rio de Janeiro, solidifying their control over Brazil.
- 1649: England’s High Court of Justice begins the trial of King Charles I, leading to his execution and the abolition of the monarchy.
- 1783: Great Britain and France sign the Articles of Peace, setting the stage for the end of the American Revolution.
- 1887: The U.S. Senate allows the Navy to lease Pearl Harbor, establishing a key strategic foothold in the Pacific.
- 1972: Pakistan launches its nuclear weapons program in the wake of the Bangladesh Liberation War.
- 1991: Sudan imposes Islamic law nationwide, worsening its civil war.
Notable Birthdays:
- Richard Henry Lee (1732): Virginia statesman who introduced the resolution for American independence.
- Aristotle Onassis (1906): Greek shipping magnate and cultural icon.
- Buzz Aldrin (1930): Apollo 11 astronaut and the second man to walk on the moon.
Join us as we reflect on these pivotal moments in history and celebrate the individuals who shaped our world.