20 Interesting Facts About January 18 in History
January 18 is filled with fascinating historical moments, from groundbreaking discoveries to pivotal political events, each leaving a lasting impact on the world.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
January 18 has seen historical events, each one making changes in human history in unique ways. Discoveries of Hawaii by Captain Cook to major events, to the founders of what would eventually become modern-day politics and culture, this day marked many of these turning points. Be it revolutions, innovations, or the way of life that people followed, January 18 continues to mark a significant day around the world.
1. 532 – Nika Uprising in Constantinople
Cplakidas from Wikipedia
The Nika Uprising burst into Constantinople, overthrowing Emperor Justinian I. The uprising was subdued, and more than 30,000 citizens died in the Hippodrome.
2. 1535 – Founding of Lima, Peru
David Benbennick from Wikipedia
Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro established Lima and renamed it the “City of Kings.” Lima later became the Viceroyalty of Peru.
3. 1671 – Henry Morgan Conquers Panama
Image from Wikipedia
Privateer Henry Morgan attacked Panama City, took it, and plundered its riches, significantly affecting Spanish colonial interests.
4. 1778 – Captain Cook Discovers Hawaii
Nathaniel Dance-Holland from Wikipedia
Captain James Cook was the first known European to reach the Hawaiian Islands, which he named the “Sandwich Islands.” This discovery opened the islands to European exploration and eventual colonization.
5. 1788 – First Fleet Arrives at Botany Bay
Image from Wikipedia
The first shipment of the First Fleet, carrying 736 convicts from Great Britain, arrived in Botany Bay. This marked the commencement of European colonization of Australia.
6. 1806 – Dutch Cape Colony Surrenders to Britain
Jan Willem Pieneman from Wikipedia
The governor of Dutch by the name of Jan Willem Janssens surrendered Dutch Cape Colony to the British. There was thus establishment of the rule of the British government that would one day make this colony a constituent province of South Africa.
7. 1866 – Wesley College founded in Melbourne
Image from Wikipedia
Wesley College was founded in Melbourne, Australia. It has since become one of the leading independent schools in the country.
8. 1919 – Paris Peace Conference Opens
Benh LIEU SONG from Wikipedia
The Paris Peace Conference opened with the objective of setting the terms for peace after World War I. This conference led to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.
9. 1943 – Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Begins
Image from Wikipedia
Insurgents in the Warsaw Ghetto rose up against German troops. This was the start of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the largest single uprising by Jews during World War II.
10. 1966 – Robert C. Weaver First African American Cabinet Member
Image from Department of Housing and Urban Development
Robert C. Weaver was sworn in as the first African American cabinet member in U.S. history, becoming President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
11. 1975 – Premiere of “The Jeffersons” on CBS
CBS from Wikipedia
“The Jeffersons” was first aired on the CBS network. It is the longest-running comedy in American television history.
12. 1997 – Børge Ousland Crosses Antarctica Alone
Zero Emission Resource Organisation from Wikipedia
Børge Ousland became the first man ever to cross Antarctica solo and unaided. The Norwegian explorer traversed 1,864 miles (3,000 km) through the continent on foot.
13. 2002 – Civil War in Sierra Leone Ends
Zscout370 from Wikipedia
The Sierra Leone Civil War ended. The war lasted 11 years and resulted in over 50,000 deaths.
14. 1911 – First Aircraft Landing on a Ship
Image from Wikipedia
Eugene Ely was the first person to successfully land an aircraft on a ship, which happened aboard the USS Pennsylvania in San Francisco Bay. This served as a significant mark of naval aviation.
15. 1948 – Gandhi Breaks 121-Hour Fast
Elliott & Fry from Wikipedia
Mahatma Gandhi ended a 121-hour fast after halting Muslim-Hindu riots in India. His fast was a non-violent protest against communal violence.
16. 1968 – Eartha Kitt Speaks Out Against the Vietnam War
Boris Carmi from Wikipedia
Singer and actress Eartha Kitt spoke out against the Vietnam War during a luncheon at the White House. Her outspoken criticism led to her blacklisting in the entertainment industry.
17. 1975 – “Mandy” is Barry Manilow’s First #1 Song
PhilipRomanoPhoto from Wikipedia
The song “Mandy” by Barry Manilow became the leader of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He achieved his very first chart-topper.
18. 2011 – R. Sargent Shriver Passed Away
Rowland Scherman from Wikipedia
R. Sargent Shriver, the first director of the U.S. Peace Corps, died at age 95. He was also the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in 1972.
19. 2018 – Hawaii False Missile Alert
Dbenbenn from Wikipedia
On January 18, 2018, a false missile alert was mistakenly sent to residents of Hawaii, warning of an incoming ballistic missile. The alert caused widespread panic, but the incident was later determined to be a human error.
20. 1871 – The Birth of the German Empire
Image from Wikipedia
On January 18, 1871, Otto von Bismarck officially established the German Empire following the unification of various German states. This unification was achieved after three successful wars orchestrated by Prussia, culminating in the proclamation of the German Empire in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. The establishment of the German Empire marked a significant shift in European power dynamics and set the stage for future geopolitical events.