Episodes

  • 1800s - January 20th

    1800s - January 20th
    Dec 31 2024
    1839 – In the Battle of Yungay, Chile defeats an alliance between Peru and Bolivia. 1848 - In Denmark, King Frederick VII announces the introduction of a parliamentary monarchy. 1874 – The Treaty of Pangkor was signed between the British and Sultan Abdullah of Perak, paving the way for further British colonization of Malaya. 1877 – The last day of the Constantinople Conference results in agreement for political reforms in the Balkans. 1885: American LaMarcus Adna Thompson patents the first realized roller coaster. 1887 – The United States Senate allows the Navy to lease Pearl Harbor as a naval base. 1887: Off the Brazilian coast, the British emigrant ship Kapunda collides with the bark Ada Melmore and sinks within five minutes. Of the 313 people on board, 297 lose their lives, including all women and children. 1892: The first basketball game, played according to the rules established by its inventor James Naismith, takes place in Springfield, Massachusetts.
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    1 min
  • 1800s - January 19th

    1800s - January 19th
    Dec 24 2024
    1817 – An army of 5,423 soldiers, led by General José de San Martín, crosses the Andes from Argentina to liberate Chile and then Peru. 1829 – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Faust: The First Part of the Tragedy receives its premiere performance. 1839 – The British East India Company captures Aden. 1853 – Giuseppe Verdi's opera Il trovatore receives its premiere performance in Rome. 1862 – American Civil War: Battle of Mill Springs: The Confederacy suffers its first significant defeat in the conflict. 1879 - Anna Bates gives birth to the heaviest known newborn in Seville, Ohio. Her child weighs 23.4 pounds and measures 2.5 feet in length. Unfortunately, the baby passes away eleven hours later. 1883 – The first electric lighting system employing overhead wires, built by Thomas Edison, begins service at Roselle, New Jersey. 1883 - After a four-month siege, insurgent Mahdists under the Mahdi Muhammad Ahmad capture the Sudanese provincial capital of El Obeid, which was held by Egypt. 1883 - The German passenger steamship Cimbria sinks after a collision near Borkum, resulting in the death of 437 people.
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    2 mins
  • 1800s - January 18th

    1800s - January 18th
    Dec 17 2024
    On January 18th, 1801, a significant event took place as Russian Tsar Paul I declared Georgia as a province of his country. This decision marked a shift in the political landscape of the region, bringing Georgia under Russian control and integrating it into the Russian Empire. The incorporation of Georgia as a province reflected the expanding influence of the Russian Empire in the Caucasus region and had long-lasting implications for the political, social, and cultural development of Georgia. 1806 On January 18th, 1806, a significant event unfolded as Jan Willem Janssens, the Dutch governor, surrendered the Dutch Cape Colony to the British. This surrender marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Cape Colony, leading to British control and subsequent British colonial rule in the region. 1828 On January 18th, 1828, a significant event unfolded as the Kingdoms of Bavaria and Württemberg formed the South German Customs Union. This agreement marked a pivotal step in the economic integration of the southern German states, promoting trade and facilitating the movement of goods within the region. The establishment of the South German Customs Union laid the foundation for greater economic cooperation among the member states, fostering regional development and contributing to the overall economic growth of Germany. 1871 On January 18th, 1871, a significant moment occurred as Wilhelm I of Germany was officially proclaimed Kaiser Wilhelm in the Hall of Mirrors of the Palace of Versailles, marking the culmination of the Franco-Prussian War. Although Wilhelm already held the title of German Emperor since January 1, 1871, as per the constitution, he had initially hesitated to accept the title. This proclamation solidified his position as the leader of a unified Germany and represented a significant turning point in European history. 1886 On January 18th, 1886, a significant milestone in sports history occurred as The Hockey Association was formed in England, marking the birth of modern field hockey. This organization played a crucial role in standardizing the rules and regulations of the game, shaping its development and popularity worldwide. The formation of The Hockey Association laid the foundation for the growth and global recognition of field hockey as a competitive and widely enjoyed sport. 1896 On January 18th, 1896, a groundbreaking moment occurred as H. L. Smith showcased the first-ever exhibition of an X-ray generating machine. This innovative technology marked a significant advancement in the field of medical imaging, revolutionizing the way doctors could visualize the internal structures of the human body. The introduction of X-ray machines would go on to have a profound impact on various fields, enabling more accurate diagnoses and treatments, and laying the foundation for modern radiology.
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    4 mins
  • 1800s - January 17th

    1800s - January 17th
    Dec 10 2024
    On January 17th, 1811, during the Mexican War of Independence, a remarkable event unfolded in the Battle of Calderón Bridge. Despite being heavily outnumbered, a Spanish force consisting of 6,000 troops managed to achieve victory against a staggering 100,000 Mexican revolutionaries. This historic battle stands as a testament to the determination and strategic prowess of the Spanish forces in the face of overwhelming odds. 1852 On January 17th, 1852, the United Kingdom signed the Sand River Convention with the South African Republic, marking a significant diplomatic agreement between the two parties. This convention solidified certain rights and autonomy for the South African Republic, laying the groundwork for future relations and developments in the region. 1873 On January 17th, 1873, in a pivotal moment of the Modoc War, a group of Modoc warriors achieved a significant victory by defeating the United States Army in the First Battle of the Stronghold. This battle showcased the fierce resistance and strategic capabilities of the Modoc people in their struggle for autonomy and sovereignty during a turbulent period in Native American history. 1885 On January 17th, 1885, an impactful event unfolded as a British force achieved a decisive victory by defeating a formidable Dervish army in the Battle of Abu Klea, which took place in the Sudan. This significant military engagement showcased the strength and strategic prowess of the British forces in their efforts to maintain control and influence in the region during a period of colonial expansion and conflicts. 1893 On January 17th, 1893, Lorrin A. Thurston, together with the Citizens' Committee of Public Safety, spearheaded the significant event known as the Overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii, leading to the downfall of the government of Queen Liliʻuokalani. This marked a pivotal moment in the history of Hawaii, with far-reaching consequences for the sovereignty and governance of the islands. 1899 On January 17th, 1899, a significant event occurred as the United States officially took possession of Wake Island, located in the Pacific Ocean. This marked a strategic move by the United States to establish control over the island, which would later play a crucial role as a refueling and communications station, particularly during World War II and subsequent military operations in the Pacific region. 1899 On January 17th, 1899, a notable figure in American criminal history, Al Capone, was born. Capone would go on to become a notorious mob boss, gaining prominence during the Prohibition era and leaving a lasting impact on the organized crime landscape of the United States.
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    4 mins
  • 1800s - January 16th

    1800s - January 16th
    Dec 3 2024
    January 16th of the 19th century 1809 - On January 16th, 1809, amidst the Napoleonic Wars on the Iberian Peninsula, British General John Moore successfully delayed the French forces under General Nicolas Jean-de-Dieu Soult in the Battle of La Coruña long enough to facilitate the evacuation of all troops from the city, tragically losing his own life in the process. 1836 - On January 16th, 1836, Franz II was born, who would later become the King of Sicily and Naples, assuming a significant role in the political landscape of the region during his reign. 1839 - On January 16th, 1839, Great Britain successfully captured the Yemeni city of Aden from the Ottoman Empire. 1862 - On January 16th, 1862, a devastating mining disaster known as the Hartley Colliery disaster claimed the lives of 204 men and boys, leading to a pivotal change in UK legislation. This tragic event prompted the introduction of a new law that mandated all collieries to have a minimum of two independent means of escape, ensuring greater safety for miners in the future. 1864 - On January 16th, 1864, the Austro-Prussian Empire issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Denmark, demanding the repeal of the November Constitution and the evacuation of the Duchy of Schleswig. As Denmark did not respond to the ultimatum, the German-Danish War erupted just a few days later. 1878 - On January 16th, 1878, during the Russo-Turkish War, the Battle of Philippopolis concluded with the liberation of Plovdiv from Ottoman rule by Captain Aleksandr Burago and a squadron of Russian Imperial Army dragoons. 1883 - On January 16th, 1883, Congress passed the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which established the United States Civil Service. This landmark legislation marked a significant step towards professionalizing the government workforce and implementing merit-based hiring practices.
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    3 mins
  • 1800s - January 15th

    1800s - January 15th
    Nov 28 2024
    January 15th of the 19th century 1818 - On January 15, 1818, David Brewster presented a paper to the Royal Society, revealing his discovery of the biaxial class of doubly-refracting crystals, while on the same day, Augustin-Jean Fresnel signed a "supplement" on the reflection of polarized light, submitted four days later. 1825 - On January 15th, 1825, Pope Leo XII appealed to the bishops, requesting donations from the faithful to aid in the reconstruction of the Roman basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, which had been damaged by a devastating fire. 1867 - January 15, 1867 marked a tragic day when an overwhelming calamity struck Regent's Park in London, as the fragile ice layer that blanketed the boating lake succumbed to its weight, leading to a heart-wrenching outcome of forty precious lives lost in the icy depths. 1871 - In 1871, during the Franco-Prussian War, Prussia and its allies emerged victorious in the Battle of the Lisaine near the besieged city of Belfort, defeating a French army led by General Charles Denis Bourbaki. The battle commenced on January 15th, marking a significant turning point in the conflict. 1876 - On January 15, 1876, a momentous occasion unfolded as the inaugural issue of "Die Afrikaanse Patriot," the first-ever newspaper in Afrikaans, was proudly published in the town of Paarl. This groundbreaking event not only marked a significant milestone in the history of Afrikaans but also served as a powerful symbol of cultural identity and linguistic empowerment for the Afrikaans-speaking community. "Die Afrikaanse Patriot" played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative and discourse of the time, fostering a sense of unity and pride among Afrikaans speakers, and laying the groundwork for the growth and recognition of Afrikaans as a major language in South Africa. 1877 - On January 15th, 1877, the Great Powers of Russia and Austria-Hungary reached an agreement in the Budapest Convention to address Balkan issues. As part of the deal, Austria-Hungary was granted temporary occupation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by the Russian Empire to ensure its neutrality in an armed conflict with the Ottoman Empire. Additionally, Austria-Hungary received assurances that no significant Slavic state would be allowed to emerge in the Balkans. 1885 - On January 15th, 1885, the American scientist Wilson Bentley captured the first photograph of a snowflake, marking a groundbreaking achievement in the field of photography and providing a glimpse into the intricate beauty of nature's frozen wonders. 1895 - On January 15th, 1895, following the defeat of the Ethiopian governor of Tigray in the Battle of Senafe, the path was cleared for the Italian invasion of Tigray, which ultimately led to the development of the Italo-Ethiopian War. 1895 - On January 15th, 1895, Arisugawa Taruhito, the 9th head of the Japanese Imperial Household and an officer in the Imperial Japanese Army, passed away. Posthumously, he was honored with the Order of the Chrysanthemum by Emperor Meiji. On January 29th, he was laid to rest with a state funeral in Tokyo. 1896 - On January 15th, 1896, the first car rental company was established in Paris, marking a significant milestone in the transportation industry.
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    4 mins
  • 1800s - January 14th

    1800s - January 14th
    Dec 14 2023
    1814 – Treaty of Kiel: In the Treaty of Kiel, signed on January 14, 1814, Frederick VI of Denmark cedes the Kingdom of Norway to Charles XIII of Sweden. This treaty marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars and the transfer of Norway from Danish to Swedish control. As part of the agreement, Denmark received the territories of Pomerania in return. 1858 – Napoleon III of France narrowly escapes an assassination attempt made by Felice Orsini and his accomplices in Paris. On January 14, 1858, as Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie were on their way to the Paris Opera House, Orsini and his co-conspirators threw three bombs at their carriage. The bombs exploded, causing casualties among the bystanders, but miraculously the imperial couple emerged largely unscathed. This event highlighted the growing political unrest and revolutionary sentiment in France during this period. 1873 - On January 14, 1873, John Hyatt's groundbreaking invention of "Celluloid" in 1869 was officially registered as a trademark, signifying the dawn of a new era in the plastics industry and laying the foundation for the development of numerous revolutionary products that would shape various aspects of modern life. 1878 - On January 14, 1878, Alexander Graham Bell, the renowned inventor, showcased his groundbreaking invention, the telephone, to none other than Britain's esteemed monarch, Queen Victoria, in a momentous demonstration that marked a significant turning point in the history of communication technology, forever altering the way people connect and communicate across vast distances, and paving the way for the rapid advancement of telecommunications that would shape the modern world as we know it today. 1882 - On January 14, 1882, the Myopia Hunt Club, nestled in the picturesque town of Winchester, Massachusetts, achieved a remarkable distinction by becoming the inaugural country club established in the United States, setting a precedent for a new era of exclusive social and recreational institutions that would flourish across the nation. As the first of its kind, the Myopia Hunt Club not only provided an elegant and refined setting for outdoor activities like horseback riding and fox hunting but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among its members, creating a blueprint for the quintessential American country club experience that would shape the landscape of leisure, sport, and elite social gatherings for generations to come. 1887 - On January 14, 1887, the Reichstag was dissolved following the rejection of a government proposal by Otto von Bismarck to increase the army by approximately 10 percent and extend the Army Act for an additional seven years. 1892 - On January 14, 1892, the untimely passing of Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Avondale, sent shockwaves through the British monarchy and society as a whole. As the eldest son of the future King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, Prince Albert Victor's premature death at the young age of 28 marked a tragic end to a life filled with potential and promise. Known for his charm and popularity, his sudden demise sparked widespread grief and speculation, leaving behind a void in the hearts of the British people and altering the course of royal succession, ultimately shaping the future of the monarchy and its subsequent generations. 1896 – On January 14th, the Royal Photographic Society in London showcased the first film ever shown in Britain. The one-minute silent film titled "Rough Sea at Dover" was directed by Birt Acres and depicted the waves and stormy sea off the coast of Dover. This significant event marked the introduction of motion pictures to the British audience and contributed to the development of the film industry in the country. 1897 – Swiss mountaineer Matthias Zurbriggen achieved a remarkable feat on January 14, 1897, by becoming the first person to successfully climb the Aconcagua. Standing at a height of 6,961 meters (22,838 feet), Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Argentine Andes an
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    6 mins
  • 1800s - January 13th

    1800s - January 13th
    Dec 7 2023
    1822 – The design of the Greek flag is adopted by the First National Assembly at Epidaurus: The First National Assembly held in Epidaurus in 1822 made the historic decision to adopt the design of the Greek flag, which featured nine horizontal stripes of blue and white, symbolizing the Greek War of Independence and the aspirations for freedom from the Ottoman Empire. 1833 – United States President Andrew Jackson writes to Vice President-elect Martin Van Buren expressing his opposition to South Carolina's defiance of federal authority in the Nullification Crisis: President Andrew Jackson conveyed his strong disapproval of South Carolina's attempt to nullify federal laws and defy the authority of the federal government, emphasizing the importance of upholding the Union and preserving the power of the federal government in his correspondence with Vice President-elect Martin Van Buren. 1840 – The steamship Lexington burns and sinks four miles off the coast of Long Island with the loss of 139 lives: The steamship Lexington, a popular passenger ship, tragically caught fire and sank near Long Island, resulting in the loss of 139 lives and highlighting the dangers associated with early steamship travel. 1847 – The Treaty of Cahuenga ends the Mexican–American War in California: The Treaty of Cahuenga, signed in 1847, brought an end to hostilities in California during the Mexican–American War, solidifying American control over the region and establishing a foundation for the eventual incorporation of California into the United States. 1888 – The National Geographic Society is founded in Washington, D.C.: A group of esteemed scientists, explorers, and educators gathered in Washington, D.C. in 1888 to establish the National Geographic Society, an organization dedicated to the promotion of geographical knowledge, scientific exploration, and cultural understanding. 1849 – Establishment of the Colony of Vancouver Island: The Colony of Vancouver Island was established in 1849, laying the groundwork for the development of the region and its eventual role as part of modern-day British Columbia, Canada. 1893 – The Independent Labour Party of the United Kingdom holds its first meeting: The Independent Labour Party of the United Kingdom, advocating for the rights and interests of the working class, held its inaugural meeting in 1893, marking a significant milestone in the history of the British labor movement. 1893 – U.S. Marines land in Honolulu, Hawaii from the USS Boston to prevent the queen from abrogating the Bayonet Constitution: In an effort to protect American interests and prevent the abrogation of the Bayonet Constitution, U.S. Marines were deployed to Honolulu, Hawaii in 1893, landing from the USS Boston and intervening in the political affairs of the Hawaiian Kingdom. 1895 – First Italo-Ethiopian War: The war's opening battle, the Battle of Coatit, occurs; it is an Italian victory: The First Italo-Ethiopian War began with the Battle of Coatit in 1895, which resulted in an Italian victory and marked the beginning of a larger conflict between Italy and Ethiopia over territorial control and sovereignty. 1898 – Émile Zola's J'accuse...! exposes the Dreyfus affair: Émile Zola's influential open letter, titled J'accuse...!, published in 1898, shed light on the wrongful conviction of Captain Alfred Dreyfus, a French Jewish officer, and sparked a major controversy and public debate surrounding anti-Semitism and the French justice system.
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    4 mins