Monthly Archives: January 2015

U.S. House passes Constitutional Amendment abolishing slavery 150 years ago today (Jan 31 1865)

1860s, American Civil War


Video: 'Ken Burns - The Civil War: Episode 8 - War Is All Hell (1865) | Ken Burns Documentary' (Jan. 31, 1865, 27:19)

(Tuesday, January 31, 1865, late afternoon local time; during the American Civil War) — The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Thirteenth Amendment 119 to 56 (narrowly reaching the required two-thirds majority), abolishing slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. With Congress’s approval (the Senate had passed the amendment on Apr. 8, 1864) and President Abraham Lincoln’s signature (on Feb. 1, 1865). The amendment then went to the states for ratification. Continue reading U.S. House passes Constitutional Amendment abolishing slavery 150 years ago today (Jan 31 1865) →

Saigon renews appeal for U.S. aid 40 years ago today (Jan 31 1975)

1970s, Cold War, Vietnam War


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 11' (Jan. 31, 1975, at 23:57)

(Friday, January 31, 1975; during the Vietnam War, part of the Indochina Wars and Cold War) — 25 days after the fall of Phuoc Binh to North Vietnamese forces, South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu today renewed his appeal for U.S. aid, warning that his government might collapse without it. Continue reading Saigon renews appeal for U.S. aid 40 years ago today (Jan 31 1975) →

President Jackson beats would-be assassin with cane 180 years ago today (Jan 30 1835)

1830s


Video: 'Ultimate Guide to the Presidents- Andrew Jackson Fights Off Assassin'

(Friday, January 30, 1835) — In what is believed to be the first attempt to kill a sitting President of the United States, unemployed house painter Richard Lawrence aimed two pistols at President Andrew Jackson today just outside the Capitol Building in Washington, but both misfired.

Lawrence was apprehended after Jackson beat him severely with his cane. Lawrence was found not guilty by reason of insanity and confined to a mental institution until his death in 1861.

Raid at Cabanatuan liberates 500+ Allied POWs 70 years ago this hour (Jan 30 1945)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'The Great Raid of Cabanatuan, Philippines'

(Tuesday, January 30, 1945, 7:40 p.m. local time; in the Pacific Theatre of World War II) — 552 Allied captives held at the Japanese prison camp in Cabanatuan in the Philippines were liberated today by U.S. Army Rangers, Alamo Scouts and Filipino guerrilla fighters. Continue reading Raid at Cabanatuan liberates 500+ Allied POWs 70 years ago this hour (Jan 30 1945) →

Churchill buried in day of sorrow and regal pageantry 50 years ago this hour (Jan 30 1965)

1960s


Video: 'Winston Churchill's Funeral (30th Jan 1965)'

(Saturday, January 30, 1965, 9:45 a.m. GMT) — Sir Winston Churchill was laid to rest today after the largest state funeral in world history up to that point in time. Britain and the world joined in homage to the man who had marshaled the spirit of freedom for his age. Continue reading Churchill buried in day of sorrow and regal pageantry 50 years ago this hour (Jan 30 1965) →