Daily Archives: January 31, 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) →