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Union Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman advances into South Carolina during American Civil War 160 years ago today (Feb 1 1865)

1860s, American Civil War


Video: 'Ken.Burns.The.Civil.War.8of9.War.Is.All.Hell' (Carolinas Campaign begins at 21:14)

(Wednesday, February 1, 1865; during the American Civil War) — After about two weeks of preliminary movements and extensive preparations, Union Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman today actively began his march into South Carolina from Savannah, Georgia, and Beaufort, South Carolina.

Saigon renews appeal for U.S. aid 50 years ago today (Jan 31 1975)

1970s, Cold War, Vietnam War


Video: 'Vietnam a Television History Episode 11' (Jan. 31, 1975, at 23:17)

(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.

U.S. House passes Constitutional Amendment abolishing slavery 160 years ago today (Jan 31 1865)

1860s, American Civil War


Video: 'Ken.Burns.The.Civil.War.8of9.War.Is.All.Hell' (Jan. 31, 1864, at 27:18)

(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 160 years ago today (Jan 31 1865) →

Lee named general-in-chief of the Confederate States Army 160 years ago today (Jan 31 1865)

1860s, American Civil War


Video: 'Robert E Lee named Commander in Chief of Confederate Armies during US Civil War'

(Tuesday, January 31, 1865; during the American Civil War) — Gen. Robert E. Lee was named general-in-chief of the Confederate States Army today by President Jefferson Davis.

First U.S. soldier since Civil War executed for desertion 80 years ago this hour (Jan 31 1945)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'The HORRIFIC Execution Of Eddie Slovik - The American Shot For Desertion In WW2'

(Wednesday, January 31, 1945, 10:04 a.m. local time; during World War II) — Pvt. Eddie Slovik, 24, today became the first U.S. soldier since the Civil War to be executed for desertion as he was shot by an American firing squad in France near the village of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines.

Hitler marks 12th anniversary in power with final public speech 80 years ago this hour (Jan 30 1945)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'Hitler last speech January 30 1945'

(Tuesday, January 30, 1945, recorded earlier for broadcast at 10:00 p.m. Central European Time; during World War II) — Adolf Hitler marked the 12th anniversary of his appointment as Germany’s chancellor with his last public speech in which he called on Germans to keep resisting until victory.

President Jackson beats would-be assassin with cane 190 years ago this hour (Jan 30 1835)

1830s


Video: '30th January 1835: Andrew Jackson survives the first assassination attempt of a sitting US President'

(Friday, January 30, 1835, approximately 1:30 p.m. local time) — In what is believed to be the first serious 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. Continue reading President Jackson beats would-be assassin with cane 190 years ago this hour (Jan 30 1835) →