What happened on January 31 in world history? Here are 4 events worth remembering: See them above in our 57-second video, and below for more details!
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The U.S. congress passes the 13th amendment, abolishing slavery in America
The passage of the 13th Amendment was a pivotal moment in American history, marking the official end of slavery.
• The amendment permanently outlawed slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for crime.
• It was passed after the Civil War, in the wake of President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
• The 13th Amendment was a key step in the ongoing struggle for civil rights in America.
Anarchist hero guy Fawkes is hanged
Guy Fawkes, a key figure in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, was executed for his attempt to assassinate King James I.
• Fawkes was part of a group that plotted to blow up the House of Lords and kill the king to restore Catholic rule.
• His capture and execution became a symbol of defiance against authority, especially in British folklore.
• Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night, continues to be celebrated annually in the UK.
Ham the chimpanzee is the first primate in space
Ham the chimpanzee made history as the first great ape to be launched into space, paving the way for human spaceflight.
• Ham’s mission was part of NASA’s Mercury program, testing life-support systems and spaceflight conditions.
• His flight demonstrated that primates could survive space travel, making human missions possible.
• Despite being a chimpanzee, Ham’s bravery and resilience contributed significantly to early space exploration.
The first McDonald’s open in the Soviet Union
In a significant cultural shift, McDonald’s opened its first restaurant in the Soviet Union, attracting massive crowds.
• The opening was symbolic of the changing political landscape as the USSR moved toward more Western-style capitalism.
• The location in Moscow’s Pushkin Square became a popular spot, drawing locals eager to try the American fast-food brand.
• The success of the first McDonald’s paved the way for more establishments in Eastern Europe post-Soviet Union.