January 1

What happened on January 1 in history

4 events fall on January 1, from 1502 to 1959. Read them below, then try to place a historical scene yourself — guess where in the world it happened and in what year.

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Events on January 1

  1. 1502

    Portuguese sailors reach Guanabara Bay

    Mistaking the bay for a river mouth, the fleet names the place Rio de Janeiro — river of January.

    Play the Medieval & Renaissance round

  2. 1801

    The Act of Union takes effect

    Great Britain and Ireland become a single kingdom, and a new union flag is flown.

    Play the 19th century round

  3. 1863

    The Emancipation Proclamation comes into force

    Lincoln's order declares enslaved people in the rebelling Confederate states to be free.

    Play the 19th century round

  4. 1959

    Batista flees Cuba

    The dictator leaves Havana before dawn as rebel columns advance, ending the Cuban Revolution's armed phase.

    Play the 20th century round