January 3

What happened on January 3 in history

4 events fall on January 3, from 1521 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 3

  1. 1521

    Martin Luther is excommunicated

    The bull Decet Romanum Pontificem cuts Luther from the Church, hardening the Reformation split.

    Play the Medieval & Renaissance round

  2. 1777

    Washington wins at Princeton

    A night march around the British flank delivers the second victory of a ten-day turnaround.

    Play the Exploration & revolution round

  3. 1958

    The West Indies Federation is founded

    Ten British Caribbean territories join a federation that lasts barely four years.

    Play the 20th century round

  4. 1959

    Alaska becomes the 49th US state

    The purchase of 1867 finally enters the union, nearly a century after the Russian sale.

    Play the 20th century round