January 16: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

North Korea officially abandoned all reunification plans with South Korea.

The two nations have been split since the two split over ideological differences, and North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950. The decision was made by Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, who deemed the joining of the nations no longer possible.

The trial phase of former US President Donald Trump’s first impeachment began.

The attempt to impeach Donald Trump was based on two articles: the abuse of power and the obstruction of Congress. On February 5, 2020, Trump was acquitted of both charges after the senate voted in his favor.

Astronaut Scott Kelly Tweeted a photo of the first flower ever grown in space.

The plant was grown in NASA's "Veggie plant growth system," using LED lights.

The Columbia space shuttle took off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for its final time.

Its final mission, STS-107, was to conduct several important international science experiments in space. But, unfortunately, during re-entry on February 1, the Columbia space shuttle broke up during flight, killing all seven crew members.

The natural history series “Life on Earth,” presented by David Attenborough, aired on BBC One in the UK for the first time.

American author Peter Benchley published his novel “Jaws.”

The filming of the first James Bond movie, “Dr. No,” began.

The movie was based on the 1958 novel of the same name.

The first council meeting of the League of Nations was held in Paris.

Alcohol became illegal in most states of America.

American's were worried about the adverse effects that alcohol consumption brings. The 18th Amendment to the US Constitution made it illegal to manufacture, sell or transport alcohol.

During the Peninsular War, the British defeated the French at the Battle of La Coruña.

French King Louis XVI was sentenced to death during the French Revolution.

King Louis XVI was executed five days later during the French Revolution after being convicted of conspiracy. Nine months later, his wife met the same fate.

Miguel de Cervantes published his novel Don Quixote.

Known as the "Modern Novel," Don Quixote was an immediate success. Within a decade, the book was translated and re-published across Europe.

At just 16 years old, Ivan IV the Terrible crowned himself the first Tsar (emperor) of Russia.

Christopher Columbus left the New World to sail to Spain.

Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian became the first Roman Emperor.

On this day, he was given the title "Augustus" by the Roman Senate; thus, the Roman Empire was born.