Pope Clement VI issued a papal bull on January 26, 1347, that confirmed the privileges for the establishment of a university in Prague. This act was a crucial step in the founding of what would later become Charles University.
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What Happened Today in History on January 26
Explore the historical events that shaped our world on January 26th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
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The island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic is named after Saint Helena by the English East India Company.
The Iroquois League signs the Treaty of Lachine, ending hostilities with the New France government.
The Treaty of Ryswick ends the Nine Years' War (War of the Grand Alliance) between France and the Grand Alliance.
The Great Northern War sees Swedish forces defeat a Russian army at the Battle of Poltava.
The First Fleet, led by Captain Arthur Phillip, arrives at Port Jackson, Australia, establishing the first European settlement; the British colony of New South Wales. The settlement was a penal colony, consisting of about 850 convicts and their Marine guards and officers. The early years were increasingly difficult ones as the colony struggled to establish and be able to feed. By 1792, the first signs of stability were appearing but Governor Phillip, weakened by illness and the deprivations of those years, returned to England, leaving the colony in the hands of military Lieutenant-Governors. January 26 is now celebrated nationally as "Australia Day". Many Aboriginal Australians refer to it as "Invasion Day." More
The First Fleet entering Port Jackson, January 26, 1788, drawn in 1888 by E. Le Bihan
The Rum Rebellion in Australia sees Governor William Bligh deposed by the New South Wales Corps.
Peru defeats Spain in the Battle of Ayacucho, effectively securing South American independence.
The Kingdom of Poland adopts a constitution, granting limited freedoms.
Michigan becomes the 26th state of the United States.
The Battle of the Sacramento River takes place during the Mexican-American War.
The world's first motor race at 300 km/h is won by Malcolm Campbell in a Sunbeam at Pendine Sands, Wales.
India declares itself a Sovereign, Democratic and Republic state with the adoption of the Constitution. Although India had become a free nation on August 15, 1947 (independence day), it officially became a republic on 26 January 1950, (Republic Day) when the Constitution was adopted. Republic Day and Independence Day are national holidays.
The Republic of India's first election commences, making Jawaharlal Nehru the country's first Prime Minister.
The Phantom of the Opera, a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, opens in London's West End.
A U.S. helicopter crashes in Iraq, killing 31 people, including 13 Americans.
Western Union discontinues its Telegram and Commercial Messaging services.
Basketball legend Kobe Bryant dies in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
GameStop stocks surge due to a Reddit-driven trading frenzy by small investors, challenging Wall Street hedge funds.
The UK surpasses 100,000 COVID-19 deaths, becoming the first European country to reach this grim milestone.