The Union of Lublin establishes the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, uniting the Kingdom of Poland and Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
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What Happened Today in History on January 4
Explore the historical events that shaped our world on January 4th. 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 Portuguese defeat the Dutch at the Battle of São Jorge da Mina, leading to the recapture of Elmina Castle in West Africa.
The Treaty of Westminster ends England's involvement in the Franco-Dutch War.
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Fire destroys most of the Palace of Whitehall in London. The fire was caused by a maidservant drying linen over a charcoal brazier.
It destroyed most of the royal complex leaving only the Banqueting House standing This event marked the end of Whitehall as the primary royal residence, with subsequent royal residences moving to St. James's Palace and Kensington Palace.
China cedes the Island of Hong Kong to the British as a result of the First Opium War. The treaty was followed in 1898 by a 99-year lease in that allowed Britain to control even more land. The lease ended in 1997.
Richard Wagner's opera "Der fliegende Holländer" premieres in Dresden, Germany.
1853, January 4 - Solomon Northrup, who was born a free person of color in what is now Minerva, New York, legally regains his freedom after being kidnapped, sold into slavery and spending 12 years as a slave. Northrup was a farmer, laborer, and musician. He later wrote about his experiences in "Twelve Years a Slave." More
The first private mental health hospital in the United States, the Asylum for the Relief of Persons Deprived of the Use of Their Reason, opens in Philadelphia.
The Philippines formally becomes a Spanish colony.
The first successful appendectomy is performed by Dr. William Grant in Iowa; saving the life of 22-year-old Mary Gartside. The event was a major turning point in treating appendicitis.
The Independent Labour Party of the UK holds its first meeting.
Dreyfus Affair: French army officer Alfred Dreyfus is stripped of his rank and sentenced to life imprisonment on Devil's Island.
Utah is admitted into the United States becoming the 45th State.
The first American college football bowl game, the Rose Bowl, is held in Pasadena, California.
British India arrests Mohandas Gandhi in Bombay for organizing resistance against British rule.
Burma (Myanmar) formally achieves independence from Britain after the negotiations between Burmese leader Aung San and British Prime Minister Clement Attlee were completed.
Patsy Mink (Patsy Matsu Takemoto) becomes the first Asian-American woman to serve in Congress. She was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for the State of Hawaii. More
President Lyndon B. Johnson unveils his "Great Society" vision in his State of the Union address calling for legislation for major investments in social welfare programs. More
Nancy Pelosi, Congress Woman for the State of California becomes first female Speaker of the House.