The League of Nations officially comes into existence holding its first council meeting in Paris. On November 15, 1920, 41 members states, representing more than 70% of the world’s population, gathered in Geneva for the opening of the first session of the Assembly. More
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What Happened in January?
Tragic deaths, ravaged cities, and great acts of heroism. Discover what happened this month in history and the defining moments that shaped the world. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
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The Paris Peace Conference concludes, officially ending World War I and establishes the League of Nations. The Conference began on January 18, 1919.
The Irish War of Independence begins as Irish guerrillas attack and burn down the Custom House in Dublin.
Arthur Griffith is elected President of Dáil Éireann (Irish Republic).
U.S. President Harding issues an executive order halting U.S. occupation of the Rhine allowing the return of the final contingent of American troops to return home, more than four years after the end of World War I.
Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin dies, leading to a power struggle in the Soviet Union.
The world's first motor race at 300 km/h is won by Malcolm Campbell in a Sunbeam at Pendine Sands, Wales.
The first demonstration of television by John Logie Baird takes place in London.
The first transatlantic telephone service is established between New York and London.
The Soviet Union orders the exile of Leon Trotsky.
The Soviet Union announces the collectivization of agriculture, leading to significant upheaval in rural areas.
British India arrests Mohandas Gandhi in Bombay for organizing resistance against British rule.
The Second Italo-Ethiopian War begins as Italy invades Ethiopia.
Hattie Ophelia Wyatt Caraway becomes first woman elected to U.S. Senate when she defeated two male opponents in a special race in Arkansas. More
Franklin D. Roosevelt institutes the Reconstruction Finance Corporation to aid the struggling U.S. economy during the Great Depression.
The Golden Gate Bridge construction starts. Joseph B. Strauss led the way as Chief Engineer of the Golden Gate Bridge and he is is also credited as being the leading force behind seeing the Golden Gate Bridge become a reality. The bridge was completed on May May 28, 1937. More
Adolf Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany. More
The United States formally devalues the dollar against gold for the first time in history.
Amelia Earhart becomes the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to California. More
The first all-glass windowless building, the Owens-Illinois Glass Company, is completed in Toledo, Ohio.