January 22

When Napoleon's forces invaded Portugal in late 1807, Prince Regent John VI of Portugal and his court embarked on a historic transatlantic flight. On January 22, 1808, they landed in Rio de Janeiro, making the city the seat of the Portuguese Empire. This relocation elevated Brazil from colony to the heart of imperial governance, triggering major economic and administrative reforms. The royal presence stimulated local industry, opened Brazilian ports to foreign trade, and transformed Rio de Janeiro into a bustling capital. The move laid the groundwork for Brazil's eventual independence in 1822. It also altered Portugal's political landscape, as the kingdom remained under French occupation. Historians see this episode as a turning point in the histories of both nations. The royal court's exile left a lasting cultural and institutional legacy in Brazil.

On January 22, 1890, delegates from several regional miners' unions convened in Columbus, Ohio to form the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA). Under the leadership of John McBride and with the support of organizers like Mary "Mother" Jones, the UMWA campaigned for better pay, shorter hours, and improved mine safety. The union rapidly grew in membership, becoming a powerful force in American labor relations and industrial negotiations. In the following decades, the UMWA led landmark strikes that secured advancements in workers' compensation, child labor laws, and safety regulations. Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and later the AFL-CIO, the union continued to advocate for miners' rights through the 20th century. The UMWA's founding marked a pivotal moment in the history of the American labor movement.

On January 22, 1970, Pan American Airways launches the first commercial flight of the Boeing 747, ushering in the era of wide-body jets. The jumbo jet departs New York's JFK Airport bound for London Heathrow on a high-profile maiden voyage. With seating for over 350 passengers, the 747 dramatically lowers per-seat costs and expands international travel. Its distinctive double-deck hump becomes an icon of modern aviation. Airlines around the world soon place orders, transforming passenger and cargo transport globally. The success of the 747 cements Boeing's reputation as a leader in aerospace innovation.