661day.year
The Rashidun Caliphate is effectively ended with the assassination of Ali, the last caliph.
Ali, the last Rashidun caliph, is assassinated, marking the end of the Rashidun Caliphate.
On January 26, 661, Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth Rashidun caliph and a prominent figure in early Islam, was assassinated in the Great Mosque of Kufa. His death effectively brought the Rashidun Caliphate to an end, paving the way for the establishment of the Umayyad Caliphate. Ali's rule had been marked by internal division and conflict, including the First Fitna civil war. His assassination by the Kharijite Ibn Muljam became a pivotal moment in Islamic history. The transition ushered in new dynastic rule under Muawiya I, reshaping the political landscape of the Middle East. Ali is revered in Shia Islam as the first Imam, and his legacy continues to influence Muslim theology and sectarian identity today.
661
Rashidun Caliphate
assassination of Ali
1564day.year
The Council of Trent establishes an official distinction between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism.
The Council of Trent formally defines doctrinal differences between Roman Catholicism and emerging Protestant movements.
On January 26, 1564, the Council of Trent issued decrees clarifying key theological and liturgical positions of the Roman Catholic Church in response to Protestant Reformation challenges. The pronouncements outlined distinctions on topics such as the authority of Scripture versus Church tradition, the nature of the Eucharist, and the role of justification in salvation. By codifying these doctrines, the Council sought to counter Protestant critiques and unify Catholic teaching across Europe. The decisions also initiated reforms in clerical discipline and the administration of sacraments. This milestone deepened the divide between Catholic and Protestant communities, shaping the religious landscape for centuries. The Council’s legacy endures in modern Catholic theology and its ongoing ecumenical dialogues.
1564
Council of Trent
Roman Catholicism
Protestantism
1699day.year
For the first time, the Ottoman Empire permanently cedes territory to the Christian powers.
Under the Treaty of Karlowitz on January 26, 1699, the Ottoman Empire permanently cedes key territories to Christian European powers for the first time.
On January 26, 1699, the Treaty of Karlowitz was signed, marking the Ottoman Empire’s first major territorial concessions to the Holy League of Christian powers. After their defeat at the Battle of Zenta, Ottomans relinquished Hungary, Transylvania, and parts of Croatia and Slovenia. The treaty signified a shift in European balance of power, ending Ottoman dominance in Central Europe. It also laid groundwork for the Austro-Ottoman frontier that would persist for centuries. The agreement included provisions for trade rights and religious protections for Christian subjects within Ottoman lands. This event is regarded as a turning point in Ottoman-European relations, initiating gradual imperial contraction.
1699
Ottoman Empire
cedes territory
1808day.year
The Rum Rebellion is the only successful (albeit short-lived) armed takeover of the government in New South Wales.
Colonial officers overthrow Governor William Bligh in the Rum Rebellion, the only successful armed takeover of government in New South Wales.
On January 26, 1808, the New South Wales Corps and local settlers marched on Government House and arrested Governor William Bligh, deposing him in what became known as the Rum Rebellion. The uprising was fueled by disputes over the governor’s attempts to regulate the colony’s rum trade and curtail military privileges. Bligh had clashed with powerful merchants and the Corps over land grants and import duties. Although the deposed governor was reinstated in 1810, the rebellion exposed governance issues in the young colony. It remains a unique incident in Australian history, showcasing tensions between civil authority and military influence. The event influenced subsequent colonial administration reforms.
1808
Rum Rebellion
1837day.year
Michigan is admitted as the 26th U.S. state.
Michigan joins the Union as the 26th state, expanding the United States’ western frontier.
On January 26, 1837, Michigan was officially admitted to the United States as the nation’s 26th state. The admission followed the resolution of the Toledo War, a boundary dispute with Ohio over the Toledo Strip. Statehood granted Michigan full representation in Congress and spurred rapid population growth. Detroit, the new state capital, emerged as a key commercial center in the Great Lakes region. Michigan’s admission reflected the broader westward expansion and the evolving political landscape of antebellum America. The state’s rich natural resources, including timber and minerals, would later fuel its economic development.
1837
Michigan
U.S. state
1841day.year
Gordon Bremer takes formal possession of Hong Kong Island at what is now Possession Point, establishing British Hong Kong.
Britain formally takes possession of Hong Kong Island, marking the beginning of British colonial rule.
On January 26, 1841, Commodore Sir Gordon Bremer formally took possession of Hong Kong Island at Possession Point, following British victory in the First Opium War. The ceremony signified the establishment of Hong Kong as a British colony under the Treaty of Nanking. This act laid the foundation for the territory's transformation into a major trading port and global financial center. Under British administration, Hong Kong developed rapidly, attracting merchants, immigrants, and investments from around the world. The legacy of British rule influenced the region's legal system, culture, and infrastructure, leaving a lasting impact that endures to this day.
1841
Gordon Bremer
Hong Kong Island
Possession Point
British Hong Kong
1855day.year
Point No Point Treaty is signed in Washington Territory.
The United States and Native American tribes sign the Point No Point Treaty, reshaping land rights in Washington Territory.
On January 26, 1855, the Point No Point Treaty was signed between representatives of the United States government and several Native American tribes in Washington Territory, including the S'Klallam and Chimakum. Negotiated along the shores of Puget Sound, the treaty aimed to end hostilities and secure land for American settlers. Native leaders agreed to cede large portions of their ancestral territories in exchange for reservations, fishing rights, and annual provisions. While the treaty brought a temporary peace, it also led to significant displacement and hardship for the tribes involved. The agreement reflects the broader pattern of 19th-century treaties that reshaped the American West.
1855
Point No Point Treaty
Washington Territory
1861day.year
American Civil War: The state of Louisiana secedes from the Union.
Louisiana secedes from the Union, joining the Confederate States at the brink of the Civil War.
On January 26, 1861, the state of Louisiana formally seceded from the United States, becoming the sixth member of the Confederate States of America. The decision followed a statewide convention in New Orleans, reflecting the rising tensions over slavery and states' rights. Secession representatives drafted an ordinance declaring the state's independence from the Union and pledged allegiance to the Confederacy. This act marked a critical escalation in the crisis that would erupt into full-scale civil war months later. Louisiana's strategic location along the Mississippi River made its secession particularly significant for both Confederate logistics and Union military planning.
1861
American Civil War
Louisiana
secedes from the Union
1870day.year
Reconstruction Era: Virginia is readmitted to the Union.
Virginia is readmitted to the Union under Reconstruction, restoring its representation in Congress.
On January 26, 1870, the Commonwealth of Virginia was officially readmitted to the United States, becoming the first former Confederate state to regain its representation in Congress following Reconstruction. This readmission followed the ratification of a new state constitution that abolished slavery and guaranteed civil rights for African Americans. Federal troops withdrew as Virginia met the requirements set by Reconstruction Acts, signifying a turning point in national efforts to restore the Union. The state's return highlighted both progress and ongoing challenges in integrating freedmen into political and economic life. Virginia's readmission paved the way for other Southern states to rejoin the Union under the post-war settlement.
1870
Reconstruction Era
Virginia
readmitted to the Union
1930day.year
The Indian National Congress declares 26 January as Independence Day or as the day for Poorna Swaraj ("Complete Independence") which occurred 17 years later.
The Indian National Congress proclaims January 26 as Poorna Swaraj Day in 1930, demanding complete independence from British rule.
On January 26, 1930, the Indian National Congress famously declared the day as Poorna Swaraj Day, calling for full independence from British colonial rule. This historic resolution rejected dominion status and crystallized the goal of complete self-rule. Mass gatherings and solemn pledges swept across the country as Indians from all walks of life embraced the call for freedom. Although India would not achieve independence until 1947, January 26 was later chosen as Republic Day in recognition of this declaration. The Poorna Swaraj resolution galvanized the independence movement and united diverse political factions under a common purpose. It remains a defining moment in India's struggle for self-determination.
1930
Indian National Congress
Poorna Swaraj
1934day.year
German–Polish declaration of non-aggression is signed.
Germany and Poland sign a ten-year non-aggression pact on January 26, 1934, pledging peaceful resolution of disputes.
On January 26, 1934, Germany and Poland inked the German–Polish Declaration of Non-Aggression, committing both nations to respect each other's borders for ten years. The treaty aimed to stabilize post-World War I tensions and reduce reliance on rival alliances. It was celebrated as a diplomatic success that momentarily eased fears of conflict in Europe. Despite initial optimism, the pact would later be nullified by the shifting ambitions of Nazi Germany. The agreement provided Poland with a brief period of security in a volatile regional landscape. It exemplified the fragile nature of interwar diplomacy and foreshadowed the coming upheavals of World War II.
German–Polish declaration of non-aggression
1950day.year
The Constitution of India comes into force, forming a republic. Rajendra Prasad is sworn in as the first President of India. Observed as Republic Day in India.
India's Constitution comes into force on January 26, 1950, establishing the nation as a republic and inaugurating Republic Day.
On January 26, 1950, the Constitution of India took effect, transforming the Dominion of India into the Republic of India. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as the country's first President, symbolizing India's full sovereignty and democratic governance. The document enshrined fundamental rights, governmental structures, and the rule of law for the newly independent nation. Republic Day celebrations have since included grand parades, cultural performances, and honors for distinguished citizens. Choosing January 26 honored the 1930 declaration of Poorna Swaraj and linked the republic to the freedom struggle. This milestone affirmed India's commitment to unity, justice, and democratic principles.
1950
Constitution of India
comes into force
Rajendra Prasad
President of India
Republic Day