307day.year
Sima Chi becomes emperor of the Jin dynasty in succession to his brother, Sima Zhong, despite a challenge from his other brother, Sima Ying.
In 307, Sima Chi ascended the throne of the Jin dynasty amid intense imperial family conflict over succession.
After the death of Emperor Sima Zhong, his younger brother Sima Chi was installed as the new ruler amid intense palace intrigue. Factions at court maneuvered for control of the regency, and Sima Ying's challenge underscored deep divisions within the imperial clan. Sima Chi received formal coronation and adopted the era name Huai of Jin. His reign was shadowed by ongoing power struggles that eroded central authority. This transfer of power highlighted the vulnerability of dynastic succession in early fourth-century China. The events following his rise would contribute to the fragmentation that plagued the Jin dynasty for decades.
307
Sima Chi
Jin dynasty
Sima Zhong
Sima Ying
1297day.year
François Grimaldi, disguised as a monk, leads his men to capture the fortress protecting the Rock of Monaco, establishing his family as the rulers of Monaco.
In 1297, François Grimaldi used a daring disguise to seize control of the fortress on the Rock of Monaco, founding his family's rule.
Disguised as a Franciscan monk, François Grimaldi and his men gained covert entry to the fortress guarding the Rock of Monaco. Once inside, they overpowered the guards and opened the gates for additional forces. This audacious surprise attack established the Grimaldi family as the new rulers of Monaco. The clever stratagem became legendary as the capture by the monk. This event laid the foundation for the Grimaldi dynasty, which continues to reign over Monaco to this day.
1297
François Grimaldi
Rock of Monaco
his family
Monaco
1454day.year
The papal bull Romanus Pontifex awards the Kingdom of Portugal exclusive trade and colonization rights to all of Africa south of Cape Bojador.
In 1454, Pope Nicholas V issued Romanus Pontifex, granting Portugal exclusive rights to explore and colonize lands south of Cape Bojador.
Issued by Pope Nicholas V, the papal bull Romanus Pontifex granted the Portuguese crown the sole authority to trade with, colonize, and exploit territories south of Cape Bojador. It formalized Portugal's maritime ambitions by discouraging rival European powers from encroaching on these regions. The decree laid a legal foundation for African exploration, including voyages by Henry the Navigator’s expeditions. It also became a cornerstone document that influenced subsequent European colonial charters. Over time, Romanus Pontifex had profound implications for the transatlantic slave trade and the expansion of European empires.
1454
papal bull
Romanus Pontifex
Kingdom of Portugal
Cape Bojador
1499day.year
Louis XII of France marries Anne of Brittany in accordance with a law set by his predecessor, Charles VIII.
In 1499, King Louis XII of France married Anne of Brittany, uniting the duchy of Brittany with the French crown.
Following a provision established by Charles VIII, Louis XII wed Duchess Anne of Brittany to secure Brittany's union with France. The marriage ceremony symbolized the consolidation of French royal authority over a semi-autonomous duchy. Anne retained her title and negotiated privileges to preserve local customs and laws. The alliance brought important territorial integration and cultural exchange between Brittany and the rest of France. This dynastic union shaped the political landscape of France until Brittany's formal incorporation in 1532.
1499
Louis XII of France
Anne of Brittany
Charles VIII
1790day.year
George Washington delivers the first State of the Union address in New York City.
In 1790, President George Washington delivered the inaugural State of the Union address before Congress in New York City.
On January 8, 1790, President George Washington addressed a joint session of Congress at Federal Hall, outlining the condition of the new republic. He reviewed matters of public credit, the national debt, and proposed measures to encourage commerce and industry. Washington emphasized the importance of unity, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. His speech established the precedent for regular presidential reports to the legislature. The address shaped the future of executive–legislative relations and the enduring tradition of the State of the Union.
1790
George Washington
State of the Union address
1806day.year
The Dutch Cape Colony in southern Africa becomes the British Cape Colony as a result of the Battle of Blaauwberg.
Following the 1806 Battle of Blaauwberg, British forces seized the Dutch Cape Colony, marking a key colonial transfer in southern Africa.
In January 1806, British troops defeated Dutch defenders at the Battle of Blaauwberg and assumed control of the Cape Colony. The takeover ended nearly two centuries of Dutch rule and integrated the territory into the British Empire. The Cape became a vital naval station and resupply port on the route to India. Under British administration, new policies shaped land tenure, immigration, and trade in the region. This colonial transfer laid groundwork for the eventual formation of modern South Africa and its complex colonial legacy.
1806
Dutch Cape Colony
Cape Colony
Battle of Blaauwberg
1828day.year
The Democratic Party of the United States is organized.
On January 8, 1828, supporters of Andrew Jackson formally organized the Democratic Party, laying the foundation for one of the United States' oldest political parties.
Emerging from the factional politics of the 1824 election, advocates for Andrew Jackson met in Baltimore to create a new party structure. They adopted the name "Democratic Party" and set forth principles of expanded suffrage for white men and opposition to entrenched elites. This organization marked the birth of a mass political movement that would rival the existing National Republican (later Whig) Party. Over the next century, the Democrats evolved through debates over slavery, Reconstruction, and industrialization, becoming a dominant force in American politics.
1828
Democratic Party of the United States
1835day.year
US President Andrew Jackson announces a celebratory dinner after having reduced the United States national debt to zero for the only time.
In 1835, President Andrew Jackson celebrated the U.S. national debt reaching zero for the first and only time in history.
Through aggressive federal revenue collection, particularly from land sales, and his campaign against the Second Bank of the United States, Andrew Jackson oversaw the payoff of all public debt by January. To commemorate this fiscal milestone, Jackson hosted a White House dinner for cabinet members and supporters. While heralded by Jacksonites as evidence of sound economic policy, critics warned that the surplus funds distributed to states risked fueling inflation and undermining federal stability. Nonetheless, the zero-debt moment remains unique in American history and highlights Jackson's controversial approach to finance.
1835
Andrew Jackson
United States national debt to zero
1900day.year
President William McKinley places Alaska under military rule.
President William McKinley placed Alaska under military administration in 1900 to establish law and order in the remote territory.
Following the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867, the region lacked a formal civil government and experienced lawlessness amid gold rush influxes. On January 8, 1900, McKinley issued an order transferring administrative authority to the U.S. Army. Military officers oversaw courts, customs, and public safety until civil institutions were established. This interim governance helped stabilize the territory and paved the way for Alaska's eventual organization as a district in 1912 and statehood in 1959.
1900
William McKinley
Alaska
1912day.year
The African National Congress is founded, under the name South African Native National Congress (SANNC).
On January 8, 1912, the South African Native National Congress was founded, later becoming the African National Congress (ANC), a key organization in the struggle against apartheid.
Delegates from multiple ethnic groups met in Bloemfontein to form the SANNC, aiming to unite African voices under colonial rule and petition the government for rights and representation. Led by figures like John Dube and Sol Plaatje, the organization campaigned against discriminatory laws and land dispossession. Renamed the African National Congress in 1923, it evolved into the principal political movement against apartheid, ultimately leading South Africa to majority rule. The ANC remains a major political party in South Africa, symbolizing the fight for equality and justice.
1912
African National Congress
1918day.year
U.S. President Woodrow Wilson announces his "Fourteen Points" as conditions for ending World War I.
Woodrow Wilson unveils a 14-point peace proposal for World War I.
In the aftermath of World War I, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson presents his Fourteen Points before Congress on January 8, 1918.
The plan outlines principles for just peace, self-determination, and open diplomacy.
It addresses territorial disputes, freedom of the seas, and the formation of a League of Nations.
Wilson's vision aims to prevent future conflicts and reshape the international order.
Although not fully adopted by the Allies or Central Powers, the points influence postwar negotiations.
They serve as a foundation for the Treaty of Versailles and inspire future international cooperation.
Wilson's advocacy marks a pivotal moment in the shift toward collective security and global governance.
1918
Woodrow Wilson
Fourteen Points
World War I
1926day.year
Crown Prince Nguyễn Phúc Vĩnh Thuỵ is crowned emperor of Vietnam, the country's last monarch.
Nguyễn Phúc Vĩnh Thuỵ ascends the throne as Vietnam's final emperor.
On January 8, 1926, Crown Prince Nguyễn Phúc Vĩnh Thuỵ is formally crowned as the last emperor of Vietnam, under the Nguyễn dynasty.
His accession marks the end of centuries of imperial rule, as French colonial authorities continue to hold significant influence.
Although enthroned with traditional ceremonies in Hue, Vĩnh Thuỵ's reign is largely symbolic and under French oversight.
He serves as head of state during a period of growing nationalist sentiment and calls for independence.
His treaty obligations and limited powers reflect the complex colonial relationship between Vietnam and France.
Emperor Vĩnh Thuỵ later abdicates in 1945, paving the way for the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
1926
Nguyễn Phúc Vĩnh Thuỵ