1055day.year
Theodora is crowned empress of the Byzantine Empire.
On January 11, 1055, Theodora was crowned empress of the Byzantine Empire, becoming one of its few female rulers.
Theodora, sister of Emperor Constantine X, ascended to the throne and was crowned sole ruler of Byzantium.
Her elevation ended a tradition that had largely excluded women from the imperial seat since Empress Irene.
Known for her sharp intellect and political savvy, she quickly took charge of the imperial administration.
Despite internal court rivalries, Theodora maintained authority and managed state affairs personally.
Her reign, though brief, underscored the influential role women could play in Byzantine governance.
1055
Theodora
Byzantine Empire
1158day.year
Vladislaus II, Duke of Bohemia becomes King of Bohemia.
In 1158, Vladislaus II, Duke of Bohemia, was elevated to King of Bohemia, enhancing his realm's prestige.
Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa granted Vladislaus II the royal title, elevating Bohemia to a kingdom.
This recognition increased Bohemia's standing within the Holy Roman Empire and European politics.
As king, Vladislaus II strengthened alliances and consolidated his authority over Bohemian lands.
His reign fostered economic growth and laid the groundwork for Bohemia's medieval state institutions.
The elevation of Bohemia reshaped regional dynamics and bolstered the Přemyslid dynasty's legacy.
1158
Vladislaus II, Duke of Bohemia
Bohemia
1805day.year
The Michigan Territory is created.
In 1805, the U.S. Congress created the Michigan Territory, establishing formal governance for the Great Lakes region.
Legislation carved the Michigan Territory out of the existing Indiana Territory to organize settlement.
The new territory encompassed present-day Michigan and portions of surrounding states.
Detroit was designated the territorial capital, serving as the administrative center.
The act provided for land surveys, governance structures, and legal courts for settlers.
The creation of the Michigan Territory spurred growth and attracted new pioneers to the frontier.
1805
Michigan Territory
1861day.year
American Civil War: Alabama secedes from the United States.
On January 11, 1861, Alabama became the fourth state to secede from the Union, a pivotal step toward the American Civil War.
Amid escalating tensions over slavery and states’ rights, the Alabama Secession Convention voted to leave the United States on January 11, 1861. Governor Andrew B. Moore signed the ordinance of secession, officially removing Alabama from the Union. The state’s departure followed South Carolina, Mississippi, and Florida, and deepened the national crisis. Secession fueled the formation of the Confederate States of America and set the stage for the outbreak of the Civil War in April. Alabama’s decision underscored the irreconcilable divisions that would lead to four years of brutal conflict. The event remains a critical moment in the story of American federalism and civil rights.
1861
American Civil War
Alabama
United States
1923day.year
Occupation of the Ruhr: Troops from France and Belgium occupy the Ruhr area to force Germany to make its World War I reparation payments.
In 1923, French and Belgian troops occupied Germany's Ruhr region to enforce World War I reparations under the Treaty of Versailles.
In January 1923, French and Belgian forces moved into Germany's industrial Ruhr valley to pressure reparation payments.
The occupation aimed to compel Germany, then struggling economically, to fulfill its Treaty of Versailles obligations.
German passive resistance and strikes paralyzed the region, deepening hyperinflation and political unrest.
The crisis strained Franco-German relations and influenced the Weimar Republic's fragile stability.
This event highlighted postwar tensions and foreshadowed the economic turmoil that afflicted Germany in the 1920s.
1923
Occupation of the Ruhr
France
Belgium
Ruhr
Germany
World War I
1943day.year
The Republic of China agrees to the Sino-British New Equal Treaty and the Sino-American New Equal Treaty.
In 1943, the Republic of China signed the Sino-British and Sino-American New Equal Treaties, reshaping wartime alliances.
On January 11, 1943, the Republic of China entered into the Sino-British New Equal Treaty and the Sino-American New Equal Treaty.
These agreements formalized China's status as an equal ally with Britain and the United States against Axis powers.
They abolished extraterritorial privileges previously enjoyed by Western powers on Chinese soil.
The treaties strengthened China's sovereignty and bolstered international support for the Chinese war effort.
This diplomatic milestone reflected shifting global power dynamics during World War II.
1943
Republic of China
Sino-British New Equal Treaty
Sino-American New Equal Treaty
1943day.year
Italian-American anarchist Carlo Tresca is assassinated in New York City.
In 1943, Italian-American anarchist Carlo Tresca was assassinated in New York City, sparking controversy.
Carlo Tresca, a prominent Italian-American labor leader and anarchist, was fatally shot on January 11, 1943, in Manhattan.
Known for his outspoken criticism of fascism and organized crime, Tresca's death sparked immediate suspicion.
Although theories implicated both Mafia figures and political rivals, the case remains officially unsolved.
Tresca's assassination highlighted tensions within immigrant communities and ideological conflicts of the era.
His legacy endures through his writings and activism in labor rights and anti-fascist movements.
Carlo Tresca
New York City
1946day.year
Enver Hoxha, Secretary General of the Communist Party of Albania, declares the People's Republic of Albania with himself as head of state.
In 1946, Enver Hoxha proclaimed the People's Republic of Albania, establishing communist rule under his leadership.
On January 11, 1946, Enver Hoxha, leader of Albania's Communist Party, declared the country the People's Republic of Albania.
Hoxha's proclamation marked the end of the monarchy and the beginning of a one-party socialist state.
Under his rule, Albania underwent sweeping land reforms, nationalizations, and alignment with the Soviet bloc.
The new government imposed strict political control and isolated Albania from Western influence.
Hoxha's regime would last for decades, shaping Albania's political and economic landscape until his death.
1946
Enver Hoxha
Communist Party of Albania
People's Republic of Albania
1957day.year
The African Convention is founded in Dakar, Senegal.
In 1957, the African Convention was established in Dakar, Senegal, uniting political leaders across French West Africa.
The African Convention (Convention Africaine) was formed on January 11, 1957, in Dakar as a regional political organization. It brought together influential African figures to advocate for decolonization and self-governance within French territories. The convention aimed to coordinate policies, share strategies, and foster solidarity among emerging political movements. Its establishment marked a key moment in West African cooperation, influencing subsequent parties and the path toward independence. By promoting dialogue and collective action, it laid groundwork for pan-African unity and inspired similar initiatives across the continent.
1957
African Convention
Dakar, Senegal
1972day.year
East Pakistan renames itself Bangladesh.
Following its independence, East Pakistan officially adopted the name Bangladesh in 1972.
After a brutal nine-month war of independence, East Pakistan emerged as the sovereign nation of Bangladesh on January 11, 1972. The renaming formalized the country’s break from West Pakistan and symbolized its new identity and aspirations. The decision followed widespread international recognition and diplomatic efforts to support the fledgling state. Leaders drafted a provisional constitution emphasizing democracy, secularism, and nationalism. Despite facing economic challenges and reconstruction needs, Bangladesh’s birth marked a significant moment in South Asian history. The event continues to be celebrated annually as Independence Day.
1972
East Pakistan
Bangladesh
1994day.year
The Irish Government announces the end of a 15-year broadcasting ban on the IRA and its political arm Sinn Féin.
The Irish Government lifted a 15-year broadcasting ban on the IRA and Sinn Féin, allowing their voices in public media.
On January 11, 1994, the Irish Government announced the lifting of a long-standing prohibition that had barred coverage of the IRA and Sinn Féin on radio and television. Imposed in 1971 to curb propaganda during the Troubles, the ban had been a contentious issue in Irish media and politics. Its removal signified a step toward inclusive dialogue at a crucial juncture in the Northern Ireland peace process. The decision aimed to foster transparency and allow political discourse to progress through open media channels. Critics feared it might legitimize militant messages, while supporters argued it was essential for balanced reporting. Ultimately, ending the ban marked a significant moment in the evolution of Irish broadcasting law and contributed to the broader peace negotiations that followed.
1994
Irish
IRA
Sinn Féin
2003day.year
Illinois Governor George Ryan commutes the death sentences of 167 prisoners on Illinois's death row based on the Jon Burge scandal.
Illinois Governor George Ryan commuted 167 death sentences amid concerns over wrongful convictions.
On January 11, 2003, Governor George Ryan of Illinois announced the commutation of death sentences for all 167 inmates on the state's death row. The decision was influenced by the Jon Burge torture scandal, in which police officers were accused of coercing false confessions from suspects. Ryan cited irreversible doubts about the integrity of capital punishment proceedings and the risk of executing innocent people. The sweeping commutation was the first of its kind in U.S. history and sparked national debate over the death penalty. Advocates hailed the move as a major step toward criminal justice reform, while opponents criticized it as overreach. The event prompted Illinois to re-examine its legal safeguards and policies regarding capital cases.
2003
Illinois Governor
George Ryan
Illinois
Jon Burge