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17 January Today in History
Proclamation of the German Empire
The German Empire was proclaimed in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, ending the unification process of Germany led by the Prussian King Wilhelm I and his Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck. This event marked the beginning of the second Reich, which lasted until the end of World War I.
Birth of Helmut Schmidt
Helmut Schmidt, who would later become one of the most influential post-war Chancellors of West Germany, was born on this day. He served as Chancellor between 1974 and 1982, and was known for his no-nonsense approach and handling of the economic crisis in the 1970s.
Battle of the Bulge Ends
The Battle of the Bulge, one of the largest and bloodiest battles fought by the United States in World War II, ended on this day. Although this battle took place predominantly in Belgium and Luxembourg, its conclusion was a critical turning point in the war, eventually leading to Germany's surrender.
Konrad Adenauer Wins Third Term
Konrad Adenauer, the first Chancellor of West Germany after World War II, won his third term on this day. His leadership contributed significantly to the economic recovery and political stability of post-war West Germany.
Operation Desert Storm Begins
Although primarily a military campaign led by the United States against Iraq, it had significant implications for Germany, as Germany was part of the international coalition that participated in the operation. This marked one of the first major military actions Germany participated in after World War II.
British explorer Robert Falcon Scott reaches the South Pole
British Royal Navy officer Robert Falcon Scott and his team of explorers reach the South Pole. Unfortunately, they found that a team from Norway led by Roald Amundsen had beaten them there by just over a month. Tragically, Scott and his team never made it back and died on their return journey.
The submarine HMS Sidon sinks
The British submarine HMS Sidon sinks in Portland Harbour, Dorset, England after an explosion onboard, resulting in the death of 13 crew members. The submarine was later raised and scuttled in the English Channel.
Convicted Murderer Gary Gilmore Executed
British-born Gary Gilmore, who had emigrated to the United States, was executed by firing squad in Utah, the first execution in the US for a decade. His last words were "Let's do it."
"Yorkshire Ripper" Serial Killer Captured
Peter Sutcliffe, also known as the "Yorkshire Ripper," is captured. Sutcliffe was a British serial killer who murdered 13 women and attempted to murder 7 others. His trial and sentence would captivate the British public throughout the early 1980s.
The world's largest offshore wind farm opens
The Thanet Wind Farm off the coast of Kent in England, at the time the largest offshore wind farm in the world, is officially opened. With 100 turbines and a total capacity of 300 megawatts, the wind farm was a significant development in the UK's renewable energy infrastructure.
Battle of Cowpens
The Battle of Cowpens took place during the American Revolutionary War on January 17, 1781. This significant battle, which took place in South Carolina, was a decisive victory for the Continental Army, which was under the command of General Daniel Morgan.
Overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii
On January 17, 1893, Queen Liliuokalani of Hawaii was overthrown in a coup led by American business interests. Sanford B. Dole, a businessman and lawyer, later became the President of the Republic of Hawaii. This paved the way for Hawaii's eventual annexation by the United States.
Swedish Diplomat Raoul Wallenberg Disappears
Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, who helped save tens of thousands of Jews during the Holocaust, disappeared in Hungary on January 17, 1945. He had been detained by Soviet forces and his fate has remained a mystery.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower's Farewell Address
On 17th January 1961, President Dwight D. Eisenhower gave his farewell address to the nation. In this speech, he warned about the growing influence of the "military-industrial complex" in American life.
Operation Desert Storm Begins
On January 17, 1991, the United States and allied forces launched a massive air assault against Iraq to begin Operation Desert Storm, after Iraq had ignored UN resolutions demanding they withdraw from Kuwait. This was the major conflict in the Gulf War.
Monica Lewinsky Scandal Breaks
On January 17, 1998, news broke of a sexual relationship between then-President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky, a White House intern. This scandal led to the impeachment of President Clinton later that year.