January 1: Historical Events, Famous Birthdays and Deaths On This Day

1502
The present-day location of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is first explored by the Portuguese.
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1776
American Revolutionary War: Norfolk, Virginia is burned by combined Royal Navy and Continental Army action.
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1804
French rule ends in Haiti. Haiti becomes the first black republic and second independent country in North America after the United States
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1863
American Civil War: The Emancipation Proclamation takes effect in Confederate territory.
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1899
Spanish rule ends in Cuba.
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1901
Nigeria becomes a British protectorate.
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1934
Nazi Germany passes the "Law for the Prevention of Genetically Diseased Offspring".
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1945
World War II: In retaliation for the Malmedy massacre, U.S. troops kill 60 German POWs at Chenogne.
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1973
Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Ireland are admitted into the European Economic Community.
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