All Events

Historical Events on January 31

  • American Civil War

    1865

    American Civil War: The United States Congress passes the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, abolishing slavery and submits it to the states for ratification.

  • Confederate States of America

    1865

    American Civil War: Confederate General Robert E. Lee becomes general-in-chief.

  • World War I

    1915

    World War I: Germany is the first to make large-scale use of poison gas in warfare in the Battle of Bolimów against Russia.

  • Soviet Union

    1929

    The Soviet Union exiles Leon Trotsky.

  • World War II

    1942

    World War II: Allied forces are defeated by the Japanese at the Battle of Malaya and retreat to Singapore.

  • Harry S. Truman

    1950

    United States President Harry S. Truman announces a program to develop the hydrogen bomb.

  • Soviet Union

    1966

    The Soviet Union launches the unmanned Luna 9 spacecraft as part of the Luna program.

  • Vietnam War

    1968

    Vietnam War: Viet Cong guerrillas attack the United States embassy in Saigon, and other attacks, in the early morning hours, later grouped together as the Tet Offensive.

  • Kenya

    2009

    In Kenya, at least 113 people are killed and over 200 injured following an oil spillage ignition in Molo, days after a massive fire at a Nakumatt supermarket in Nairobi killed at least 25 people.

All Births

Famous Birthdays on January 31

All Deaths

Famous Deaths on January 31

30. January

01. February