What happened on January 6 in world history? Here are 4 events worth remembering: See them above in our 57-second video, and below for more details!
Get On This Day In History delivered straight to your inbox ✉️ each day! Sign up here.
Mother Teresa arrives in Calcutta
Mother Teresa’s arrival in Calcutta marked the beginning of her lifelong mission to serve the poorest and most vulnerable people in India, transforming the landscape of humanitarian work.
- Initially arriving to teach at a local convent school, she soon felt a calling to help the destitute in the slums, particularly those suffering from leprosy, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
- In 1950, she founded the Missionaries of Charity, which expanded globally, running orphanages, hospices, and clinics to serve the poorest, regardless of religion.
- Her selfless work earned her numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize, and she became a symbol of compassion, inspiring millions worldwide.
Source: Wikipedia
The Ganghwa massacre during the Korean War
The Ganghwa Massacre was a brutal event during the Korean War, where hundreds of civilians were killed, highlighting the intense violence and suffering of the conflict.
- In the midst of ongoing fighting between North and South Korean forces, the massacre occurred when North Korean forces captured the island of Ganghwa, executing suspected collaborators.
- The victims were primarily civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, with many executed in mass shootings or other violent methods.
- This event added to the growing atrocities committed during the war, which left countless civilian casualties on both sides of the conflict.
Source: Wikipedia
The January 6 Capitol attack
The attack on the U.S. Capitol was a significant and violent assault on American democracy, where supporters of then-President Donald Trump sought to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election.
- The rioters breached the Capitol building, forcing lawmakers and Vice President Mike Pence to evacuate, while Congress was in session to certify the election results.
- The chaos led to the deaths of five individuals and numerous injuries, while extensive damage was done to government property and offices.
- The attack prompted a nationwide debate on political extremism, security vulnerabilities, and the health of American democratic institutions.
Source: Wikipedia
Joan of Arc is born
Joan of Arc’s birth marked the beginning of the life of one of the most iconic figures in French history, whose bravery would inspire generations and shape the course of the Hundred Years' War.
- A peasant girl from Lorraine, Joan claimed to have received visions from saints instructing her to support Charles VII and reclaim France from English occupation.
- Her leadership in the French army during pivotal battles, including the Siege of Orléans, turned the tide in favor of France and led to the eventual coronation of Charles VII.
- Joan’s trial, condemnation, and execution at the hands of the English made her a martyr, and she was later canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
Source: Wikipedia