Roller Coasters, Presidents, and Heroes: January 20!
January 20th is a wild ride through history! We're talking about the birth of a beloved sport, kings being put on trial, and some of the most important leaders taking the oath of office. It’s a day that shows just how much things can change in just one year—or even one century! Get ready to travel through time with us!
Did you know this date is linked to both the very beginning of modern basketball AND the beginning of the theme park thrill ride we know and love? Plus, we have major moments in US politics and a super dark secret meeting from World War II. History’s Not Boring is right—these moments are way too cool to skip!
What Happened on This Day
King Charles I Goes on Trial for Treason
Imagine putting your country's king on trial! After the English Civil War, Parliament’s victorious forces captured King Charles I. On January 20, 1649, a special High Court of Justice began trying him for treason against his own people. Charles famously argued that no court had the right to try a king. Spoiler alert: he didn't win the argument, and this trial totally changed how people thought about a monarch's power!
Hong Kong Island Ceded to Britain
During the First Opium War, the weakened Qing Dynasty in China was forced to sign the Convention of Chuenpi. This agreement meant that Hong Kong Island, which was mostly small fishing villages back then, was handed over to Great Britain! This was a massive turning point that changed the map and set the stage for Hong Kong’s unique history as a major trading port under British rule for many years. It shows how wars can redraw borders!
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The Roller Coaster Gets Its Patent
Hold onto your hats! Inventor LaMarcus Thompson got the patent for his 'Roller Coasting Structure' on this day. He took inspiration from old gravity-powered mining tracks and built the first big thrill ride, the 'Switchback Railway,' at Coney Island. It wasn't super fast by today's standards, but people lined up for hours because it felt like flying! This single patent launched the whole roller coaster craze we still love today.
First Official Basketball Game Played
No slam dunks or three-pointers yet! Because of bad weather, a gym teacher named James Naismith invented basketball in December 1891 to keep his students busy indoors. The very first *official* game happened on January 20, 1892, using soccer balls and peach baskets nailed ten feet high! The final score was a wild 1-0. Can you believe that tiny start grew into a massive global sport?
The Dark Wannsee Conference
This date marks a truly horrific moment in history. High-ranking Nazi officials met in Berlin at the Wannsee Conference to coordinate the 'Final Solution to the Jewish Question'—the systematic, organized mass murder of all Jewish people in Europe. This meeting focused on the logistics of turning a terrible plan into a massive, bureaucratic genocide known as the Holocaust. It’s a chilling reminder of how ordinary-looking meetings can hide terrible decisions.
Learn moreFun Facts About January 20
- In 1936, King George V died; his son Edward VIII took the throne but soon abdicated!
- The first basketball game's only score was a 1-0 victory from a 25-foot shot!
- The roller coaster patent in 1885 was inspired by gravity used in coal mines!
- January 20th is often US Presidential Inauguration Day (since 1937).
A Look Back in Time
January 20th is a day for big shifts! In the mid-17th century, it challenged the divine right of kings forever. The 19th century brought mass entertainment with the roller coaster patent and the birth of a global sport. The 20th century saw dramatic political changes, from the start of Hong Kong's colonial era to the darkest planning of the Holocaust, and the historic swearing-in of the first African American US President, Barack Obama, in 2009. This date shows how quickly society can pivot!
Born on This Day
Buzz Aldrin
This American astronaut was the second human to ever walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission! Buzz Aldrin helped make one of humanity's greatest achievements possible. Imagine looking back at Earth from the lunar surface—what a view!
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David Lynch
A super famous and often strange film director known for his unique, dreamlike movies and TV shows like *Twin Peaks*. His films are full of mystery, cool visuals, and sometimes a little bit of weirdness that makes you go, 'What just happened?'
Joy Adamson
This famous naturalist and author wrote the beloved book *Born Free* about raising an orphaned lion cub named Elsa in Africa. Her work helped a lot of people learn about wildlife conservation and the special bond between humans and animals.
Paul Stanley
He's the iconic guitarist and co-lead singer for the legendary rock band KISS! Known by his stage persona 'The Starchild,' he’s famous for his dazzling stage makeup and incredible energy, making rock shows unforgettable for decades.