- History of Today
- Posts
- What happened on January 31st?
What happened on January 31st?
A nation’s departure and a historic shift in Europe's future
Matthew Jones
January 31, 2025
2020 UK Officially Leaves the EU
The United Kingdom officially left the European Union on January 31, 2020, bringing an end to more than three years of tense negotiations. The decision, following a 2016 referendum vote in favor of Brexit, marked a historic shift in the UK's political and economic landscape. The move ended the country's membership in the EU, setting the stage for a new phase in its global relationships and trade policies.
The photo shows Prime Minister Boris Johnson signing the Withdrawal Agreement for the UK to leave the EU on January 31st.
🗞️Today’s Headlines
Everything important that’s ever happened on January 31:
1966 — The Soviet Union launched Luna 9, which became the first spacecraft to successfully land on the Moon.
1958 — Explorer 1, the United States' first artificial satellite, was launched into orbit, marking a key milestone in the Space Race.
1943 — German Field Marshal Friedrich Paulus surrendered to the Soviet Red Army at Stalingrad in what would be a turning point in World War II.
1606 — Guy Fawkes was executed in London after his failed attempt to blow up the House of Lords in the Gunpowder Plot.
🎂 Today’s Birthdays
On January 31, we’re singing to:
Franz Schubert (1797) — Austrian composer known for his symphonies, chamber music, and art songs, including Ave Maria and Unfinished Symphony, which revolutionized classical music.
Jackie Robinson (1919) — American athlete who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, becoming a symbol of civil rights and equality.
Justin Timberlake (1981) — American singer, songwriter, actor, and producer, known for his successful solo career and as a member of *NSYNC, blending pop, R&B, and soul in his music.
🪦Who Died Today?
On January 31, we’re saying goodbye to:
Charles Edward, the Young Pretender (1788) — British prince and claimant to the British throne, best known for leading the failed Jacobite rebellion of 1745.
Edwin H. Armstrong (1954) — American inventor and electrical engineer credited with the development of FM radio technology.
A. A. Milne (1956) — British author best known for creating the beloved Winnie-the-Pooh stories and characters that have enchanted generations of children.
How Am I Doing?
What do you think of the History of Today?Let me know what you think so I can be better 😀 |