Looking Back At January 22

January 22, 2025 Today In History No Comments

Looking Back At January 22

See this video at https://www.youtube.com/c/Worldsways

January 22 has seen its fair share of pivotal moments, from epic battles to transformative political milestones. Let’s take a stroll through history and explore the events that shaped this day.

Battle of Basing was a victory of a Viking army over the West Saxons

The Battle of Basing, 871 C.E.
Picture this: a fierce Viking army clashing with the West Saxons at the royal estate of Basing in Hampshire. On this day in 871, the Vikings claimed victory, pushing back the forces of King Æthelred and his brother, the future King Alfred the Great. This defeat was part of a larger Viking campaign that tested the resilience of the Saxons and ultimately shaped England’s path to unification. While the West Saxons faced setbacks, their resistance laid the groundwork for Alfred’s later victories and his legacy as a defender of England.

The Portuguese Royal Family Arrives in Brazil, 1808
In a dramatic escape worthy of a movie, the Portuguese royal family fled Napoleon’s invading forces and sailed to Brazil in 1808. Imagine an entire royal court crossing the Atlantic to start anew in Rio de Janeiro! Their arrival turned Brazil into the heart of the Portuguese Empire, sparking changes that eventually led to Brazilian independence. This unexpected move made Rio a hub of culture and politics, transforming the colony into a kingdom and reshaping the Americas.

A public prayer on Sofiyska Square in Kyiv on proclamation of the Act of Reunification of the UPR and the WUPR

The Act Zluky, 1919
A snowy January 22 marked a historic union in Ukraine, as the Act Zluky brought together the Ukrainian People’s Republic and the West Ukrainian National Republic. This unification represented the dream of a sovereign Ukrainian state after years of foreign domination. Though short-lived due to external pressures and conflicts, the Act Zluky became a symbol of unity and independence for future generations. Even today, Ukrainians commemorate this moment as a testament to their enduring spirit.

Norma McCorvey, who was Jane Roe in the 1973 Roe v Wade case, with attorney, Gloria Allred, outside the Supreme Court in April 1989 (Photo via the Associated Press)

Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, 1973
In 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down decisions in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, reshaping the landscape of reproductive rights. These rulings legalized abortion nationwide, igniting debates that continue to influence American politics and society. The decisions empowered millions of women with choices over their bodies while also sparking one of the most polarizing issues in modern U.S. history. The legacy of January 22, 1973, remains a cornerstone of discussions on personal freedom and legal precedent.

President Evo Morales waves from the Presidential Palace balcony

Evo Morales Inaugurated, 2006
On this day in 2006, Bolivia witnessed history as Evo Morales became the nation’s first indigenous president. A former coca farmer, Morales’ inauguration symbolized a seismic shift in Bolivian politics, prioritizing indigenous rights and anti-poverty measures. His leadership highlighted the power of grassroots movements and brought global attention to the struggles of marginalized communities. Morales’ presidency marked a turning point in South America’s political landscape, challenging traditional power dynamics.