What Happened On This Day – January 22
2006 Eco Morales becomes Bolivia's first indigenous president
The left-wing politician has focused mainly on combating poverty and curbing the influence of transnational corporations.
1973 The U.S. Supreme Court legalizes abortion
The liberalization that was caused by the Roe v. Wade decision entailed fierce resistance from the Pro-Life movement, but the Supreme Court has so far upheld the decision.
1970 The Boeing 747 takes off on its first scheduled flight
The Pan Am jumbo jet flew from New York to London.
1963 The Élysée Treaty formalizes the reconciliation between Germany and France
The treaty effectively ended centuries of enmity between the two European countries.
1943 World record for fastest temperature change
The fastest temperature change recorded in history occurred on this day in Spearfish, South Dakota. The temperature increased from −4°F (−20°C) to +45°F (+7°C) in the span of two minutes.
Births On This Day – January 22
1953 Jim Jarmusch
American director
1909 U Thant
Burmese diplomat, 3rd United Nations Secretary General
1906 Robert E. Howard
American author
1788 Lord Byron
English poet
1729 Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
German author, philosopher
Deaths On This Day – January 22
2010 Iskandar of Johor
2008 Heath Ledger
Australian actor, director
1973 Lyndon B. Johnson
American politician, 36th President of the United States
1901 Queen Victoria
of the United Kingdom
1900 David Edward Hughes
Welsh/American scientist, co-invented the microphone