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Major Events of January 1920: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from January 1920 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of January 1920: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Jan 1920 Babe Ruth Traded to Yankees: Baseball legend Babe Ruth was traded from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees for an unprecedented $125,000, which was the largest sum ever paid for a player at that time. This trade would become one of the most famous in sports history and significantly impacted the trajectory of both teams.
  • 02 Jan 1920 The Palmer Raids Begin: On January 2, 1920, the United States government initiated a series of controversial raids targeting suspected communists and anarchists, known as the Palmer Raids. Led by Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer and a young J. Edgar Hoover, these raids represented a significant moment of political suppression during the post-World War I 'Red Scare' period.
  • 03 Jan 1920 Curse of the Bambino: Babe Ruth Traded to Yankees: In a landmark moment for baseball history, the Boston Red Sox sold legendary player Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees for $125,000 and a loan of more than $300,000. This transaction would become infamous in sports lore, sparking an 84-year championship drought for the Red Sox and launching the Yankees' dynasty.
  • 04 Jan 1920 German Hyperinflation Escalates: The Imperial Bank of Germany printed an additional 1.4 billion marks, bringing the total paper money in circulation to 47,724,000,000 marks. This massive money printing was a direct consequence of Germany's economic struggles following World War I, signaling the severe hyperinflation that would characterize the Weimar Republic period.
  • 05 Jan 1920 Babe Ruth Traded to New York Yankees: The Boston Red Sox sold Babe Ruth, one of baseball's most legendary players, to the New York Yankees. This transaction would become one of the most famous trades in sports history, often referred to as the 'Curse of the Bambino', which allegedly hexed the Red Sox from winning the World Series for 86 years.
  • 06 Jan 1920 League of Women Voters Established: The League of Women Voters was officially created through the merger of the National Council of Women Voters and the National American Woman Suffrage Association. This organization would become a pivotal non-partisan political organization dedicated to promoting active and informed civic participation, particularly for women.
  • 07 Jan 1920 Russian Civil War: Kolchak's Surrender and the Great Siberian Ice March: During the Russian Civil War, White Russian forces under Admiral Alexander Kolchak surrendered in Krasnoyarsk, marking a significant turning point. This event precipitated the legendary Great Siberian Ice March, a grueling retreat of White Russian forces across the harsh Siberian landscape.
  • 08 Jan 1920 Great Steel Strike of 1919 Concludes: The Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers officially ended their prolonged labor dispute, which had been ongoing since September 22, 1919. This significant industrial action represented a critical moment in American labor history, highlighting the challenges faced by workers in the steel industry during the early 20th century.
  • 09 Jan 1920 Tragic Shipwreck of the Treveal: On January 9, 1920, the British cargo ship Treveal met a catastrophic end during a severe storm. Traveling from Calcutta to Dundee, the vessel became stranded on the Kimmeridge Ledge off the Dorset coast. Rescue efforts were severely hampered by treacherous sea conditions. As the ship began to break apart, the crew attempted to escape in lifeboats, but the overwhelming waves swamped their vessels. Of the 42 crew members, only seven managed to swim to safety, while 35 tragically lost their lives in the unforgiving English Channel.
  • 10 Jan 1920 League of Nations Established: The League of Nations, the first global intergovernmental organization designed to maintain world peace, was officially established on this date. Created in the aftermath of World War I, it represented a groundbreaking attempt at international cooperation and conflict resolution.
  • 11 Jan 1920 Azerbaijan Democratic Republic Gains International Recognition: The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic achieved a significant diplomatic milestone when European powers granted de facto recognition at the Versailles conference. This recognition was the result of persistent diplomatic efforts by Azerbaijani representatives to establish their nation's international standing in the post-World War I era.
  • 12 Jan 1920 Birth of James L. Farmer Jr., Civil Rights Leader: James L. Farmer, Jr., a prominent American civil rights activist, was born. He would go on to become a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement, co-founding the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and playing a crucial role in organizing non-violent protests and freedom rides to challenge racial segregation in the United States.
  • 13 Jan 1920 Prohibition Begins in the United States: The Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution comes into effect, initiating the nationwide prohibition of alcohol production, transportation, and sale. This landmark legislation would dramatically impact American social and legal landscapes throughout the 1920s.
  • 14 Jan 1920 Frank Munsey's Media Acquisition: On January 14, 1920, media entrepreneur Frank Munsey expanded his publishing empire by acquiring both the New York Herald and the New York Sun newspapers. This strategic business move consolidated media ownership in New York City during the early 20th century, reflecting the era's trend of media consolidation.
  • 15 Jan 1920 John J. O'Connor Becomes Archbishop of New York: John J. O'Connor was appointed as the Roman Catholic Archbishop of New York, a significant leadership role in the American Catholic Church. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, O'Connor would go on to become a prominent and influential cardinal known for his conservative theological positions and advocacy work.
  • 16 Jan 1920 First Assembly of the League of Nations: The League of Nations convened its first assembly in Paris, marking a pivotal moment in international diplomacy following World War I. This groundbreaking organization aimed to promote international cooperation and prevent future global conflicts through peaceful dialogue and collective security.
  • 17 Jan 1920 Prohibition Begins in the United States: The Volstead Act, which enforced the Eighteenth Amendment, went into effect at 12:01 A.M., banning the production, transportation, and sale of intoxicating alcoholic beverages across the United States. This marked the beginning of the Prohibition era, a significant social and legal experiment that would dramatically impact American culture and crime for the next 13 years.
  • 18 Jan 1920 Georges Clemenceau Resigns as French Prime Minister: On January 18, 1920, Georges Clemenceau, a prominent French statesman known as the 'Tiger of France' for his fierce leadership during World War I, resigned as Prime Minister of France. His resignation came two days after he withdrew his candidacy for the presidency, marking the end of his significant political tenure. Clemenceau, who had been a key figure in negotiating the Treaty of Versailles and leading France through the final stages of World War I, stepped down along with his entire cabinet, signaling a major political transition in post-war France.
  • 19 Jan 1920 US Senate Rejects League of Nations: The United States Senate votes against joining the League of Nations, a significant moment in early 20th-century international diplomacy. This decision would have profound implications for global cooperation and set the stage for future international organizations.
  • 20 Jan 1920 Federico Fellini Birth: Federico Fellini was born in Rimini, Italy. He would become one of the most influential and celebrated film directors of the 20th century, known for groundbreaking films like 8½, Satyricon, and La Dolce Vita.
  • 21 Jan 1920 Battle of Marash: Turkish National Forces Reclaim City: On January 21, 1920, the Turkish National Forces initiated a strategic siege of Maraş, a significant city in the former Ottoman Empire. This military operation was part of the broader Turkish War of Independence, aimed at reclaiming territories and establishing national sovereignty following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I. The battle represented a crucial moment in Turkey's struggle for territorial integrity and national identity.
  • 22 Jan 1920 Birth of Sir Alf Ramsey, Football Legend: Sir Alf Ramsey was born, who would become one of the most significant figures in English football history. As the manager of the England national team, he led the country to its first and only FIFA World Cup victory in 1966, a moment of immense national pride. His tactical innovations and leadership transformed English football during the 1960s.
  • 23 Jan 1920 Ottoman Empire Dissolution: Turkey officially relinquishes the Ottoman Empire, surrendering most of its non-Turkish territorial holdings, marking a significant geopolitical transformation in the aftermath of World War I.
  • 25 Jan 1920 Germany's Diplomatic Negotiations with Allied Powers Post-World War I: In the aftermath of World War I, the Republic of Germany engaged in delicate diplomatic negotiations with the Allied Powers regarding the potential surrender of 334 citizens. This event was part of the broader post-war reconciliation and accountability process, reflecting the complex geopolitical tensions following the conflict.
  • 26 Jan 1920 Assassination Attempt on Matthias Erzberger: Matthias Erzberger, Germany's Reich Minister of Finance, was wounded in an assassination attempt while standing outside the Reichstag building in Berlin. This event reflects the political volatility and tensions in post-World War I Germany.
  • 28 Jan 1920 Foundation of the Spanish Foreign Legion: The Spanish Foreign Legion (Legión Española) was officially established on this date, creating an elite military unit modeled after the French Foreign Legion. This specialized military force would play a significant role in Spanish military operations, particularly during conflicts in Morocco and the Spanish Civil War.
  • 29 Jan 1920 Walt Disney Begins Professional Artistic Career: Walt Disney started his first professional job as an artist at the Kansas City Slide Company, earning $40 per week. This early position marked the beginning of his remarkable journey in animation and entertainment, laying the groundwork for what would become one of the most influential media empires in history.
  • 30 Jan 1920 Estonian Independence Secured: The Tartu Peace Treaty is signed, officially ending the Estonian War of Independence and internationally recognizing Estonia's sovereignty. This treaty was crucial in establishing Estonia as an independent nation following years of conflict.
  • 31 Jan 1920 NHL Record: 7 Goals in a Single Game: Joe Malone of the Québec Bulldogs sets an extraordinary NHL record by scoring 7 goals in a single game against the Toronto team, a remarkable achievement in professional hockey history.