In History, Today on January 12

Crowds in the UK gathered as Royal Mail workers staged a strike over pay and conditions, marking continued unrest following a series of industrial actions by various unions amid a cost-of-living crisis.

The foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Poland, known as the Weimar Triangle, met in Berlin to discuss the ongoing tensions surrounding Russia and Ukraine, highlighting efforts to de-escalate the situation through diplomatic means.

The Taal Volcano in the Philippines began erupting, prompting the evacuation of thousands of people from the surrounding areas. The eruption spewed ash and steam, affecting air travel and causing significant disruptions. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the alert level, warning of a possible explosive eruption.

The United States lifted economic sanctions on Iran following the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal. This marked a significant moment in international diplomacy aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.

The Charlie Hebdo shooting suspects, brothers Saïd and Chérif Kouachi, were killed by police in Dammartin-en-Goële, France, after a two-day manhunt. This event followed the attack on the Charlie Hebdo office in Paris on January 7, 2015, which resulted in the deaths of 12 people.

A devastating earthquake struck Haiti, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.0, had its epicenter near the town of Léogâne, approximately 25 kilometers west of the capital, Port-au-Prince. It resulted in significant humanitarian crises, with estimates of over 200,000 deaths and millions displaced.

Comet McNaught, also known as the Great Comet of 2007, reaches its peak brightness becoming the brightest comet in over 40 years.

A stampede occurs during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, resulting in the deaths of at least 345 Muslim pilgrims.

Nineteen European nations agree to prohibit human cloning.

The United States Congress authorizes the use of military force to drive Iraq out of Kuwait, leading to the Gulf War.

The United Nations Security Council votes 11-1 to allow the Palestine Liberation Organization to participate in a Security Council debate, without voting rights.

Dr. James Bedford becomes the first person to be cryonically preserved with intent of future resuscitation.

Lyndon B. Johnson states that the United States should stay in South Vietnam until Communist aggression there is ended.

The Soviet Union began the Vistula-Oder Offensive in Eastern Europe against Nazi forces.

Hattie Caraway becomes the first woman elected to the United States Senate.

The United States House of Representatives rejects a proposal to give women the right to vote.

A long-distance radio message is sent from the Eiffel Tower for the first time.

The Anglo-Egyptian Sudan is established as a result of the Anglo-Egyptian Agreement, marking the beginning of joint British and Egyptian rule over Sudan.

Itō Hirobumi begins his third term as Prime Minister of Japan.

Yohannes IV is crowned Emperor of Ethiopia in Axum, marking a significant period in Ethiopian history.

The Royal Aeronautical Society is formed in London, the oldest aeronautical society in the world.

The Palermo uprising began in Palermo as part of a series of battles against the Bourbon rule in Sicily during the Revolutions of 1848.

The Royal Astronomical Society was founded in London.

The first public Colonial American museum opens in Charleston, South Carolina.

Tsarina Elizabeth of Russia establishes the Moscow University, later known as Lomonosov Moscow State University, one of the most prestigious universities in Russia.

Pierre de Fermat's Last Theorem is stated, despite being first mentioned in a letter dated 1637. His claim that he has a proof too large to fit in the margin became famous, sparking centuries of mathematical pursuit.

The Munster rebellion is quelled as the city falls to troops loyal to Prince-Bishop Franz von Waldeck.

Gustav I of Sweden is crowned King of Sweden, marking the end of the Kalmar Union and the beginning of the modern Swedish state.

King Peter I of Portugal married Inês de Castro posthumously, legally recognizing her as Queen of Portugal.

The Sixth Ecumenical Council (Third Council of Constantinople) closes, having condemned Monothelitism.

Basiliscus becomes Byzantine Emperor after a coup d'état against Emperor Zeno.