In History, Today on January 3

The 117th United States Congress convenes in Washington, D.C., with a record number of women and minorities inaugurated.

China's Chang'e 4 becomes the first spacecraft to successfully land on the far side of the Moon, marking a significant achievement in lunar exploration.

Saudi Arabia severs diplomatic ties with Iran following the execution of Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, which led to protests and the storming of the Saudi embassy in Tehran.

The first block of the Bitcoin blockchain, known as the Genesis Block, is mined by Bitcoin's creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, marking the birth of the cryptocurrency.

NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Spirit successfully lands on Mars, beginning its mission to explore the Martian surface.

Former leader of Panama, Manuel Noriega, surrendered to U.S. forces.

The United States severed diplomatic relations with Cuba.

Alaska was admitted as the 49th U.S. state.

The first electric wristwatch, created by the Hamilton Watch Company, was introduced.

William Joyce, often known as Lord Haw-Haw, was hanged for treason in the United Kingdom. Joyce had gained notoriety for broadcasting Nazi propaganda to Britain during World War II.

The March of Dimes was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, aimed at combating polio.

Benito Mussolini announced he would take dictatorial powers over Italy.

The first known use of the word 'automobile' appeared in an editorial in The New York Times.

Delaware voted to reject the secession from the United States.

Joseph Jenkins Roberts was sworn in as the first president of Liberia, marking the country's independence.

The United Kingdom claimed sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.

Stephen F. Austin received a grant from the Mexican government which allowed him to begin colonization in the region of the Brazos River in Texas, marking an important moment in the settlement and development of the region that would become a key part of the Republic of Texas and later the U.S. state of Texas.

American Revolutionary War: American forces under General George Washington defeated British forces at the Battle of Princeton.

King Charles I of England attempts to arrest members of the Long Parliament who were in opposition to his policies, an event that contributes to the tensions leading to the English Civil War.

Pope Leo X excommunicated Martin Luther with the papal bull Decet Romanum Pontificem.

Charles V of France decrees the establishment of the College of Navarre in Paris, an influential educational institution.

The forces of Philip V of France capture the city of Sion as part of the war of succession against Edward II of England.

Emperor Aurelian begins his reign as Roman emperor.

Pope Anterus is succeeded by Pope Fabian after his death, marking a significant transition in the early Christian Church.

Cadwaladwr ap Gruffudd, a Welsh prince, died. His death marked a significant point in the lineage of Welsh royalty and the historical chronicles of Wales.