In History, Today on January 4

Anne of Brittany announced that she would marry Charles VIII of France, which eventually led to the unification of Brittany and France.

Christopher Columbus began his return to Spain from his first voyage to the Americas.

King Charles I of England attempted to arrest five members of Parliament, an event that contributed to the outbreak of the English Civil War.

The Netherlands, Great Britain, and France signed the Triple Alliance to counter the power of Spain.

Great Britain declared war on Spain, expanding the Seven Years' War.

Samuel Colt sold his first revolver pistol to the United States government.

Utah was admitted as the 45th state of the United States.

Burma (now Myanmar) gained independence from the United Kingdom.

During the Korean War, Chinese and North Korean forces captured Seoul.

Sputnik 1, the first artificial Earth satellite, fell to Earth from orbit after three months in space.

President Lyndon B. Johnson outlined his 'Great Society' plan in his State of the Union address.

President Richard Nixon refused to hand over materials subpoenaed by the Senate Watergate Committee.

The euro was introduced as a currency in 11 European Union countries.

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

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffers a severe stroke, leading to his incapacitation and the end of his political career.

Burj Khalifa, the tallest man-made structure in the world, officially opens in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The United States Congress passes the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, averting the fiscal cliff and preventing widespread tax increases and spending cuts.

The United States announces it will suspend security assistance to Pakistan, citing the country's failure to take decisive action against terrorist groups.