In History, Today on February 1

Japan conducted a formal ceremony to mark the beginning of the reign of Crown Prince Akishino as the new heir to the nation's throne, further solidifying the line of succession.

The military in Myanmar staged a coup d'état, detaining de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint. The military declared a state of emergency, citing alleged electoral fraud in the November 2020 general elections, and took control, installing Min Aung Hlaing as the leader.

The United Kingdom formally departed from the European Union, commencing the Brexit transition period after 47 years of membership, reshaping economic and political landscapes.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó was recognized by a number of European countries as the interim president of Venezuela, amid a political and economic crisis, challenging Nicolás Maduro's presidency.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced its largest single-day point drop at the time, falling 1,175 points, amid fears of rising inflation and interest rates.

U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court, filling the vacancy left by Justice Antonin Scalia's death and setting the stage for a contentious confirmation process.

The World Health Organization declared the Zika virus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to its association with birth defects and neurological disorders.

The world premiere of the philosophical romantic movie, 'Jupiter Ascending,' directed by the Wachowskis, took place, sparking discussions about its storytelling and visual effects.

A ceasefire was declared between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, marking a significant step toward the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, aimed at ending conflict in Mindanao.

The Shard, the tallest building in the European Union at the time, was officially opened to the public in London, UK.

The Egyptian football riot occurred in Port Said, Egypt, leading to the deaths of 74 people and injuring over 500.

In Egypt, amid the Arab Spring, massive protests continued against President Hosni Mubarak's regime, with demonstrations concentrated in Tahrir Square attracting global attention.

The controversial United Kingdom Equality Bill, aiming to consolidate anti-discrimination laws and introduce new measures to combat inequality, passed a significant stage in the House of Lords before receiving Royal Assent later that year.

A hajj stampede in Mina, Saudi Arabia, resulted in the deaths of 251 pilgrims.

The Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon reentry into Earth's atmosphere, resulting in the death of all seven crew members.

The Maastricht Treaty is signed, leading to the creation of the European Union.

South African President F.W. de Klerk announces the unbanning of the African National Congress (ANC) and promises to release Nelson Mandela.

Ayatollah Khomeini returns to Iran after 15 years in exile, marking the beginning of the Iranian Revolution.

Four African American students stage the first Greensboro sit-in at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The United States successfully launches its first satellite, Explorer 1, marking the country's entry into the space race.

Voice of America, the U.S. government’s overseas radio broadcasting service, aired its first broadcast in Nazi-occupied Europe.

The United Kingdom recognizes the Soviet Union.

Russia adopted the Gregorian calendar, effectively transitioning from the Julian calendar previously in use.

King Carlos I of Portugal and his heir, Prince Luis Filipe, are assassinated in Lisbon.

Thomas Edison completes the world's first movie studio, the Black Maria, in West Orange, New Jersey.

The first volume (A to Ant) of the Oxford English Dictionary is published.

President Abraham Lincoln signs the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, abolishing slavery.

Texas secedes from the United States, joining the Confederate States of America.

Anson Jones becomes the President of the Republic of Texas, taking over from Sam Houston, marking the final presidency before Texas is annexed by the United States.

The sovereignty of the Prince of Wales Island, now known as Penang in Malaysia, is transferred from the East India Company to the British Crown.

France declares war on Great Britain and the Netherlands, marking the beginning of the War of the First Coalition.

The Supreme Court of the United States convenes for the first time.

The Kalabalik or Tumult of Bendery newment occurs when Swedish King Charles XII, in Ottoman exile, takes refuge in the town of Bender during a confrontation with Ottoman forces.

The Chinese pirate leader Koxinga seizes the island of Taiwan from Dutch colonial rule after a nine-month siege, marking the end of Dutch Formosa.

Queen Elizabeth I of England signs the death warrant for Mary, Queen of Scots.

Laurentius Petri Nigidius became the Archbishop of Uppsala and Primate of Sweden, succeeding Laurentius Petri.

Edward III is crowned King of England after the deposition of his father, Edward II.

Pope Adrian I began his papacy. His tenure was marked by his support of Charlemagne and the strengthening of the relationship between the papacy and the Frankish Empire.

The death of King Childeric I, the Merovingian king of the Salian Franks, occurred. Childeric was the father of Clovis I, who would later unite the Frankish tribes and lay the foundations for the Frankish Empire.