 "History Today: How Treaty of Versailles formally ended World War 1")
From the end of World War I to breakthroughs in space communication and landmark peace agreements, January 10 has been a date of immense historical significance.
As part of Firstpost’s ongoing series, ‘ History Today ’, we delve into the most notable events of this day.
Treaty of Versailles takes effect
On January 10, 1920, the Treaty of Versailles came into force, formally ending World War I for most nations involved. This treaty, signed on June 28, 1919, at the Palace of Versailles, imposed harsh reparations on Germany, including territorial losses, military restrictions, and significant financial penalties.
While the treaty aimed to prevent another global conflict, its terms fueled economic and political instability in Germany, setting the stage for World War II. The United States notably did not ratify the treaty and instead signed separate agreements with Germany.
League of Nations Covenant becomes effective
The same day the Treaty of Versailles took effect, the Covenant of the League of Nations, an integral part of the treaty, became operational. The League was the first international organisation established to maintain world peace by resolving disputes through diplomacy and collective security.
Despite its ambitious goals, the League faced significant challenges, including the absence of major powers like the United States and the inability to prevent conflicts like the Second World War. Nevertheless, it laid the groundwork for the establishment of the United Nations.
First UN General Assembly convenes
On January 10, 1946, the first General Assembly of the United Nations convened at the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster, London. Delegates from 51 founding nations gathered to discuss pressing global issues in the aftermath of World War II.
The assembly addressed topics including the plight of refugees, nuclear disarmament, and the rebuilding of war-torn nations. This inaugural meeting symbolised a collective commitment to fostering international cooperation and peace, marking a turning point in global diplomacy.
Project Diana
On January 10, 1946, the US Army Signal Corps achieved a significant milestone with Project Diana. By successfully bouncing radar signals off the Moon and receiving the reflected waves, they demonstrated the feasibility of communicating across vast distances in space.
This experiment marked the first time humans had intentionally sent and received signals to and from an extraterrestrial body, paving the way for space exploration, satellite technology, and future lunar missions.
Tashkent Declaration
On January 10, 1966, Indian Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Pakistani President Ayub Khan signed the Tashkent Declaration, mediated by Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin. The agreement ended the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, which had erupted over territorial disputes in Kashmir.
The declaration required both nations to withdraw to pre-war positions, exchange prisoners, and normalise diplomatic relations. However, it did not address the core issues fuelling the conflict.
Shastri passed away in Tashkent the following day, an event shrouded in mystery and speculation.
Death of David Bowie
On January 10, 2016, the world lost David Bowie, one of the most influential musicians and cultural icons of the 20th century. Bowie passed away at 69 after a private 18-month battle with liver cancer.
Known for his innovative approach to music, fashion, and identity, Bowie left behind a legacy of hits like Space Oddity, Heroes, and Let’s Dance. His final album, Blackstar, released just days before his death, was seen as a farewell, reflecting his artistic genius until the end.
This day, that year
1776: Thomas Paine publishes Common Sense, advocating American independence.
1778: Death of Carl Linnaeus, Swedish naturalist and father of modern taxonomy.
1861: Florida becomes the third state to secede from the Union during the Civil War.
1863: The world’s first underground railway opens in London.
1935: Amelia Earhart becomes the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to California.
1949: George Foreman, American boxer and entrepreneur, is born
1982: Dwight Clark’s “The Catch” propels the San Francisco 49ers to their first Super Bowl.
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