January 3rd in History: Moments That Shaped Our World

A Day of Historical Milestones

Introduction to the significant events that have shaped history on this day.

Leonardo da Vinci's Flying Machine (1496)

Discover Leonardo da Vinci's attempt to test a flying machine, marking an early endeavor in human flight.

Martin Luther's Excommunication (1521)

The pivotal moment when Martin Luther was excommunicated by Pope Leo X, altering the course of religious history.

Solomon Northup's Freedom (1853)

Reflect on the liberation of Solomon Northup, the American writer of "Twelve Years a Slave," after seven years in illegal slavery.

Mussolini's Dictatorship (1925)

Italian fascist leader Benito Mussolini dissolved parliament and proclaimed himself the dictator of Italy.

Roosevelt's Fight Against Polio (1938)

President Franklin D. Roosevelt's establishment of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis to combat polio.

Motorola's StarTAC: The First Flip Phone (1996)

Revisit the launch of the first flip phone, Motorola’s StarTAC, and its impact on mobile communication.