Oh shit…

Here are the major events that occurred in the years when January 1st fell on a Wednesday:

2014

• Annexation of Crimea: Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, leading to international sanctions and political tensions.
• Ebola Outbreak: The West African Ebola outbreak led to thousands of deaths and a global health emergency.
• Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370: The disappearance of Flight MH370 sparked a massive international search and remains one of aviation’s greatest mysteries.
• Ice Bucket Challenge: The viral social media campaign raised millions of dollars for ALS research.

2008

• Global Financial Crisis: A severe worldwide economic crisis began, with major financial institutions collapsing.
• Barack Obama’s Election: Barack Obama was elected as the 44th President of the United States, becoming the first African American president.
• Beijing Olympics: China hosted the Summer Olympics, with spectacular opening ceremonies and dominant performances by athletes like Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt.

1997

• Death of Princess Diana: Princess Diana of Wales tragically died in a car crash in Paris, sparking an outpouring of grief worldwide.
• Handover of Hong Kong: Hong Kong was returned to China from British rule after 156 years, marking the end of British colonial influence in the region.
• The Creation of the Euro: The European Union introduced the Euro as a currency in 11 countries.

1991

• Collapse of the Soviet Union: The Soviet Union officially dissolved, ending the Cold War and leading to the formation of 15 independent republics.
• Gulf War: The U.S.-led coalition forces liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, which had begun in 1990.
• The Release of Nelson Mandela: Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years, eventually leading to the end of apartheid in South Africa.

1980

• Solidarity Movement in Poland: The trade union “Solidarity” was founded, challenging Communist rule in Poland and beginning a chain of events that would lead to the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe.
• Mount St. Helens Eruption: The volcanic eruption in Washington State caused significant destruction and loss of life.
• U.S. Boycotts Moscow Olympics: In response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the U.S. and several other nations boycotted the Summer Olympics in Moscow.

1974

• Watergate Scandal: The Watergate scandal forced President Richard Nixon to resign from office after being implicated in the break-in and cover-up at the Democratic National Committee.
• The Oil Crisis: The OPEC oil embargo led to fuel shortages and soaring gas prices worldwide.
• End of the Vietnam War: The U.S. officially withdrew from Vietnam, although the conflict would continue until 1975.

1963

• Assassination of President Kennedy: U.S. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963.
• March on Washington: Over 250,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C., for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
• The Great Train Robbery in the UK: A group of robbers stole £2.6 million from a Royal Mail train, one of the most famous heists in British history.

1957

• Launch of Sputnik 1: The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first artificial Earth satellite, marking the beginning of the Space Race.
• The Little Rock Nine: The integration of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, became a significant event in the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S.
• The Suez Crisis Aftermath: The British and French forces withdrew from Egypt after international pressure, highlighting the decline of colonial powers.

1946

• Formation of the United Nations: The UN was officially founded as an international organization aimed at fostering peace and cooperation after WWII.
• Post-WWII Reconstruction: Europe and Japan were in the midst of rebuilding after World War II, with the U.S. implementing the Marshall Plan in Europe.
• Indian Independence: India was in the early stages of post-colonial adjustment after gaining independence in 1947.

1940

• World War II: Major battles in Europe, including the Battle of Britain, which saw the Royal Air Force defend against German air attacks.
• German Invasion of France: Nazi Germany invaded France, leading to its quick fall and occupation.
• Finland-Soviet Union Winter War: Finland fought against the Soviet Union in a conflict that ended in a peace treaty, although Finland lost territory.

1929

• The Great Depression: The U.S. stock market crash in October 1929 triggered the Great Depression, a global economic downturn.
• St. Valentine’s Day Massacre: A violent gangland killing in Chicago that became one of the most infamous events in American mob history.
• The Rise of Fascism in Europe: Benito Mussolini’s Fascist government continued to rise in Italy during this time.

1923

• Founding of the Republic of Turkey: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk formally established the Republic of Turkey, marking the end of the Ottoman Empire.
• Teapot Dome Scandal: A major political scandal in the U.S. involving the secret leasing of federal oil reserves.
• The Ruhr Crisis: French and Belgian troops occupied the Ruhr Valley in Germany due to unpaid reparations from World War I, leading to significant political and economic turmoil.

1912

• Titanic Sinks: The RMS Titanic sank on April 15, 1912, after hitting an iceberg, resulting in the deaths of over 1,500 passengers and crew members.
• The Balkan Wars: Conflicts between Balkan states that resulted in territorial changes in Southeast Europe.
• The Mexican Revolution: A major armed struggle in Mexico that began in 1910, but saw key events unfolding in 1912, leading to major social and political changes.

1906

• San Francisco Earthquake: A massive earthquake struck San Francisco on April 18, 1906, followed by fires that destroyed much of the city.
• Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle”: Upton Sinclair’s novel exposed unsanitary and unsafe working conditions in the meatpacking industry, leading to reforms like the Pure Food and Drug Act.
• The Russo-Japanese War: The war between Russia and Japan ended with a Russian defeat, signaling the rise of Japan as a world power.

These years marked pivotal moments in world history, ranging from economic crises to political upheaval and scientific achievements.