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January 31 in History: Major Milestones from the UK Leaving the EU to Ham’s Space Mission

On January 31, key moments in history unfolded, from the UK leaving the EU to Truman's support for the hydrogen bomb and Ham's historic spaceflight.

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January 31 in History: Major Milestones from the UK Leaving the EU to Ham’s Space Mission

On January 31, 2020, the UK officially left the European Union, marking a historic moment. This decision followed a 2016 referendum where 51.9% of the British voters chose to leave. While the result was unexpected, it led to years of political debates and turmoil.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in his speech, emphasized that this wasn’t an end but a new beginning. He stated, “This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act.” Consequently, the mood was mixed. Some celebrated the exit, while others feared the uncertain future.

In the end, Brexit represents one of the biggest political shifts in modern European history, though its long-term impact is still to be determined.

Truman Announces Support for Hydrogen Bomb

Similarly, on January 31, 1950, President Harry S. Truman made a significant decision regarding national defense. In response to the Soviet Union’s successful atomic bomb test, Truman authorized the development of the hydrogen bomb. He described the weapon as a powerful defense tool, much stronger than the bombs dropped on Japan during World War II.

Truman justified his decision by stating, “It is part of my responsibility as commander in chief of the Armed Forces to see to it that our country is able to defend itself against any possible aggressor.” As a result, the United States invested heavily in developing the hydrogen bomb.

Two years later, in 1952, the US successfully detonated the world’s first hydrogen bomb, “Mike,” on the Eniwetok Atoll in the Pacific Ocean.

Ham: The First Chimp in Space

In a different realm of history, on January 31, 1961, Ham became the first chimpanzee to travel to space. His mission was a critical part of the space program, testing whether humans could survive the conditions of spaceflight. After 18 months of training, Ham was launched into space.

The flight lasted just 16.5 minutes, yet it provided crucial data for future space missions. When Ham was retrieved, many mistook his grin for a sign of happiness, though it was actually a sign of intense fear.

Following this, Ham was sent to zoos, where he lived until his death in 1983 at the age of 26. His journey paved the way for humans to venture into space safely.

Other Important Events on January 31

Additionally, January 31 has witnessed other noteworthy events. In 1990, the first McDonald’s opened in Moscow, symbolizing a significant shift in Soviet society. Moreover, in 2020, the United States declared a public health emergency in response to the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Thus, January 31 stands as a day of significant global changes that have shaped history in various ways.