DRC gains independence, Congo crisis begins shortly thereafter

On June 30, 1960, the Congo gained independence from Belgium. Soon afterwards, the Congolese military mutinied, touching off the Congo Crisis that would compel UN and Belgian intervention and concluded with the installation of Mobutu Sese Seko as dictator of the country, which was renamed Zaire.

Learn more about the Congo Crisis from the Internet Archive.

THIS DAY @ LAW

India constitution ratified

On January 26, 1950, India ratified its constitution, formally making the new country a republic. On the same day, Rajendra Prasad was inaugurated as the republic's first president. The anniversary is celebrated today as Republic Day in India.

Tennessee became first state to ban alcohol sales

On January 26, 1838, Tennessee became the first US state to pass a law prohibiting the general sale of alcohol; fines paid by lawbreakers were put towards the support of public schools. Read more about the history of Prohibition.