William the Conqueror invades England, leading to major legal and political reform

On September 28, 1066, William the Conqueror invaded England from Normandy, France. After successfully conquering the country, William ushered in a series of political and legal reforms that still define the United Kingdom and its former colonies to this day, including, centralization of state power, a census, and the infusion of French and Latin into the language of the courts.

Learn more about William the Conqueror from Project Gutenberg.

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.