Colombia recognizes Panama

Colombia recognizes Panama

January 5, 2010 05:00:00 am

On January 5, 1909, Colombia recognized Panama as an independent nation. With support from the US, Panama had achieved de facto independence from Colombia in 1903. Panama had twice declared independence from Colombia before in 1830 and 1840 but was defeated each time and re-occupied by Colombian forces. Finally, pro-independence forces declared separation from Colombia in 1903, while the Colombian military was kept at bay by the US Navy.

Learn more about the history of Panama and its modern independence.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Harlan Fiske Stone becomes first US Supreme Court nominee to testify before Senate committee

On January 28, 1925, US Attorney General Harlan Fiske Stone became the first US Supreme Court nominee to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee, testifying for five hours.

Warsaw Confederation signed

On January 28, 1573, the Warsaw Confederation was signed, opening religious freedom in Lithuania and Poland. The Confederation document statutized the Polish practice of tolerating different religions. Read the Articles of the Warsaw Confederation in the original Polish.