What happened on 8 January?

10 events from the Ever-When timeline, ranked by how much they mattered.

1. 1959 Presidency of Charles de Gaulle The Fifth Republic's founding president: Algerian independence, the force de frappe, two vetoes on Britain, and resignation after May 1968.
2. 1918 Fourteen Points speech Wilson outlines war aims and post-war principles to Congress.
3. 1935 Born: Elvis Presley American singer who helped propel rock and roll to global popularity.
4. 2023 Storming of the Brazilian Congress 2023 Bolsonaro supporters storm Brazil's federal buildings.
5. 1942 Born: Stephen Hawking British theoretical physicist whose work on black holes reshaped cosmology.
6. 871 Battle of Ashdown In the 'year of battles' — nine engagements in twelve months — the 21-year-old prince Alfred, charging 'like a wild boar' while his brother the king lingered at prayer, breaks the
7. 1947 Born: David Bowie English singer who restlessly reinvented popular music from Ziggy Stardust onward.
8. 1815 Battle of New Orleans Andrew Jackson's victory over British regulars; fought after the peace treaty was signed but before it was ratified.
9. 1806 Britain takes the Cape Colony The battle of Blaauwberg gives Britain the Cape for good — the strategic sea-road to India, and the stage for a century of Anglo-Boer conflict.
10. 2020 Harry and Meghan step back as senior royals The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announce they will give up royal duties and split their time with North America — 'Megxit' — and soon settle in California.