On this day in history - January 9

What Happened On This Day – January 9

• 2005 The second Sudanese War ends

  As an outcome, Southern Sudan is granted autonomy; in 2011, South Sudan becomes an independent nation.

• 1916 The Battle of Gallipoli ends

  The Gallipoli Campaign during World War I ended with the victory of the Ottoman Empire.

• 1861 The first shots of the American Civil War are fired

  The steamer, Star of the West, was fired upon by the Confederates as it attempted to enter Charleston Harbor

• 1768 Philip Astley opens the world's first modern circus

  The British equestrian, who is considered the father of modern circus, opened a riding school in London where he also performed tricks for an audience in the afternoons.

• 1431 The trial against Joan of Arc begins

  She was executed on May 30, 1431, exonerated in 1456, and canonized in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV.