Major Events of January 1916: Key Historical Moments from the Month
Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from January 1916 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of January 1916: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 01 Jan 1916 First Issue of Journal of Negro History: The inaugural issue of the Journal of Negro History was published in January 1916, edited by Carter G. Woodson. This scholarly journal focused on African American history and contributions, featuring essays on various aspects of Black life and culture in the United States prior to the Civil War. source: gutenberg.org
- 02 Jan 1916 Senussi Campaign: British reconnaissance and weather challenges: On January 2, 1916, British forces faced significant reconnaissance and weather challenges during the Senussi Campaign in North Africa. This campaign was part of the broader conflict of World War I. source: britannica.com
- 06 Jan 1916 Battle of Sheikh Sa'ad during Mesopotamian Campaign: The Battle of Sheikh Sa'ad occurred between January 6 and 8, 1916, during World War I's Mesopotamian Campaign. The Anglo-Indian Tigris Corps, led by Major-General George Younghusband, engaged Ottoman forces along the Tigris River. Despite initial attacks on January 6, the British forces faced strong resistance, resulting in significant casualties. The battle concluded with the British capturing the position, but at a high cost. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 07 Jan 1916 British Evacuation of Gallipoli Peninsula: The British evacuation of the Gallipoli Peninsula began on January 7, 1916, following a decision to withdraw after the failed campaign. The evacuation was conducted under the cover of darkness to avoid detection by Ottoman forces. By January 9, the last British troops had departed, marking the end of the Gallipoli Campaign. source: anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au
- 08 Jan 1916 Allied Withdrawal from Gallipoli: The Allied withdrawal from Gallipoli was completed on January 8, 1916. The evacuation was conducted under the cover of darkness to avoid detection by Ottoman forces. By January 9, the last British troops had departed, marking the end of the Gallipoli Campaign. source: anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au
- 10 Jan 1916 Russian forces launch surprise offensive against Ottoman Third Army in Caucasus: On January 10, 1916, Russian General Nikolai Yudenich initiated a surprise winter offensive against the Ottoman Third Army in the Caucasus region. This attack caught the Ottomans off guard, leading to significant Russian advances toward Erzurum. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Jan 1916 French forces capture Serbian territory during World War I: On January 11, 1916, French forces captured Serbian territory during World War I. This action was part of the broader Allied efforts to support Serbian forces and reclaim occupied territories. source: naval-history.net
- 13 Jan 1916 Extreme cold in Midwestern United States: On January 13, 1916, the Midwestern United States experienced extreme cold temperatures, impacting daily life and activities. This weather event was part of a harsh winter that year. source: weather.gov
- 14 Jan 1916 British military leadership change in Mesopotamia: On January 14, 1916, a significant change in British military leadership occurred in Mesopotamia during World War I. General Sir John Nixon was replaced by General Sir Percy Lake, reflecting the challenges faced by British forces in the region. source: britannica.com
- 15 Jan 1916 Serbian troops arrive at Corfu: On January 15, 1916, Serbian troops arrived at Corfu after their retreat from the Balkan front. This marked a significant moment for the Serbian military as they regrouped and prepared for future operations. source: britannica.com
- 16 Jan 1916 French General Sarrail takes command of Allied forces in Salonika: On January 16, 1916, French General Maurice Sarrail assumed command of the Allied forces in Salonika, Greece. His leadership was pivotal in coordinating the military efforts of the Allies in the region during World War I. source: britannica.com
- 17 Jan 1916 Professional Golfers Association (PGA) formation: On January 17, 1916, the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) was formed in the United States. This organization aimed to promote the game of golf and support professional golfers in their careers. source: britannica.com
- 18 Jan 1916 Lieutenant-General Sir Percy Lake assumes command: On January 18, 1916, Lieutenant-General Sir Percy Lake assumed command of British forces in Mesopotamia. His leadership was crucial in addressing the challenges faced by the British military in the region during World War I. source: britannica.com
- 19 Jan 1916 Battle of Köprüköy during World War I: The Battle of Köprüköy occurred between January 10 and 19, 1916, as part of the Caucasus Campaign during World War I, where Russian forces achieved a significant victory over the Ottoman Empire. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 25 Jan 1916 Montenegro surrenders to Austria-Hungary during World War I: On January 25, 1916, Montenegro formally surrendered to Austria-Hungary during World War I, marking the end of its resistance in the Balkan campaign. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 28 Jan 1916 Premiere of Goyescas opera: The opera Goyescas, composed by Enrique Granados, premiered on January 28, 1916. This work is notable for its incorporation of Spanish themes and music. source: britannica.com
- 29 Jan 1916 German Zeppelin bombing of Paris: On January 29, 1916, during World War I, German Zeppelin airships conducted their first bombing raid on Paris, marking a significant escalation in aerial warfare tactics. The attack resulted in civilian casualties and damage to the city, highlighting the emerging threat of air raids on urban centers. source: calendarz.com
- 30 Jan 1916 German Zeppelin bombing of Paris: On January 30, 1916, a German Zeppelin airship conducted a bombing raid on Paris, resulting in six civilian fatalities and wounding an additional 30 people. This attack was part of Germany's broader strategic bombing campaign aimed at demoralizing the French population and disrupting war efforts. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 31 Jan 1916 German Zeppelin bombing raids resume against Britain: On January 31, 1916, German airships resumed bombing raids against the United Kingdom. Nine Imperial German Navy Zeppelins, led by the chief of the German Naval Airship Division, Peter Strasser, attempted to attack Liverpool. None succeeded, and they scattered their bombs widely around the English Midlands. Zeppelin L.19 (LZ 54) and her entire crew were lost in the raid; she was last seen on February 3 when the British trawler King Stephen found her floating in the North Sea, spoke with her crew, and then left them to their fate. source: en.wikipedia.org