Seeds of Fire: A People’s Chronology

Recalling events that happened on this day in history.
Memories of struggle, resistance and persistence.

Compiled by Ulli Diemer

January 20, 1899
The first of four shiploads of Doukhobors (the name means "spirit wrestlers) arrive in Canada, After disembarking, they travel west by train, to what is now Saskatchewan.. Altogether 7,500 Doukhobors, fleeing persecution in Russia, arrive in Canada in 1899, followed by a series of smaller groups until 1912. The Doukhobors are a minority Christian sect, pacifists who believe that property should be communally owned. Related Topics: Christian Communities – Communal Property – Communalism – Pacifism – Religious History of Canada
January 20, 1925
Birth of Ernesto Cardenal, Nicaraguan priest, liberation theologian, and Sandinista. Related Topics: Liberation Theology – Nicaraguan Revolution – Sandinistas
January 20, 1936
Start of Syrian general strike against French colonial occupation. The French fire on protesters, killing dozens, but after 50 days of strike they are forced to give in and negotiate Syrian independence. Related Topics: Colonies/French – General Strikes – Syria
January 20, 1942
The Wanssee Conference: senior Nazis decide on a program for the 'final solution' of the 'Jewish question': mass murder. Related Topics: Anti-Semitism – Crimes Against Humanity – Final Solution – Genocide – Holocaust – Nazi History
January 20, 1973
Assassination of Amilcar Cabral (1924-1973), African socialist and intellectual, leader of the independence movements in Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde Islands. Further Reading: The Weapon of Theory, by Amilcar Cabral Related Topics: Assassinations – Cape Verde – Guinea-Bissau – National Liberation Movements
January 20, 2009
Large demonstrations in Iceland against the financial crisis caused by local and international banks. Protesters banging pots and pans outside the Parliament demand the resignation of the government responsible for mishandling the crisis. The continuing protests lead to the resignation of the Prime Minister and new elections which usher in a new government. Related Topics: Bailing Out the Rich – Banking Industry – Capitalist Crises – Demonstrations, Marches, Protests – Financial Bailouts – Financial Crisis – Iceland