It happened on… January 1 — Saviez-vous Que? — Tous les jours, découvrez de nouvelles infos pour briller en société !

1999

The euro is introduced in 11 European countries, all of which are using a common currency for the first time.

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) goes into effect.

The music television channel VH-1 airs its first programs.

A fire breaks out in Chapais during New Year’s celebrations, killing 48 people.

Fulgencio Batista’s Cuban government is overthrown by Fidel Castro, who seizes power.

Ho Chi Minh launches an offensive against French troops in Indochina.

26 nations sign the United Nations declaration to create a peacekeeping force.

Alcatraz Island, off the coast of San Francisco in the United States, becomes a federal prison.

Construction of the Panama Canal begins.

The Irish Parliament votes to join the Kingdom of Great Britain, thereby forming the United Kingdom.

Glassblower Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit proposes a system for designing a Fahrenheit thermometer.

The last gladiators fight in Rome.

It happened on… January 1