The German Empire
Jan 18 Second German Empire proclaimed by Kaiser Wilhelm I and Otto von Bismarck
- Jan 19 1st Negro lodge of US Masons approved, New Jersey
- Jan 26 The Rugby Football Union is formed at a meeting of 21 clubs at the Pall Mall Restaurant, London, England
- Jan 26 US income tax repealed
- Jan 28 Paris surrenders to Prussians
- Jan 31 Millions of birds fly over western San Francisco, darkening the sky