2 Minute History January 9th

January 9th has witnessed several significant historical events. In 1431, Joan of Arc was tried for heresy in France, a politically motivated trial that ultimately led to her execution but left a lasting legacy as a symbol of courage. In 1793, the U.S. approved the Whiskey Tax, which sparked discontent and led to the Whiskey Rebellion, testing federal authority. The first transistor was demonstrated at Bell Laboratories in 1951, revolutionizing electronics and paving the way for modern technology. Finally, in 2007, "The Big Bang Theory" premiered, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon and influencing the portrayal of scientists in media.