A Week in History: Prohibition, Lenin Dies, and Roe v. Wade

Jan. 16, 1919 The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, prohibiting the manufacture and sale of alcohol, is ratified.

Jan. 17, 1961 President Dwight D. Eisenhower warns of what he calls the "military-industrial complex."

Jan. 20, 1981 The 52 Americans held hostage for 444 days at the U.S. Embassy in Iran are released.

Jan. 21, 1924 Vladimir Lenin, the first leader of the Soviet Union, dies of a stroke at 53.

Jan. 22, 1973 The U.S. Supreme Court legalizes abortion in the decision of Roe v. Wade.

• See 5 Lessons From Eisenhower and JFK
• See 2010: The Year in Cartoons
• See 2010: The Year in Pictures

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