On this day, January 1, in 1804

Today is the beginning of a new year, on some calendars at least, and it seems to be a very Revolutionary day! On this day, January 1, in 1804, Haiti gains independence from French rule, becoming the first independent country in the West Indies. In 1959, The Cuban Revolution succeeded in overthrowing Fulgencio Batista, former president of Cuba. In 1960, The Republic of Cameroon achieved independence from France and the UK. In 1981, the Republic of Palau, just east of the Philippines, fought for a self-government, though it was still not completely independent from the United States. In 1984, The Sultanate of Brunei, in South East Asia, became independent of the UK. In 1994, the Zapatista Army of National Liberation initiated 12 days of armed conflict in the Mexican State of Chiapas. Viva Zapata. Get Inspired Folks! Start a Revolution!