Timeline January 1879

Events in January 1879 3

• 1879 United States Resumes Specie Payments Treasury begins redeeming greenbacks in gold The U.S. Treasury began redeeming paper greenbacks for gold coin at face value, fulfilling the 1875 Specie Resumption Act. The move restored the gold standard after the Civil War-era suspension and stabilized the dollar's value. It marked a major milestone in postwar American monetary policy.
• 1879 Battle of Isandlwana Zulu forces inflict a major defeat on British troops A Zulu army overwhelmed a British camp at Isandlwana in Natal, killing over 1,300 British and colonial soldiers. It was the worst defeat inflicted on a modern army by a pre-industrial force in the 19th century. The disaster shocked Britain and forced a reassessment of the Anglo-Zulu War.
• 1879 Battle of Rorke's Drift Small British garrison repels sustained Zulu assault Roughly 150 British and colonial troops defended a mission station at Rorke's Drift against several thousand Zulu warriors through the night. The defenders held out until Zulu forces withdrew, and eleven Victoria Crosses were later awarded for the action. The battle followed hours after the British defeat at Isandlwana.