Event:
Western Samoa gains independence from New Zealand, Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II becomes co-chief of Western Samoa
More Notable Events on January 1:
1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) goes into effect
1985 VH-1 made its broadcasting debut
1901 Commonwealth of Australia established
1892 Ellis Island becomes reception center for new immigrants
1863 Emancipation Proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln
