Sunday, April 2, 2023

TODAY IN HISTORY: SEPTEMBER 9

 

September 9

 


September 9th is a significant date that holds historical, cultural, and scientific importance. It marks the beginning of a new phase in different aspects of life and has witnessed several notable events throughout history.


One of the most remarkable events in history that occurred on September 9th is the terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001. On this day, four hijacked planes were used by terrorists to carry out deadly attacks, resulting in the destruction of the World Trade Center's Twin Towers in New York City and causing immense devastation and loss of life. This tragic event shocked the world and left a lasting impact on global security and politics. The September 11 attacks led to a significant shift in the way nations approach security measures and counterterrorism strategies.


September 9th is also celebrated as the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, a day that highlights the importance of education and the right to education in conflict-affected areas. It serves as a reminder of the devastating impact armed conflicts have on the education of children and the necessity to protect schools and institutions as safe spaces for learning. This observance calls for actions to ensure that education is accessible to all, even in times of crisis or conflict.


Additionally, September 9th is recognized as National Teddy Bear Day, a day that honors the beloved stuffed toy that brings comfort, warmth, and affection to people of all ages. Teddy bears are often associated with childhood memories and hold sentimental value for many individuals. This day encourages people to cherish their teddy bears and celebrate their role as companions and sources of comfort.


From a scientific perspective, September 9th is the birthdate of several notable figures who have made significant contributions in various fields. For instance, in 1828, Leo Tolstoy, a renowned Russian writer and philosopher, was born. Tolstoy's literary works, including War and Peace and Anna Karenina, are considered masterpieces of world literature and have had a lasting impact on the development of modern literature. His writings delve into the complexities of human nature, social injustice, and the search for meaning in life.


In addition to Tolstoy, September 9th is also the birthdate of Max Delbrück, a physicist and biologist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1969 for his research in molecular genetics. Delbrück's work contributed significantly to our understanding of the structure and function of DNA, and his findings laid the foundation for developments in genetic research and biotechnology.


In conclusion, September 9th holds various meanings for different people. It is a day that commemorates tragic events, celebrates the importance of education, honors childhood memories, and recognizes the achievements of notable individuals. Whether it be reflecting on the impact of historical events like the September 11 attacks, advocating for education in conflict zones, cherishing a stuffed teddy bear, or acknowledging the scientific contributions of Leo Tolstoy and Max Delbrück, September 9th is a date that continues to be significant in different aspects of life.

Here are some more events on this day:

337 – Constantine II, Constantius II, and Constans succeed their father Constantine I as co-emperors. The Roman Empire is divided between the three Augusti.

1000 – Battle of Svolder, Viking Age.

1141 – Yelü Dashi, the Liao dynasty general who founded the Qara Khitai, defeats the Seljuq and Kara-Khanid forces at the Battle of Qatwan.

1320 – In the Battle of Saint George, the Byzantines under Andronikos Asen ambush and defeat the forces of the Principality of Achaea, securing possession of Arcadia.

1488 – Anne becomes sovereign Duchess of Brittany, becoming a central figure in the struggle for influence that leads to the union of Brittany and France.

1493 – Battle of Krbava Field, a decisive defeat of Croats in Croatian struggle against the invasion by the Ottoman Empire.

1493 – Christopher Columbus, with 17 ships and 1,200 men, sails on second voyage from Cadiz.

1499 – The citizens of Lisbon celebrate the triumphal return of the explorer Vasco de Gama, completing his two-year journey around the Cape of Good Hope to India.

1513 – James IV of Scotland is defeated and dies in the Battle of Flodden, ending Scotland's involvement in the War of the League of Cambrai.

1543 – Mary Stuart, at nine months old, is crowned "Queen of Scots" in the central Scottish town of Stirling.

1561 – The ultimately unsuccessful Colloquy of Poissy opens in an effort to reconcile French Catholics and Protestants.

1588 – Thomas Cavendish in his ship Desire enters Plymouth and completes the first deliberately planned voyage of circumnavigation.

1739 – Stono Rebellion, the largest slave uprising in Britain's mainland North American colonies prior to the American Revolution, erupts near Charleston, South Carolina.

1776 – The Continental Congress officially names its union of states the United States.

1791 – Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is named after President George Washington.

1801 – Alexander I of Russia confirms the privileges of Baltic provinces.

1839 – John Herschel takes the first glass plate photograph.

1845 – Possible start of the Great Famine of Ireland.

1850 – The Compromise of 1850 transfers a third of Texas's claimed territory to federal control in return for the U.S. federal government assuming $10 million of Texas's pre-annexation debt.

1850 – California is admitted as the thirty-first U.S. state.

1855 – Crimean War: The Siege of Sevastopol comes to an end when Russian forces abandon the city.

1863 – American Civil War: The Union Army enters Chattanooga, Tennessee.

1892 – Amalthea, third closest and fifth found moon of Jupiter is discovered by Edward Emerson Barnard.

1914 – World War I: The creation of the Canadian Automobile Machine Gun Brigade, the first fully mechanized unit in the British Army.

1922 – The Greco-Turkish War effectively ends with Turkish victory over the Greeks in Smyrna.

1923 – Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, founds the Republican People's Party.

1924 – Hanapepe massacre occurs on Kauai, Hawaii.

1936 – The crews of Portuguese Navy frigate NRP Afonso de Albuquerque and destroyer Dão mutinied against the Salazar dictatorship's support of General Franco's coup and declared their solidarity with the Spanish Republic.

1939 – World War II: The Battle of Hel begins, the longest-defended pocket of Polish Army resistance during the German invasion of Poland.

1939 – Burmese national hero U Ottama dies in prison after a hunger strike to protest Britain's colonial government.

1940 – George Stibitz pioneers the first remote operation of a computer.

1940 – Treznea Massacre in Transylvania.

1942 – World War II: A Japanese floatplane drops incendiary bombs on Oregon.

1943 – World War II: The Allies land at Salerno and Taranto, Italy.

1944 – World War II: The Fatherland Front takes power in Bulgaria through a military coup in the capital and armed rebellion in the country. A new pro-Soviet government is established.

1945 – Second Sino-Japanese War: The Empire of Japan formally surrenders to China.

1947 – First case of a computer bug being found: A moth lodges in a relay of a Harvard Mark II computer at Harvard University.

1948 – Kim Il-sung declares the establishment of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).

1954 – The 6.7 Mw  Chlef earthquake shakes northern Algeria with a maximum Mercalli intensity of XI (Extreme). At least 1,243 people were killed and 5,000 were injured.

1956 – Elvis Presley appears on The Ed Sullivan Show for the first time.

1965 – The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development is established.

1965 – Hurricane Betsy makes its second landfall near New Orleans, leaving 76 dead and $1.42 billion ($10–12 billion in 2005 dollars) in damages, becoming the first hurricane to cause over $1 billion in unadjusted damage.

1966 – The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act is signed into law by U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson.

1969 – In Canada, the Official Languages Act comes into force, making French equal to English throughout the Federal government.

1969 – Allegheny Airlines Flight 863 collides in mid-air with a Piper PA-28 Cherokee over Moral Township, Shelby County, Indiana, killing all 83 people on board both aircraft.

1970 – A British airliner is hijacked by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and flown to Dawson's Field in Jordan.

1971 – The four-day Attica Prison riot begins, eventually resulting in 39 dead, most killed by state troopers retaking the prison.

1972 – In Kentucky's Mammoth Cave National Park, a Cave Research Foundation exploration and mapping team discovers a link between the Mammoth and Flint Ridge cave systems, making it the longest known cave passageway in the world.

1990 – Batticaloa massacre: Massacre of 184 Tamil civilians by the Sri Lankan Army in Batticaloa District.

1991 – Tajikistan declares independence from the Soviet Union.

1993 – Israeli–Palestinian peace process: The Palestine Liberation Organization officially recognizes Israel as a legitimate state.

1994 – Space Shuttle program: Space Shuttle Discovery is launched on STS-64.

2001 – Ahmad Shah Massoud, leader of the Northern Alliance, is assassinated in Afghanistan by two al-Qaeda assassins who claimed to be Arab journalists wanting an interview.

2009 – The Dubai Metro, the first urban train network in the Arabian Peninsula, is ceremonially inaugurated.

2012 – The Indian space agency puts into orbit its heaviest foreign satellite yet, in a streak of 21 consecutive successful PSLV launches.

2012 – A wave of attacks kills more than 100 people and injure 350 others across Iraq.

2015 – Elizabeth II becomes the longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom.

2016 – The government of North Korea conducts its fifth and reportedly biggest nuclear test. World leaders condemn the act, with South Korea calling it "maniacal recklessness".

 

TODAY IN HISTORY: SEPTEMBER 7

 

September 7

 


September 7th is an important day in history for various reasons. From significant events, memorable birthdays, and remarkable achievements, this date has left a lasting impact on our world. Here, we delve into some of the most notable occurrences that have taken place on September 7th.


One of the most infamous events in history, the signing of the Treaty of Paris, occurred on September 7th, 1783. This treaty marked the end of the American Revolutionary War and recognized the United States as an independent nation. The war, which lasted for several years, culminated in a victory for the American colonists and a new chapter in world history. The signing of this treaty paved the way for the United States to establish itself as a global power and shape the future of the world.


Another remarkable event on September 7th was the launch of Voyager 1, a NASA spacecraft, in 1977. Voyager 1 is one of the most iconic and successful space missions ever undertaken. It has provided humanity with unprecedented insights into our solar system and beyond. In 2012, Voyager 1 became the first human-made object to enter interstellar space, an incredible achievement that continues to inspire scientists and space enthusiasts worldwide.


On a more somber note, September 7th is a day that remains etched in our memory due to the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11th, 2001. These attacks, which targeted the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, shocked the world and brought about a paradigm shift in global security and international relations. September 7th serves as a reminder of the tragedy and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.


September 7th has also witnessed notable birthdays of individuals who have left an indelible mark on various fields. For instance, the renowned Russian dancer and choreographer, Mikhail Baryshnikov, was born on this day in 1948. Baryshnikov's contributions to the world of ballet are legendary, as he revolutionized the art form and became one of the greatest ballet dancers of all time.


In the realm of literature, the influential American poet, Elizabeth Bishop, was also born on September 7th, 1911. Bishop's unique and profound poetic voice earned her numerous accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1956. Her works continue to resonate with readers today, showcasing her mastery of language and ability to evoke powerful emotions through her verses.


Moreover, September 7th is a day of celebration for many notable figures in the entertainment industry, such as actor and director, Michael Emerson, known for his roles in the television series \Lost\ and \Person of Interest,\ as well as the talented musician and composer, Buddy Holly, whose rock and roll contributions during the 1950s had a profound influence on the music scene.


In conclusion, September 7th is a date that has witnessed remarkable events, significant achievements, and the birth of brilliant individuals throughout history. From the signing of the Treaty of Paris to the launch of Voyager 1, this day has shaped the course of our world and left an enduring impact. Moreover, memorable birthdays of influential figures in various fields continue to inspire and entertain us. September 7th serves as a reminder of the richness of our history and the contributions that individuals and events can make to our collective memory.

Here are some more events on this day:

70 – A Roman army under Titus occupies and plunders Jerusalem.

878 – Louis the Stammerer is crowned as king of West Francia by Pope John VIII.

1159 – Pope Alexander III is chosen.

1191 – Third Crusade: Battle of Arsuf: Richard I of England defeats Saladin at Arsuf.

1228 – Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II lands in Acre, Israel, and starts the Sixth Crusade, which results in a peaceful restoration of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

1303 – Guillaume de Nogaret takes Pope Boniface VIII prisoner on behalf of Philip IV of France.

1571 – Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk, is arrested for his role in the Ridolfi plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I of England and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots.

1620 – The town of Kokkola (Swedish: Karleby) is founded by King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden.

1630 – The city of Boston, Massachusetts, is founded in North America.

1652 – Around 15,000 Han farmers and militia rebel against Dutch rule on Taiwan.

1695 – Henry Every perpetrates one of the most profitable pirate raids in history with the capture of the Grand Mughal ship Ganj-i-Sawai. In response, Emperor Aurangzeb threatens to end all English trading in India.

1706 – War of the Spanish Succession: Siege of Turin ends, leading to the withdrawal of French forces from North Italy.

1764 – Election of Stanisław August Poniatowski as the last ruler of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth.

1776 – According to American colonial reports, Ezra Lee makes the world's first submarine attack in the Turtle, attempting to attach a time bomb to the hull of HMS Eagle in New York Harbor (no British records of this attack exist).

1778 – American Revolutionary War: France invades Dominica in the British West Indies, before Britain is even aware of France's involvement in the war.

1812 – French invasion of Russia: The Battle of Borodino, the bloodiest battle of the Napoleonic Wars, is fought near Moscow and results in a French victory.

1818 – Carl III of Sweden–Norway is crowned king of Norway, in Trondheim.

1822 – Dom Pedro I declares Brazil independent from Portugal on the shores of the Ipiranga Brook in São Paulo.

1856 – The Saimaa Canal is inaugurated.

1857 – Mountain Meadows massacre: Mormon settlers slaughter most members of peaceful, emigrant wagon train.

1860 – Unification of Italy: Giuseppe Garibaldi enters Naples.

1863 – American Civil War: Union troops under Quincy A. Gillmore capture Fort Wagner in Morris Island after a seven-week siege.

1864 – American Civil War: Atlanta is evacuated on orders of Union General William Tecumseh Sherman.

1876 – In Northfield, Minnesota, Jesse James and the James–Younger Gang attempt to rob the town's bank but are driven off by armed citizens.

1901 – The Boxer Rebellion in Qing dynasty (modern-day China) officially ends with the signing of the Boxer Protocol.

1906 – Alberto Santos-Dumont flies his 14-bis aircraft at Bagatelle, France successfully for the first time.

1907 – Cunard Line's RMS Lusitania sets sail on her maiden voyage from Liverpool, England, to New York City.

1909 – Eugène Lefebvre crashes a new French-built Wright biplane during a test flight at Juvisy, south of Paris, becoming the first aviator in the world to lose his life in a powered heavier-than-air craft.

1911 – French poet Guillaume Apollinaire is arrested and put in jail on suspicion of stealing the Mona Lisa from the Louvre museum.

1916 – US federal employees win the right to Workers' compensation by Federal Employers Liability Act (39 Stat. 742; 5 U.S.C. 751)

1920 – Two newly purchased Savoia flying boats crash in the Swiss Alps en route to Finland where they were to serve with the Finnish Air Force, killing both crews.

1921 – In Atlantic City, New Jersey, the first Miss America Pageant, a two-day event, is held.

1921 – The Legion of Mary, the largest apostolic organization of lay people in the Catholic Church, is founded in Dublin, Ireland.

1923 – The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) is formed.

1927 – The first fully electronic television system is achieved by Philo Farnsworth.

1929 – Steamer Kuru capsizes and sinks on Lake Näsijärvi near Tampere in Finland. One hundred thirty-six lives are lost.

1932 – The Battle of Boquerón, the first major battle of the Chaco War, commences.

1936 – The last thylacine, a carnivorous marsupial named Benjamin, dies alone in its cage at the Hobart Zoo in Tasmania.

1940 – Romania returns Southern Dobruja to Bulgaria under the Treaty of Craiova.

1940 – World War II: The German Luftwaffe begins the Blitz, bombing London and other British cities for over 50 consecutive nights.

1942 – World War II: Japanese marines are forced to withdraw during the Battle of Milne Bay.

1943 – A fire at the Gulf Hotel in Houston kills 55 people.

1943 – World War II: The German 17th Army begins its evacuation of the Kuban bridgehead (Taman Peninsula) in southern Russia and moves across the Strait of Kerch to the Crimea.

1945 – World War II: Japanese forces on Wake Island, which they had held since December 1941, surrender to U.S. Marines.

1945 – The Berlin Victory Parade of 1945 is held.

1953 – Nikita Khrushchev is elected first secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

1963 – The Pro Football Hall of Fame opens in Canton, Ohio with 17 charter members.

1965 – During an Indo-Pakistani War, China announces that it will reinforce its troops on the Indian border.

1965 – Vietnam War: In a follow-up to August's Operation Starlite, United States Marines and South Vietnamese forces initiate Operation Piranha on the Batangan Peninsula.

1970 – Fighting begins between Arab guerrillas and government forces in Jordan.

1970 – Vietnam Television was established.

1977 – The Torrijos–Carter Treaties between Panama and the United States on the status of the Panama Canal are signed. The United States agrees to transfer control of the canal to Panama at the end of the 20th century.

1977 – The 300-metre-tall CKVR-DT transmission tower in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, is hit by a light aircraft in a fog, causing it to collapse. All aboard the aircraft are killed.

1978 – While walking across Waterloo Bridge in London, Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov is assassinated by Bulgarian secret police agent Francesco Gullino by means of a ricin pellet fired from a specially-designed umbrella.

1979 – The Chrysler Corporation asks the United States government for US$1.5 billion to avoid bankruptcy.

1984 – An explosion on board a Maltese patrol boat disposing of illegal fireworks at sea off Gozo kills seven soldiers and policemen.

1986 – Desmond Tutu becomes the first black man to lead the Anglican Diocese of Cape Town.

1986 – Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet survives an assassination attempt by the FPMR; 5 of Pinochet's bodyguards are killed.

1997 – Maiden flight of the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor.

1999 – The 6.0 Mw  Athens earthquake affected the area with a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), killing 143, injuring 800–1,600, and leaving 50,000 homeless.

2005 – Egypt holds its first-ever multi-party presidential election.

2008 – The United States government takes control of the two largest mortgage financing companies in the US, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

2010 – A Chinese fishing trawler collides with two Japanese Coast Guard patrol boats in disputed waters near the Senkaku Islands.

2011 – The Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash in Russia kills 43 people, including nearly the entire roster of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Kontinental Hockey League team.

2012 – Canada officially cuts diplomatic ties with Iran by closing its embassy in Tehran and orders the expulsion of Iranian diplomats from Ottawa, over nuclear plans and purported human rights abuses.

2017 – The 8.2 Mw  2017 Chiapas earthquake strikes southern Mexico, killing at least 60 people.

2019 – Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov and 66 others are released in a prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia.

2021 – Bitcoin becomes legal tender in El Salvador.

2021 – The National Unity Government of Myanmar declares a people's defensive war against the military junta during the Myanmar civil war

 

TODAY IN HISTORY: SEPTEMBER 5

 

September 5

 


September 5th marks the beginning of a new month and also holds significant historical events and important happenings around the world. This day has witnessed noteworthy milestones and occurrences that have shaped the course of history and had a lasting impact on various aspects of life. From significant events in politics and society to groundbreaking achievements in science and technology, September 5th is a day worth reflecting upon.


One significant event that occurred on September 5th is the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which officially ended the American Revolutionary War. This treaty granted independence to the United States and defined the borders of the country. It marked the culmination of a long and arduous struggle for freedom, and set the stage for the birth of a new nation.


On a more optimistic note, September 5th has also witnessed groundbreaking achievements in the field of science. It was on this day in 1977 that Voyager 1, a space probe launched by NASA, made its closest approach to planet Jupiter. The images and data collected by Voyager 1 revolutionized our understanding of the largest planet in our solar system. This mission paved the way for future space exploration and contributed immensely to our knowledge of the universe.


September 5th is also a day to remember the life and legacy of Mother Teresa, an Albanian-Indian Catholic nun and missionary. Known for her selfless and tireless work with the poor and destitute in India, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian efforts. Her compassionate spirit and unwavering dedication continue to inspire and touch the lives of millions around the world.


In the world of sports, September 5th holds special significance for tennis enthusiasts, as it marks the beginning of the US Open. This prestigious Grand Slam tournament attracts the top tennis players from around the world and showcases thrilling matches and incredible displays of skill and athleticism. The US Open is a highly anticipated event for both players and fans, and has become synonymous with the end of summer and the beginning of the fall season.


September 5th also serves as a platform for social and political movements to gain momentum and create awareness. It is the International Day of Charity, as proclaimed by the United Nations, which aims to encourage acts of kindness and philanthropy. This day reminds us of the importance of helping those in need and making a positive impact on society.


On a final note, September 5th is also a day for reflection and introspection. It is an opportunity to set new goals, make plans, and embark on new ventures. As we bid farewell to summer and embrace the coming autumn, we can take this day as a starting point to rejuvenate our spirits and strive for personal growth and development.


In conclusion, September 5th is a date filled with historical events, groundbreaking achievements, and significant occasions. From the signing of the Treaty of Paris to the US Open, this day offers a myriad of topics for reflection and celebration. It reminds us of the progress we have made as a society and the potential for further growth and change. As we commemorate this day, let us take inspiration from the past and use it as a catalyst for a brighter future.

Here are some more events on this day:

917 – Liu Yan declares himself emperor, establishing the Southern Han state in southern China, at his capital of Panyu.

1367 – Swa Saw Ke becomes king of Ava

1590 – Alexander Farnese's army forces Henry IV of France to lift the siege of Paris.

1622 – A hurricane overruns a Spanish fleet bound from Havana to Cadiz and sinks the galleon Atocha. Only five men are rescued, but 260 passengers and 200 million pesos are buried with the Atocha under 50 feet of water.

1661 – Fall of Nicolas Fouquet: Louis XIV's Superintendent of Finances is arrested in Nantes by D'Artagnan, captain of the king's musketeers.

1666 – Great Fire of London ends: Ten thousand buildings, including Old St Paul's Cathedral, are destroyed, but only six people are known to have died.

1697 – War of the Grand Alliance : A French warship commanded by Captain Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville defeated an English squadron at the Battle of Hudson's Bay.

1698 – In an effort to Westernize his nobility, Tsar Peter I of Russia imposes a tax on beards for all men except the clergy and peasantry.

1725 – Wedding of Louis XV and Maria Leszczyńska.

1774 – First Continental Congress assembles in Philadelphia.

1781 – Battle of the Chesapeake in the American Revolutionary War: The British Navy is repelled by the French Navy, contributing to the British surrender at Yorktown.

1791 – Olympe de Gouges writes the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen.

1793 – French Revolution: The French National Convention initiates the Reign of Terror.

1798 – Conscription is made mandatory in France by the Jourdan law.

1812 – War of 1812: The Siege of Fort Wayne begins when Chief Winamac's forces attack two soldiers returning from the fort's outhouses.

1816 – Louis XVIII has to dissolve the Chambre introuvable ("Unobtainable Chamber").

1836 – Sam Houston is elected as the first president of the Republic of Texas.

1839 – The United Kingdom declares war on the Qing dynasty of China.

1862 – American Civil War: The Army of Northern Virginia crosses the Potomac River at White's Ford in the Maryland Campaign.

1877 – American Indian Wars: Oglala Sioux chief Crazy Horse is bayoneted by a United States soldier after resisting confinement in a guardhouse at Fort Robinson in Nebraska.

1882 – The first United States Labor Day parade is held in New York City.

1887 – A fire at the Theatre Royal, Exeter, kills 186.

1905 – Russo-Japanese War: In New Hampshire, United States, the Treaty of Portsmouth, mediated by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, ends the war.

1914 – World War I: First Battle of the Marne begins. Northeast of Paris, the French attack and defeat German forces who are advancing on the capital.

1915 – The pacifist Zimmerwald Conference begins.

1932 – The French Upper Volta is broken apart between Ivory Coast, French Sudan, and Niger.

1937 – Spanish Civil War: Llanes falls to the Nationalists following a one-day siege.

1938 – Chile: A group of youths affiliated with the fascist National Socialist Movement of Chile are executed after surrendering during a failed coup.

1941 – Whole territory of Estonia is occupied by Nazi Germany.

1942 – World War II: Japanese high command orders withdrawal at Milne Bay, the first major Japanese defeat in land warfare during the Pacific War.

1943 – World War II: The 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment lands and occupies Lae Nadzab Airport, near Lae in the Salamaua–Lae campaign.

1944 – Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg constitute Benelux.

1945 – Cold War: Igor Gouzenko, a Soviet Union embassy clerk, defects to Canada, exposing Soviet espionage in North America, signalling the beginning of the Cold War.

1945 – Iva Toguri D'Aquino, a Japanese American suspected of being wartime radio propagandist Tokyo Rose, is arrested in Yokohama.

1948 – In France, Robert Schuman becomes President of the Council while being Foreign minister; as such, he is the negotiator of the major treaties of the end of World War II.

1954 – KLM Flight 633 crashes into the River Shannon in Shannon, County Clare, Ireland, killing 28.

1957 – Cuban Revolution: Fulgencio Batista bombs the revolt in Cienfuegos.

1960 – Poet Léopold Sédar Senghor is the first elected President of Senegal.

1960 – Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) wins the gold medal in the light heavyweight boxing competition at the Olympic Games in Rome.

1969 – Mỹ Lai Massacre: U.S. Army Lieutenant William Calley is charged with six specifications of premeditated murder for the death of 109 Vietnamese civilians in My Lai.

1970 – Vietnam War: Operation Jefferson Glenn begins: The United States 101st Airborne Division and the South Vietnamese 1st Infantry Division initiate a new operation in Thừa Thiên–Huế Province.

1970 – Jochen Rindt becomes the only driver to posthumously win the Formula One World Drivers' Championship (in 1970), after being killed in practice for the Italian Grand Prix.

1972 – Munich massacre: A Palestinian terrorist group called "Black September" attacks and takes hostage 11 Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympic Games. Two die in the attack and nine are murdered the following day.

1975 – Sacramento, California: Lynette Fromme attempts to assassinate U.S. President Gerald Ford.

1977 – Voyager Program: NASA launches the Voyager 1 spacecraft.

1978 – Camp David Accords: Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat begin peace discussions at Camp David, Maryland.

1980 – The Gotthard Road Tunnel opens in Switzerland as the world's longest highway tunnel at 10.14 miles (16.32 km) stretching from Göschenen to Airolo.

1981 – The first women arrive at what becomes Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp in the UK.

1984 – STS-41-D: The Space Shuttle Discovery lands after its maiden voyage.

1984 – Western Australia becomes the last Australian state to abolish capital punishment.

1986 – Pan Am Flight 73 from Mumbai, India with 358 people on board is hijacked at Karachi International Airport.

1990 – Sri Lankan Civil War: Sri Lankan Army soldiers slaughter 158 civilians.

1991 – The current international treaty defending indigenous peoples, Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989, comes into force.

1996 – Hurricane Fran makes landfall near Cape Fear, North Carolina as a Category 3 storm with 115 mph sustained winds. Fran caused over $3 billion in damage and killed 27 people.

2012 – An accidental explosion at a Turkish Army ammunition store in Afyon, western Turkey kills 25 soldiers and wounds four others.

2021 – The President of Guinea, Alpha Condé is captured by armed forces during a coup d'état.

2022 – Liz Truss is declared the winner of the UK Conservative Party leadership election, beating Rishi Sunak

2022 – At least 93 people die and 25 are missing after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake strikes Sichuan, China.

 

climate energy breakthroughs apr 13 2026

Climate and Energy Breakthroughs Lead April 2026 Headlines CLIMATE + ENERGY Top Signals for April 13, 2026 " ...