Historical Events on April 24: Significant Moments in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on April 24, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

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Events on April 24 - Key Moments Throughout History

  • 1900 First Cross-Country Automobile Journey: Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Murdock made history by becoming the first individuals to travel across the United States in an automobile, marking a significant milestone in early automotive transportation and exploration.
  • 1901 First American League Baseball Game: On April 24, 1901, the inaugural game of the American League took place in Chicago, where the Chicago White Sox defeated the Cleveland Blues (Indians) with a score of 8-2. Three other scheduled games were postponed due to rain, marking a historic moment in professional baseball's evolution.
  • 1903 Birth of José Antonio Primo de Rivera: José Antonio Primo de Rivera, a prominent Spanish politician who would later become the founder of the Falange Española (Spanish Fascist party), was born on April 24, 1903, in Madrid, Spain. He would go on to play a significant role in Spanish political history during the early 20th century.
  • 1904 Diplomatic Tension: French President's Italian Visit: French President Émile Loubet visited King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy in a diplomatic engagement that notably included a deliberate snub to the Pope. By pointedly ignoring the papal representative, Loubet exacerbated the already strained relations between France and the Roman Catholic Church, reflecting the complex political and religious tensions of the early 20th century.
  • 1905 Robert Penn Warren: First US Poet Laureate: Robert Penn Warren, renowned author of 'All the King's Men', becomes the first United States Poet Laureate, marking a significant milestone in American literary recognition.
  • 1906 Uneventful Day in 1906: While no major historical events were prominently recorded on April 24, 1906, this does not necessarily mean nothing of significance occurred. Daily life continued in various parts of the world, with people engaging in their usual activities, work, and personal pursuits during this period of early 20th-century global development.
  • 1907 Al Ahly SC Founded in Cairo: Al Ahly Sporting Club was established in Cairo by Omar Lotfi as a pivotal institution for Egyptian students' unions. The club was created not just as a sports organization, but as a symbolic platform for resistance against colonial occupation. It became the first officially founded association football club in Egypt and Africa, marking a significant moment in the region's sporting and political history.
  • 1908 Devastating 1908 Tornado Outbreak in Louisiana and Mississippi: A catastrophic tornado struck Louisiana and Mississippi, causing unprecedented destruction. The massive tornado, measuring 2.5 miles wide and traveling 150 miles, resulted in 143 fatalities and 1,600 injuries. Major towns like Amite, Louisiana, and Purvis, Mississippi, were severely impacted, marking this as one of the deadliest tornado events in early 20th-century American history.
  • 1909 First Film Recorded During an Airplane Flight: At the Centocelle airfield in Italy, a pioneering camera operator accompanied aviation pioneer Wilbur Wright and successfully captured the first-ever motion picture footage from an aircraft. This groundbreaking moment marked a significant milestone in both aviation and cinematography, demonstrating the potential for aerial documentation and visual storytelling.
  • 1910 French Parliamentary Elections of 1910: French parliamentary elections were conducted on April 24, 1910, which resulted in a marginal strengthening of the ruling party's majority. Aristide Briand continued to serve as Prime Minister, maintaining political stability during this period of the Third French Republic.
  • 1911 American Intervention in Dominican Republic Presidential Arrest: On April 24, 1911, American military forces arrested Dominican Republic President Carlos Felipe Morales, his vice-president, and a high-ranking general in a significant display of U.S. military intervention in Caribbean political affairs. This event highlighted the United States' growing geopolitical influence in the early 20th century and its willingness to directly interfere in the internal political processes of smaller nations.
  • 1912 Barnsley FC Wins FA Cup: On April 24, 1912, Barnsley Football Club secured victory in the Football Association Challenge Cup (FA Cup), marking a significant achievement in the club's early history. This win represented an important moment in the club's sporting legacy.
  • 1913 The Woolworth Building, a skyscraper in New York City, is opened.
  • 1914 Ulster Volunteers' Gun Running Operation: On April 24, 1914, a significant arms smuggling event occurred in Ulster, Northern Ireland, where approximately 35,000 rifles and over 3 million rounds of ammunition were secretly imported from a German dealer. These weapons were landed at strategic coastal locations including Larne, Bangor, and Donaghadee by Unionist Ulster Volunteers, in preparation for potential conflict during the Home Rule crisis. This covert operation demonstrated the growing tensions and militant preparedness of Ulster Unionists who were determined to resist potential Irish independence and maintain their connection to the British Empire.
  • 1915 Armenian Genocide Begins: On April 24, 1915, the Young Turks initiated a systematic and horrific campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Armenian population within the Ottoman Empire. The genocide began with the targeted arrest and elimination of Armenian intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders in Constantinople (Istanbul), marking the start of a systematic attempt to annihilate the Armenian population.
  • 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin: On Easter Monday, the Irish Republican Brotherhood launched a significant armed uprising against British colonial rule in Dublin, Ireland. This rebellion was a pivotal moment in Ireland's struggle for independence, challenging centuries of British occupation and seeking to establish a sovereign Irish Republic.
  • 1917 Congress Passes First Liberty Bond Act: The United States Congress passed the First Liberty Bond Act, a critical financial measure to support the nation's war efforts during World War I. This act authorized the government to raise funds for military expenditures by selling war bonds to the public, enabling citizens to directly contribute to the national defense.
  • 1918 First Tank-to-Tank Combat in World War I: On April 24, 1918, during World War I, the first recorded tank-to-tank combat in military history occurred at Villers-Bretonneux, France. Three British Mark IV tanks encountered three German A7V tanks in a historic engagement that marked a significant milestone in armored warfare. This battle demonstrated the emerging importance of tanks as a decisive military technology and foreshadowed the future of mechanized combat.
  • 1919 Paris Peace Conference: Strategic Meeting at Lloyd George's Residence: A pivotal diplomatic gathering took place at British Prime Minister David Lloyd George's residence at 23 Rue Nitot in Paris. Representatives from the major Allied powers - the United States, France, the British Empire, and Italy - convened to discuss critical post-World War I negotiations. The meeting focused on diplomatic representation, particularly concerning Italy's role and participation in the upcoming Versailles Treaty negotiations. This session was a crucial moment in shaping the geopolitical landscape of Europe following the First World War.
  • 1920 British Mandate Over Palestine Established: The British Mandate for Palestine officially begins, marking a significant geopolitical transformation in the Middle East. This mandate, authorized by the League of Nations, grants Britain administrative control over the territory, which would have profound implications for the region's future political landscape and the eventual establishment of Israel.
  • 1921 Tyrol Plebiscite for German Annexation: On April 24, 1921, residents of the Austrian state of Tyrol participated in a plebiscite, voting overwhelmingly in favor of becoming part of Germany, reflecting the complex territorial and national identity tensions in post-World War I Europe.
  • 1922 Imperial Wireless Chain Connects England and Egypt: A significant milestone in global communication was achieved on April 24, 1922, with the first operational segment of the Imperial Wireless Chain. This groundbreaking telecommunications infrastructure established wireless telegraphy connectivity between Leafield, Oxfordshire in England and Cairo, Egypt, representing a major advancement in long-distance communication technology during the early 20th century.
  • 1923 Schick Electric Shaver Patent: Colonel Jacob Schick successfully patented his innovative electric shaver design, marking a pivotal moment in personal grooming technology that would revolutionize men's daily hygiene routines.
  • 1924 Thorvald Stauning Becomes Danish Prime Minister: Thorvald Stauning of the Social Democratic Party became the Prime Minister of Denmark, succeeding Niels Neergaard after his party secured a majority in the Danish parliament. This marked a significant moment in Danish political history, representing a shift towards social democratic governance.
  • 1925 Death of G. Stanley Hall, Pioneer of Psychology: G. Stanley Hall, a groundbreaking American psychologist who was the first person in the United States to earn a doctorate in psychology, passed away at the age of 78. Hall was a significant figure in the early development of psychology as an academic discipline, founding the first research laboratory in psychology in the United States and serving as the first president of the American Psychological Association. His work significantly influenced child development studies and educational psychology.
  • 1926 Treaty of Berlin between Germany and Soviet Union: Germany and the Soviet Union signed a significant diplomatic agreement in Berlin, pledging mutual neutrality in the event of an attack by a third party. This treaty represents an important strategic alignment between two nations often viewed as ideological opposites during the interwar period.
  • 1927 Great Mississippi Flood of 1927: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 was a catastrophic natural disaster that inundated approximately 700,000 people across the Mississippi River Valley. This unprecedented flooding caused massive destruction, displaced hundreds of thousands of residents, and became a pivotal moment in U.S. environmental and social history, highlighting the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events.
  • 1928 Canadian Supreme Court Denies Women's Senate Eligibility: In a landmark and controversial decision, the Supreme Court of Canada unanimously ruled that women were not considered 'persons' under Section 24 of the British North America Act. This ruling effectively prevented women from being appointed to the Senate, representing a significant legal setback for women's rights in Canada.
  • 1929 Historic England-to-India Non-Stop Flight Launched: On April 24, 1929, a pioneering aviation milestone was achieved when the first non-stop flight from England to India took off, demonstrating the expanding capabilities of long-distance air travel during the early 20th century. This groundbreaking journey represented a significant advancement in aviation technology and international connectivity.
  • 1930 Marriage of Edda Mussolini and Galeazzo Ciano: On April 24, 1930, Edda Mussolini, daughter of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, married Count Galeazzo Ciano in a ceremony at the Church of San Giuseppe in Rome, Italy. Galeazzo Ciano was a prominent Fascist politician who would later serve as Italy's Foreign Minister and was a son-in-law to Mussolini. Their marriage was a significant union within the inner circle of the Fascist regime, symbolizing the close personal and political ties of the era.
  • 1931 Roosevelt Vetoes Medicinal Liquor Prescription Bill: During the Prohibition era, New York Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt exercised his executive power by vetoing a state legislative bill that would have permitted physicians to prescribe alcoholic beverages for medicinal purposes. This decision reflected the complex legal and social landscape surrounding alcohol consumption and medical practice during the early 1930s.
  • 1932 Nazi Party Electoral Success in Prussia: In a significant political development, the Nazi Party (NSDAP) secured 36.3 percent of the vote in the Prussian regional elections, demonstrating their growing political influence in Germany during the tumultuous Weimar Republic period.
  • 1933 Nazi Germany Begins Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses: On April 24, 1933, Nazi Germany escalated its systematic oppression by shutting down the Watch Tower Society office in Magdeburg, marking the beginning of a coordinated campaign of religious persecution against Jehovah's Witnesses throughout the country.
  • 1934 Hammond Organ Patent Revolutionizes Musical Instrumentation: On April 24, 1934, inventor Laurens Hammond secured a groundbreaking patent for the Hammond organ, an innovative electrical musical instrument that would dramatically transform the landscape of music production. The Hammond organ utilized an electromechanical design that generated sound through tone wheels and electrical components, offering musicians unprecedented versatility and a distinctive sound that would become iconic in genres like jazz, rock, gospel, and blues.
  • 1935 Legendary Moscow Embassy Spring Ball: William Christian Bullitt, Jr., the US ambassador to the Soviet Union, hosted an extraordinary diplomatic event known as the Spring Ball of the Full Moon. This lavish party was renowned for its unprecedented scale and sophistication, setting a new standard for diplomatic social gatherings in Moscow during the mid-1930s. The event was notable not just for its opulence, but also for its potential diplomatic significance during a complex period of US-Soviet relations.
  • 1936 Empress Mennen's Radio Broadcast: On April 24, 1936, the Empress Mennen delivered a significant radio broadcast, which was subsequently documented in a diplomatic dispatch from the national legation. This rare public address by the imperial leader likely provided insights into the political climate and royal perspectives of the time.
  • 1937 Belgium Withdraws from Locarno Treaties Security Obligations: On April 24, 1937, Britain and France granted Belgium permission to withdraw from its security commitments under the Locarno Treaties. This diplomatic decision effectively released Belgium from its previously established defensive obligations, reflecting the growing tensions and uncertainty in European geopolitics during the lead-up to World War II.
  • 1938 Konstantin Päts Becomes President of Estonia: On April 24, 1938, Konstantin Päts was officially inaugurated as the President of Estonia, solidifying his political leadership during a critical period of Estonian history. Päts was a key political figure who played a significant role in Estonia's early independence and governance.
  • 1939 Bolivian Presidential Coup: Germán Busch Seizes Power: On April 24, 1939, Bolivian President Germán Busch dramatically dissolved the Constituent Assembly and unilaterally assumed dictatorial powers, effectively ending democratic processes in Bolivia. This action represented a significant shift in the country's political landscape, marking a period of authoritarian governance.
  • 1940 British and French Troops Trapped at Dunkirk: A critical moment in World War II unfolded as British and French troops found themselves surrounded and trapped near Dunkirk, France. This dire situation prompted the initiation of Operation Dynamo, a massive maritime evacuation effort that would become one of the most remarkable rescue missions in military history.
  • 1941 Operation Demon: British Evacuation from Greece: The United Kingdom initiates Operation Demon, beginning the strategic evacuation of Allied forces from Greece in the face of German invasion.
  • 1942 Sinking of British Cargo Ship Empire Drum: The British cargo ship Empire Drum was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic Ocean southeast of New York by German submarine U-136. This event was part of the ongoing Battle of the Atlantic during World War II, highlighting the significant maritime warfare of the period.
  • 1944 First B-29 Arrives in China: The first Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber successfully completed the challenging flight over the Himalayan mountain range, known as 'the Hump', to reach Allied bases in China, significantly expanding the strategic air capabilities in the Pacific Theater.
  • 1945 Elbe Day: US and Soviet Troops Meet: United States and Soviet troops link up at the Elbe River, symbolically cutting Nazi Germany in two and signaling the imminent end of World War II in Europe.
  • 1946 Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: Eleven legendary baseball players were inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to the sport. The inductees included notable names such as Tinker, Evers, Chance, Burkett, McCarthy, Waddell, Plank, Walsh, Chesbro, Griffith, and McGinnity, representing various eras and achievements in baseball history.
  • 1947 Stern Gang Attack on British Police in Palestine: On April 24, 1947, a violent incident occurred during the Jewish insurgency in British-controlled Palestine, where an explosion at the police barracks in Sarona resulted in the deaths of four British policemen and wounded six others. The attack was attributed to the Stern Gang, a Jewish paramilitary organization fighting against British colonial rule and seeking to establish a Jewish state.
  • 1948 Costa Rican Civil War Concludes: The Costa Rican Civil War ended in victory for the National Liberation Army, marking a significant turning point in Costa Rican political history. The 44-day conflict resulted in approximately 2,000 casualties and fundamentally reshaped the nation's political landscape. The war was primarily fought between the government forces and the opposition led by José Figueres Ferrer, ultimately leading to substantial democratic reforms.
  • 1949 3rd Tony Awards Highlights: At the 3rd Annual Tony Awards, two significant Broadway productions were honored: 'Death of a Salesman' and 'Kiss Me Kate' emerged as major winners, highlighting the theatrical achievements of the year.
  • 1950 South Africa Passes Group Areas Act: The South African government passes the Group Areas Act, a key legislation of the apartheid system that legally mandated racial segregation in residential and business areas.
  • 1951 Devastating Train Fire in Yokohama, Japan: On April 24, 1951, a catastrophic fire erupted on a train in Yokohama, Japan, resulting in the tragic loss of over 100 lives. The incident highlighted the significant safety challenges in mid-20th century rail transportation and prompted subsequent improvements in train safety protocols and emergency response systems.
  • 1952 US Policy Statement on Arab States and Israel: The National Security Council adopted a comprehensive Statement of Policy regarding United States objectives and diplomatic approach towards Arab states and Israel. This strategic document was developed with direct presidential oversight and formally approved by the President on April 24, 1952, signaling a critical moment in Cold War-era Middle Eastern geopolitical strategy.
  • 1953 Winston Churchill Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II: On April 24, 1953, Winston Churchill was formally knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle in a prestigious ceremony recognizing his extraordinary leadership during World War II and his significant contributions to British history. As Prime Minister during the critical years of World War II, Churchill was instrumental in guiding the United Kingdom through one of its most challenging periods, making his knighthood a symbolic recognition of his national service.
  • 1954 First American Civilian Pilot Wounded in Indochina: P.R. Holden becomes the first American civilian pilot to be wounded during military operations in Indochina, highlighting the growing American involvement in the region prior to the Vietnam War.
  • 1955 Bandung Conference Concludes: The historic Bandung Conference concluded, bringing together twenty-nine non-aligned nations from Asia and Africa. The conference was a landmark event that strongly condemned colonialism, racism, and the ongoing tensions of the Cold War. Delegates from newly independent and emerging nations united to assert their sovereignty and challenge the existing global power structures.
  • 1956 Egypt Nationalizes Suez Canal: In a significant geopolitical move, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser announced the nationalization of the Suez Canal, a critical maritime route connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. This decision dramatically altered international relations, challenging British and French colonial interests and triggering a major international crisis that would reshape Middle Eastern politics.
  • 1957 Suez Canal Reopens After International Peacekeeping Intervention: The Suez Canal was reopened following the deployment of United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) peacekeepers to the region, marking a significant diplomatic resolution to the Suez Crisis and restoring international maritime transit.
  • 1958 Dion and the Belmonts Debut Single Release: Dion and the Belmonts released their first single, 'I Wonder Why,' backed with 'Teen Angel,' marking the beginning of their influential rock and roll career. This release would help establish the group as a significant musical act in the late 1950s doo-wop and rock scene.
  • 1959 Shan States Merger in Burma: The government of Burma (now Myanmar) consolidated the 34 independent Shan States into a single administrative region. This political reorganization was a significant step in the country's post-colonial administrative restructuring, potentially impacting local governance and ethnic dynamics.
  • 1960 Civil Rights Confrontation in Biloxi: A significant civil rights incident occurred in Biloxi, Mississippi, where Black protesters conducting a peaceful 'wade-in' at a segregated beach were violently attacked by a hostile white crowd. This event highlighted the intense racial tensions and systemic discrimination prevalent in the American South during the early Civil Rights Movement.
  • 1961 JFK Accepts Responsibility for Bay of Pigs Invasion Failure: President John F. Kennedy publicly accepted full responsibility for the failed Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba, a significant moment of presidential accountability during the Cold War era. This candid admission came after a disastrous CIA-backed attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro's communist government.
  • 1962 Soviet Leadership Reaffirmed: In a significant political event, Nikita Khrushchev was re-elected as Premier of the Soviet Union during a joint session of the Supreme Soviet in Moscow. Simultaneously, Leonid Brezhnev was re-elected as First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, solidifying their leadership roles during the Cold War era.
  • 1963 Boston Celtics Win NBA Championship: The Boston Celtics clinch their 17th NBA Championship by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 2, further solidifying their dominance in professional basketball during the 1960s.
  • 1964 Gold Certificate Ownership Restrictions Lifted: Treasury Secretary C. Douglas Dillon removed all restrictions on ownership of gold certificates, a significant financial policy change that expanded economic freedoms for American citizens.
  • 1965 Dominican Republic Civil War Erupts: A complex civil war breaks out in the Dominican Republic when civilians, led by Colonel Francisco Caamaño and other military members, overthrow the existing triumvirate government. This conflict stems from the previous coup that had removed democratically elected President Juan Bosch in 1963, highlighting the political instability in the country.
  • 1966 North America Adopts Uniform Daylight Saving Time: Most parts of North America first observed uniform daylight saving time, standardizing time management across the continent.
  • 1967 First Human Fatality in Space: Vladimir Komarov's Tragic Soyuz 1 Mission: Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov became the first human to die during a space mission when the Soyuz 1 spacecraft experienced a catastrophic parachute failure during re-entry. His death was a significant moment in the early history of space exploration, highlighting the immense risks faced by pioneering astronauts and cosmonauts.
  • 1968 Columbia University Student Protest: Leftist students take over Columbia University in New York City, marking a significant moment of student activism during the tumultuous late 1960s.
  • 1969 US Bombing Campaign in Cambodia: American B-52 bombers conducted a significant bombing raid, dropping 3,000 tons of explosives near the Cambodian border, escalating the Vietnam War's military operations.
  • 1970 China Launches First Satellite Dong Fang Hong I: On April 24, 1970, the People's Republic of China successfully launched its first satellite, Dong Fang Hong I, becoming the fifth nation in the world to independently place an object into orbit using its own rocket technology. This milestone marked a significant achievement in China's space exploration and technological capabilities, demonstrating the country's growing scientific prowess during the Cold War era.
  • 1971 Massive Anti-Vietnam War Protest in Washington D.C.: A historic demonstration against the Vietnam War, with approximately 175,000 protesters gathering in Washington D.C. This event represented the largest anti-war protest in American history at the time, reflecting growing public dissent and opposition to U.S. military involvement in Vietnam.
  • 1972 Father's Day Officially Recognized in the United States: President Richard Nixon officially granted national recognition to Father's Day, establishing it as a permanent national holiday to be celebrated on the third Sunday of June. This proclamation formalized the celebration of fathers and paternal bonds in American culture, providing official federal acknowledgment to a tradition that had been informally observed for decades.
  • 1973 Birth of Sachin Tendulkar: Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar was born, who would become one of the most celebrated cricketers in history. Known as the 'Little Master', he was a prodigy who became the Indian national cricket team captain at age 23 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.
  • 1974 Stasi Spy Scandal in West German Government: Günter Guillaume, a close aide to West German Chancellor Willy Brandt, was exposed as a Stasi spy, leading to a significant political crisis. The investigation into Guillaume's espionage activities began on April 24, 1974, ultimately resulting in his exposure and having major implications for West German politics during the Cold War.
  • 1975 United States Nuclear Testing: The United States conducted a nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site on April 24, 1975, as part of its ongoing nuclear weapons research and development program during the Cold War era.
  • 1976 First Human Fatality in Space Mission: Vladimir Komarov: On April 24, 1976, Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov became the first human to die during a space mission when the parachute of his Soyuz 1 spacecraft catastrophically failed during re-entry. Komarov's tragic death was a pivotal moment in space exploration history, highlighting the immense risks faced by early astronauts and cosmonauts in humanity's quest to explore space.
  • 1977 Carlos Beltran Birth: Carlos Beltran, a prominent Puerto Rican Major League Baseball player, was born. He would later become a highly respected athlete known for his exceptional skills in baseball, playing for multiple teams including the New York Mets and New York Yankees.
  • 1978 Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger Becomes Pope Benedict XVI: On April 24, 2005, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was inaugurated as the 265th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the papal name Pope Benedict XVI. His election followed the death of Pope John Paul II and marked a significant moment in the modern history of the Catholic Church. Pope Benedict XVI would serve until his historic resignation in 2013, becoming the first pope to voluntarily resign since Gregory XII in 1415.
  • 1979 Rhodesian Bishop Muzorewa Wins General Election: On April 24, 1979, Bishop Abel Muzorewa won the general election in Rhodesia, marking a pivotal moment in the country's political transition. This election represented a critical step towards Zimbabwe's independence, with Muzorewa becoming the first Black leader of the nation after years of white minority rule.
  • 1980 Operation Eagle Claw Disaster: A catastrophic U.S. military rescue mission to save 52 American hostages in Iran ended in tragic failure. During the operation, eight U.S. servicemen lost their lives in a mid-air helicopter collision, highlighting the complex geopolitical tensions of the Iran hostage crisis and the challenges of complex military rescue operations.
  • 1981 IBM Personal Computer Introduced: IBM launches its first personal computer (IBM PC), a groundbreaking moment in personal computing history that would revolutionize the technology industry and set standards for future personal computer design.
  • 1982 British Military Action in South Atlantic: British forces invade South Georgia, one of the southern Atlantic islands, after a three-day delay caused by adverse weather conditions. This action was part of the broader Falklands War conflict with Argentina.
  • 1983 Austrian Parliamentary Election: The Austrian Socialist Party experienced a significant electoral defeat in the parliamentary elections, marking a potential shift in the country's political landscape.
  • 1984 X-Class Solar Flare Event: A powerful X-class solar flare is released by the sun, with potential to cause significant disruptions to Earth's communication systems, including possible blackouts and radio interference.
  • 1985 West German Holocaust Denial Law: The West German Parliament passed a landmark legislation making Holocaust denial illegal, a critical step in confronting historical atrocities and preventing the spread of harmful historical revisionism.
  • 1986 Death of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor: Wallis Simpson, the American socialite who became the Duchess of Windsor after her marriage to King Edward VIII, passed away. Her controversial romance with Edward led to his abdication from the British throne in 1936, dramatically altering the course of British royal history.
  • 1987 Palm Bay Shopping Mall Mass Shooting: A devastating mass shooting occurred at the Palm Bay Shopping Mall in Florida, where 60-year-old William Cruse went on a violent rampage. He killed 6 people and wounded 15 others, holding hostages for 8 hours before being captured by law enforcement. This tragic event highlighted issues of gun violence and public safety in the late 1980s.
  • 1988 USS Bonefish Fire Incident: A tragic maritime disaster occurred when a fire broke out aboard the submarine USS Bonefish off the coast of Florida. The incident resulted in the loss of three sailors' lives and left 22 others injured, highlighting the inherent risks in naval operations.
  • 1989 Tiananmen Square Student Protests Begin: Tens of thousands of students initiate large-scale protests in Beijing, marking the beginning of a significant pro-democracy movement that would culminate in the Tiananmen Square protests in June 1989.
  • 1990 Hubble Space Telescope Launch: NASA launched the Hubble Space Telescope aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery during mission STS-31, a groundbreaking moment in astronomical observation and space exploration.
  • 1991 Freddie Stowers Receives Posthumous Medal of Honor: Freddie Stowers, an African American soldier who served in World War I, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the war. This recognition came 73 years after his original recommendation, highlighting the historical delays in acknowledging the contributions of Black soldiers.
  • 1992 David Bowie Marries Iman in Switzerland: Rock legend David Bowie married supermodel Iman in an intimate, private wedding ceremony in Switzerland. The high-profile couple, who had been dating since 1990, kept their nuptials relatively secret, with news of the wedding not being publicly announced until over a week after the event.
  • 1993 Death of Oliver Tambo, Anti-Apartheid Leader: Oliver Tambo, a prominent South African anti-apartheid activist, politician, and key leader of the African National Congress (ANC), passed away. Tambo played a crucial role in the international struggle against apartheid and was instrumental in building global support for the liberation movement.
  • 1994 Johannesburg Bombing: A devastating bomb attack in the center of Johannesburg kills 9 people, highlighting ongoing tensions and violence in South Africa during the early post-apartheid period.
  • 1995 Unabomber Kills Lobbyist in Package Bomb Attack: A package bomb linked to the Unabomber terrorist Theodore Kaczynski exploded in Sacramento, California, killing Gilbert B. Murray, a prominent lobbyist for the wood products industry. This attack was part of Kaczynski's long-running domestic terrorism campaign targeting individuals he believed represented technological and industrial society.
  • 1996 PLO and Israel Mutually Drop Controversial Clauses: In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Yasser Arafat leads the Palestine Liberation Organization to drop its clause calling for Israel's removal. In response, the Israeli government reciprocates by removing a similar clause regarding Palestine's existence, signaling potential progress towards peace.
  • 1997 Battle of Mühlberg: A significant military engagement where Duke of Alba, commanding Spanish-Imperial forces of Charles I of Spain, decisively defeats the troops of the Schmalkaldic League, marking a crucial moment in the religious and political conflicts of 16th-century Europe.
  • 1998 UN Security Council Maintains Iraq Sanctions: The United Nations Security Council maintained economic sanctions against Iraq, disregarding Baghdad's threats to disrupt future arms inspections. This decision underscored the international community's commitment to monitoring Iraq's weapons programs in the late 1990s.
  • 2000 Microsoft Antitrust Lawsuit Ruling: U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson ruled that Microsoft displayed anticompetitive behavior, siding with the government on key points in a landmark antitrust case that challenged the software giant's market dominance.
  • 2001 Passing of Prominent Civil Rights Leader Leon Sullivan: Reverend Leon Sullivan, a pioneering African American pastor and influential civil rights activist born in 1922, died on April 24, 2001. Sullivan was renowned for his significant contributions to social justice, economic empowerment, and anti-apartheid movements in the United States and globally.
  • 2003 Microsoft Releases Windows Server 2003: Microsoft launched Windows Server 2003, a significant enterprise server operating system that would play a crucial role in business computing infrastructure for several years.
  • 2004 Deadly Attacks in Baghdad: A bomb at Sadr City Market in Baghdad killed twelve Iraqis. In a separate incident, five US soldiers were killed in a rocket attack on a military base, highlighting the ongoing violence and instability in Iraq during the post-invasion period.
  • 2005 Inauguration of Pope Benedict XVI: Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was formally installed as the 265th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the papal name Benedict XVI during a significant ceremony in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City. As a German theologian, he was known for his conservative theological stance and succeeded Pope John Paul II.
  • 2006 Enron Trial: Ken Lay Testifies: Ken Lay, former chairman of Enron Corporation, takes the stand in his own defense during the criminal trial in Houston, a pivotal moment in one of the most significant corporate fraud cases in U.S. history.
  • 2007 U.S. Squadron Attacked in Iraq: A devastating suicide bombing attack on an American military post in Diyala, Iraq, resulted in nine U.S. soldiers killed and at least 20 wounded, highlighting the ongoing violence and challenges in the region.
  • 2008 Assassination Attempt on Afghan President: Afghan President Hamid Karzai survived an assassination attempt by suspected Taliban militants during a national day parade, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan.
  • 2009 WHO Warns of Swine Flu Spread: The World Health Organization expressed serious concern about the rapid international spread of influenza originating from Mexico and the United States, confirming international cases and potential fatalities. This marked the early stages of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.
  • 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Leak Confirmed: The U.S. Coast Guard discovered that approximately 1,000 barrels of oil per day are leaking from the well beneath the Deepwater Horizon oil rig that burst off the coast of Louisiana on April 20, marking the beginning of one of the most significant environmental disasters in U.S. history.
  • 2011 Hosni Mubarak Faces Trial: Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who was ousted from power during the popular revolt in February 2011, will be transferred to a military hospital in Cairo under pressure to face trial for corruption and killing protesters.
  • 2012 Arab Spring: Ongoing series of pro-democracy uprisings and political protests across several Middle Eastern and North African countries, challenging authoritarian regimes and seeking political reforms.
  • 2013 2013 Savar Building Collapse in Bangladesh: A catastrophic building collapse occurred in Savar Upazila, near Dhaka, Bangladesh, resulting in a massive loss of life. The eight-story commercial structure crumbled, killing 1,129 people and injuring approximately 2,500 others, making it one of the deadliest industrial accidents in modern history.
  • 2014 US Threatens Sanctions Against Russia: The United States accused Moscow of deliberately fomenting unrest in Eastern Ukraine. President Obama warned of potential additional economic sanctions against Russia in response to its perceived interference.
  • 2015 Armenia Commemorates Armenian Genocide Centennial: Armenia marked the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, remembering the systematic extermination of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during World War I, a pivotal moment in historical recognition of this tragic event.
  • 2016 ISIL Rocket Attack on Turkish Neighborhood: ISIL militants launched rockets into a Turkish neighborhood and mosque in Kilis, resulting in one person killed and 26 injured. Turkish security forces responded by firing into Syria in retaliation.
  • 2017 Peggy Whitson Breaks NASA Space Endurance Record: NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson set a new record for the most consecutive days spent in space, reaching 534 days and demonstrating remarkable human endurance in space exploration.
  • 2018 Toronto Van Attack: Alex Minassian was charged in Toronto with ten murders and thirteen attempted murders after deliberately driving a van into pedestrians, causing significant loss of life and injury.
  • 2019 Kim Jong Un Visits Russia for Diplomatic Talks: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled by train to Vladivostok, Russia, to engage in high-level diplomatic discussions with President Vladimir Putin. This marked a significant diplomatic interaction between the two nations, potentially addressing geopolitical tensions and strategic cooperation.
  • 2020 United States Surpasses 50,000 COVID-19 Deaths: According to Johns Hopkins University data, the United States recorded over 50,000 deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic, marking a significant milestone in the country's battle against the virus.
  • 2021 Global COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign and Viral Mutations: In 2021, the world witnessed a critical phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, characterized by the widespread distribution of multiple vaccine types and the emergence of new viral variants. As vaccination efforts ramped up globally, pharmaceutical companies and health organizations worked tirelessly to develop and distribute vaccines to combat the spread of the virus. Simultaneously, the SARS-CoV-2 virus demonstrated its ability to mutate, with variants like Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta emerging and posing new challenges to public health strategies. These mutations raised concerns about vaccine efficacy and transmission rates, prompting ongoing research and adaptive medical responses.
  • 2022 French Presidential Election: Macron Secures Second Term: French President Emmanuel Macron won re-election, defeating far-right challenger Marine Le Pen with a decisive 58% of the votes. This victory reinforced Macron's centrist political platform and prevented a potential shift towards nationalist policies in France.
  • 2023 War in Sudan: Swiss Embassy Evacuation: Intense armed conflict erupts in Sudan, specifically in Khartoum, leading Switzerland to suspend all diplomatic operations and initiate evacuation of foreign nationals amid escalating violence.

What Is special about April 24?

April 24 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about April 24.