Historical Events on September 28: 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 September 28, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

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Events on September 28 - Key Moments Throughout History

  • 1900 Uneventful Day in Global History: September 28, 1900, appears to be a relatively quiet day in world history, with no significant documented events recorded in major historical archives. This was during the early years of the 20th century, a period of significant global transitions including the Second Industrial Revolution and the lead-up to major geopolitical shifts.
  • 1901 Balangiga Massacre during Philippine-American War: On September 28, 1901, a significant and brutal conflict occurred in Balangiga, Samar, during the Philippine-American War. Filipino resistance fighters launched a surprise attack on an occupying unit of the US 9th Infantry Regiment. The attack was initiated when Filipino Chief of Police Valeriano Abanador seized and shot Private Adolph Gamlin, then signaled local fighters with church bells. Armed with traditional bolo knives, the Filipino fighters killed dozens of American soldiers, including Captain Thomas Connell and two other officers. Only a few American soldiers managed to escape to a nearby stationed company in Basey.
  • 1902 New Orleans Streetcar Workers Strike for Better Conditions: On September 28, 1902, approximately 1,800 streetcar workers in New Orleans, Louisiana, initiated a labor strike demanding improved working conditions. This collective action highlighted the growing labor movement in the early 20th century United States, where workers were increasingly organizing to challenge poor workplace standards and seek fair treatment from employers.
  • 1903 Death of Samuel A. Ward, Composer of 'America the Beautiful': Samuel A. Ward, an accomplished American organist and composer, passed away. He is best remembered for composing the iconic melody for 'America the Beautiful,' a patriotic hymn that would become one of the most beloved songs in the United States, often considered an alternative national anthem.
  • 1904 Woman Arrested for Public Smoking in New York City: On September 28, 1904, a woman was arrested for smoking a cigarette in a car on 5th Avenue in New York City, highlighting the strict social norms and gender expectations of the early 20th century. At the time, public smoking by women was considered highly scandalous and socially unacceptable, reflecting the conservative attitudes towards women's behavior in public spaces.
  • 1905 Suez Canal Blockage Cleared by Explosive Removal: On September 28, 1905, a significant maritime engineering challenge was resolved when the sunken steamship Chatham, which was blocking the critical Suez Canal, was strategically cleared using an explosive method. The operation involved detonating approximately 90 tons of dynamite to remove the vessel, thereby restoring maritime traffic through this crucial international shipping route connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.
  • 1906 US Military Intervention in Cuba: United States military forces reoccupied Cuba, establishing a significant period of American control and oversight of the island nation. This intervention was part of the broader U.S. policy of maintaining political and economic influence in the Caribbean region during the early 20th century. The troops remained stationed in Cuba until 1909, effectively managing the country's governance and internal affairs during this period.
  • 1907 Birth of Bhagat Singh: Bhagat Singh, a revolutionary Indian independence activist, was born. He would become a pivotal figure in India's struggle against British colonial rule, known for his radical political activism and significant influence on the Indian independence movement.
  • 1908 Great Musi Flood in Hyderabad: On September 28, 1908, a catastrophic flood struck Hyderabad, India, when the Musi River breached its banks after unprecedented rainfall. The disaster resulted in over 15,000 fatalities and widespread destruction of property, infrastructure, and urban landscape. This event was one of the most devastating natural calamities in the city's history, leading to significant changes in urban planning and flood management strategies in the region.
  • 1909 Birth of Al Capp, Renowned Cartoonist: Alfred Gerald Caplin, better known as Al Capp, was born in New Haven, Connecticut. He would go on to become a famous American cartoonist, best known for creating the iconic comic strip 'Li'l Abner', which ran from 1934 to 1977 and was celebrated for its satirical humor and social commentary.
  • 1910 Birth of Two Notable Filipino Figures: On September 28, 1910, two significant Filipino personalities were born: Diosdado Macapagal, who would later become the 9th President of the Philippines, and Wenceslao Vinzons, a prominent politician and resistance leader during World War II.
  • 1911 Italian Ultimatum to Ottoman Empire: On September 28, 1911, Italy presented the Ottoman government with a provocative diplomatic ultimatum demanding occupation rights in Tripolitania and Cyrenaica (modern-day Libya). The Italians fabricated a pretext of protecting Italian citizens from alleged Muslim extremist threats. When the Ottomans cautiously rebuffed the ultimatum while expressing openness to negotiations, Italy escalated tensions by declaring war on September 29, 1911, marking the beginning of the Italo-Turkish War.
  • 1912 First Published Blues Song: W. C. Handy published 'The Memphis Blues' on September 28, 1912, a groundbreaking moment in American musical history. This publication is widely considered the first commercially published blues song, helping to formalize and popularize the blues genre that would profoundly influence 20th-century music.
  • 1913 Uneventful Day in 1913: While no specific significant historical events were recorded for September 28, 1913, this does not mean the day was entirely without merit. In the early 20th century, global developments in politics, technology, and society were rapidly unfolding. The year 1913 itself was a pivotal time, occurring just before the outbreak of World War I, with major powers experiencing significant social and political transformations.
  • 1914 German Invasion of Antwerp: German military forces advanced into the strategic Belgian city of Antwerp during World War I, marking a significant moment in the early stages of the conflict. The invasion represented a critical military operation that would have profound implications for the Western Front.
  • 1915 Italy Enters World War I: Italy officially declared war on Austria-Hungary, strategically aligning with the Allied Powers and significantly expanding the geographical and political scope of World War I.
  • 1916 Italy Enters World War I Against Germany: Italy officially declared war on Germany during World War I, further escalating the complex geopolitical tensions of the conflict. This declaration marked a significant shift in the war's alliances and strategic dynamics.
  • 1917 Birth of Audree Wilson, Mother of The Beach Boys: Audree Wilson was born on September 28, 1917, and would later become the mother of three founding members of the iconic American rock band The Beach Boys: Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson. Her influence on her children's musical career was significant, as she encouraged their early musical interests and supported their artistic development. She passed away in 1997, leaving behind a legacy of musical heritage.
  • 1918 Anglo-Belgian Offensive in Flanders: A successful Allied attack under King Albert's command covered a 23-mile front from Dixmude to Ploegsteert. The offensive resulted in the capture of Houthhulst Forest and the taking of over 4,000 German prisoners, marking a significant tactical victory.
  • 1919 Lynching of Will Brown: Will Brown, an African American man, was brutally lynched by a white mob in Omaha, Nebraska. He was burned alive in a horrific act of racial violence, symbolizing the extreme racism and injustice prevalent during this period of American history. The incident was a stark representation of the systemic racism and lack of legal protection for African Americans.
  • 1920 Black Sox Scandal: White Sox Players Indicted: Eight players from the Chicago White Sox were formally indicted for conspiring to deliberately lose the 1919 World Series in exchange for monetary bribes, marking one of the most infamous moments in baseball history.
  • 1921 International Humanitarian Relief for Russian Famine: A major international humanitarian effort commenced to address the severe famine in Russia. A total of 28,000 tons of food were loaded onto trains in Riga, Latvia, with contributions from the United States (20,000 tons) and various European nations (8,000 tons), demonstrating global solidarity during a humanitarian crisis.
  • 1922 Discovery of Penicillin: Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming makes a groundbreaking discovery when he notices a bacteria-killing mold in his laboratory, which would later be recognized as the first observation leading to the development of penicillin - a revolutionary antibiotic that would save millions of lives and transform modern medicine.
  • 1923 Abyssinia Leaves League of Nations: On September 28, 1923, Ethiopia (then known as Abyssinia) officially withdrew its membership from the League of Nations, marking an early diplomatic protest against international governance structures of the time.
  • 1924 First Aerial Circumnavigation of the Globe: The United States Army successfully completed the first aerial circumnavigation of the globe, flying from Seattle and returning after making 57 stops around the world. This historic flight demonstrated the emerging capabilities of military aviation and long-distance aerial travel in the early 20th century.
  • 1925 Birth of Robert G. Edwards, Pioneer of In Vitro Fertilization: Robert G. Edwards, a groundbreaking British physiologist, was born on September 28, 1925. He would later become renowned for his revolutionary work in reproductive medicine, specifically developing in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques. His pioneering research ultimately helped millions of infertile couples worldwide conceive children and earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2010.
  • 1926 Russia-Latvia Neutrality Treaty: On September 28, 1926, the Soviet Union (Russia) and Latvia signed a bilateral treaty of neutrality, establishing a diplomatic agreement of non-aggression and mutual respect during the interwar period. This treaty was significant in maintaining regional stability and defining diplomatic relations between the two countries in the aftermath of World War I.
  • 1928 Discovery of Penicillin: Sir Alexander Fleming, a Scottish medical researcher, notices a bacteria-killing mold growing in his laboratory, which would later revolutionize modern medicine by leading to the development of penicillin, the first antibiotic that could effectively treat numerous bacterial infections.
  • 1929 Child Marriage Restraint Act Amendment in India: A landmark legislative reform was passed in India establishing minimum marriage ages: no man below 18 and no woman below 16 could legally marry. This significant social welfare legislation aimed to protect young individuals from early marriage and its associated social and health risks.
  • 1930 Hack Wilson Sets RBI Record: Hack Wilson of the Chicago Cubs set an extraordinary single-season Major League Baseball record by accumulating 191 RBIs (Runs Batted In) during a 13-11 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, a record that remarkably still stands today.
  • 1931 Denmark Abandons Gold Standard: Denmark officially abandoned the gold standard, a significant monetary policy decision reflecting the global economic challenges of the early 1930s during the Great Depression.
  • 1932 Birth of Víctor Jara, Chilean Folk Singer and Activist: Víctor Jara, a renowned Chilean folk singer, theatre director, and political activist, was born on this day. He would later become a significant cultural icon and symbol of resistance against political oppression in Chile, tragically murdered in 1973 during the military coup led by Augusto Pinochet.
  • 1933 Critical Warning About Jewish Deportations in Denmark: German diplomat Georg Duckwitz courageously warned the Jewish community in Denmark about imminent Nazi deportation plans, a pivotal moment that would ultimately help save many Danish Jews from the Holocaust.
  • 1934 Birth of Brigitte Bardot: Brigitte Bardot, an iconic French actress, model, and pioneering animal rights activist, was born in Paris, France. She would later become a global sex symbol and cultural icon of the 1950s and 1960s, known for her roles in films like 'And God Created Woman' and her significant influence on fashion and popular culture.
  • 1935 Destructive Cuba Hurricane of 1935: On September 28, 1935, a powerful hurricane made landfall in Camagüey Province, Cuba, causing significant damage and disruption. This tropical cyclone was particularly notable for its intensity and impact on the region.
  • 1936 NFL Game Between Brooklyn Dodgers and Boston Redskins: On September 28, 1936, the Brooklyn Dodgers and Boston Redskins played a notable NFL game characterized by its unique absence of penalties. This rare occurrence highlights the sportsmanship and disciplined play of both teams during this early era of professional football.
  • 1937 League of Nations Condemns Japanese Bombing: The League of Nations officially condemned the Japanese bombing of Chinese cities, marking an international diplomatic response to the escalating conflict between Japan and China during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
  • 1938 Munich Conference Preparations: As his self-imposed October 1 deadline for occupation of the Sudetenland approaches, Adolf Hitler invites key European leaders - Italian Duce Benito Mussolini, French Premier Édouard Daladier, and British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain - to a critical conference in Munich. Notably, the Czechoslovakian representatives are deliberately excluded from these negotiations, which would ultimately determine their country's territorial fate.
  • 1939 German-Soviet Treaty of Frontier Regulation and Friendship: Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed a treaty in Leningrad, finalizing the partition of Poland. The agreement, negotiated by German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop and Soviet Commissar for Foreign Affairs Vyacheslav Molotov, transferred control of Lithuania to the Soviet Union and redrew territorial boundaries in Eastern Europe.
  • 1940 Belgium Surrenders to Nazi Germany: King Leopold III of Belgium officially surrenders to Nazi Germany and is subsequently interned, marking a significant moment in the early stages of World War II.
  • 1941 Ted Williams Achieves Historic .406 Batting Average: Major League Baseball player Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox achieved an extraordinary batting average of .406 for the 1941 season, becoming the last player in MLB history to bat over .400 in a single season. This remarkable feat is considered one of the most significant achievements in baseball statistics.
  • 1942 Luftwaffe Bombing of Stalingrad: During World War II, the German Luftwaffe conducted strategic bombing raids on the city of Stalingrad, intensifying the military campaign to capture this crucial Soviet industrial and strategic center. These bombing raids were part of the larger Battle of Stalingrad, a pivotal conflict that would ultimately become a turning point in World War II.
  • 1943 Italian Armistice of World War II: A secret armistice was signed between Italy and the Allies, marking a pivotal moment in World War II. Italy effectively dropped out of the Axis powers, and the British XXIII Corps initiated the invasion of mainland Italy by landing at Reggio Calabria. This event signaled a significant turning point in the war, weakening the Axis alliance and opening a new front in the Mediterranean theater.
  • 1944 Liberation of Klooga Concentration Camp: Soviet Army troops liberated the Klooga concentration camp in Estonia, revealing the extent of Nazi atrocities and marking a significant moment in the Holocaust's final stages.
  • 1945 China and Turkey Ratify UN Charter: On September 28, 1945, China and Turkey officially ratified the United Nations Charter, marking an important moment in post-World War II international diplomacy. This ratification represented these nations' commitment to the newly formed global organization dedicated to maintaining international peace and security.
  • 1946 Australian Federal Election of 1946: On September 28, 1946, Australia held its federal election, in which Prime Minister Ben Chifley's Labor Party successfully retained its majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This election reinforced Labor's political mandate in the post-World War II era and demonstrated continued public support for Chifley's leadership and policy agenda.
  • 1947 Sheikh Hasina - Bangladesh's Prime Minister: Sheikh Hasina is a pivotal political leader who has served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 2001. As the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, she leads the Awami League party and is known for her strong leadership, economic development initiatives, and efforts to promote secularism and women's rights in Bangladesh.
  • 1948 Western European Defense Alliance Formation: Defense Ministers of Britain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg announced an agreement in Paris to establish a permanent common defense organization for Western Europe, marking a significant post-World War II collaborative security initiative.
  • 1949 Britain-Czechoslovakia Post-War Trade Agreement: Britain and Czechoslovakia signed a comprehensive 5-year trade pact that included critical provisions for compensating British property owners whose assets were nationalized or confiscated during World War II. This diplomatic and economic agreement represented an important step in post-war economic reconstruction and international relations between the two nations.
  • 1950 Indonesia Joins the United Nations: On September 28, 1950, Indonesia was officially admitted as a member state of the United Nations (UN), marking a significant milestone in the country's post-colonial international recognition. This event symbolized Indonesia's emergence as a sovereign nation following its independence from Dutch colonial rule in 1945. By joining the UN, Indonesia gained a platform to represent its national interests, participate in global diplomacy, and contribute to international discussions on peace, security, and development.
  • 1951 CBS Launches First Color Television for Public Sale: CBS made color televisions available to the general public for the first time, but the product was discontinued less than a month later, marking an early and short-lived attempt to introduce color TV technology.
  • 1952 Larry Doby Wins American League Home Run Crown: In the final game of the 1952 baseball season on September 28, Cleveland Indians player Larry Doby secured the American League home run title. At the time, this was a significant milestone, as it was only five years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Doby and his teammate Luke Easter were tied with 31 home runs each, making this a historic moment for Black athletes in professional baseball. By winning the home run crown, Doby became one of the first Black players to lead a major league in this statistical category, representing an important step in racial integration in sports.
  • 1953 Disney and ABC Partnership for Disneyland: Roy Disney meets with ABC-TV's Leonard Goldenson to secure financing for Disneyland Park. Goldenson agrees to a groundbreaking deal: a US$500,000 investment, a US$4.5 million line of credit, in exchange for 35 percent interest in the park and a weekly Disney TV program.
  • 1954 Release of 'The Belles of St. Trinian's': The classic British comedy film 'The Belles of St. Trinian's', starring the renowned Alastair Sim, is released in cinemas across the United Kingdom. The movie, part of the popular St. Trinian's film series, is a satirical comedy about a chaotic girls' boarding school known for its mischievous students and unconventional staff. Alastair Sim plays multiple roles, including the school's headmistress, which became one of his most memorable performances.
  • 1955 First World Series Color TV Broadcast: NBC-TV made history by broadcasting the 1955 World Series in color, marking a significant milestone in television technology and sports broadcasting.
  • 1956 Elvis Presley Record Sales Milestone: RCA Records announced that Elvis Presley had sold over 10 million records, solidifying his status as a groundbreaking rock and roll icon and demonstrating the massive cultural impact of his music.
  • 1957 Jimmie Rodgers' 'Honeycomb' Tops Music Charts: Country and pop singer Jimmie Rodgers achieved a major musical milestone as his hit song 'Honeycomb' reached number one on the national music charts, showcasing the popularity of his musical style in the late 1950s.
  • 1958 Establishment of the French Fifth Republic: France ratifies a new Constitution, establishing the Fifth Republic. The constitution was formally adopted on October 4, 1958. Notably, Guinea rejected the constitution and chose independence instead.
  • 1959 Explorer VI Radiation Belt Discovery: NASA's Explorer VI satellite reveals an intense radiation belt surrounding the Earth, significantly advancing scientific understanding of the planet's magnetosphere and space environment. This discovery provides crucial insights into the Van Allen radiation belts and their potential impact on space exploration.
  • 1960 Ted Williams Retires from Major League Baseball: Baseball legend Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox played his final game against the Baltimore Orioles, concluding an illustrious career that solidified his status as one of baseball's greatest hitters.
  • 1961 Founding of Amnesty International: The international human rights organization Amnesty International was founded by Peter Benenson, dedicated to combating human rights abuses and advocating for global justice.
  • 1962 Algeria's First Government Established: Prime Minister Ahmed Ben Bella formed the first government of independent Algeria on September 28, 1962, following the country's hard-fought independence from French colonial rule.
  • 1963 Swissair Flight 306 Tragic Crash: A devastating aviation disaster occurred when Swissair Flight 306, a jet airliner en route to Rome, crashed shortly after takeoff from Zurich, resulting in the tragic loss of all 80 people aboard. This catastrophic event highlighted critical aviation safety concerns of the early 1960s.
  • 1964 Launch of Orbiting Geophysical Observatory: NASA successfully launched the Orbiting Geophysical Observatory (OGO 1), the largest scientific satellite of its time, from Cape Kennedy. This mission represented a significant advancement in space-based scientific research and observation capabilities.
  • 1965 Indonesian Army Suppresses Alleged Communist Coup: General Suharto led the Indonesian military in crushing what was described as a communist coup attempt, a pivotal moment in Indonesia's political history that would lead to significant regime changes.
  • 1966 André Breton, Surrealist Movement Founder, Dies: André Breton, the influential French poet and founder of the Surrealist movement, passed away on September 28, 1966. Breton was a pivotal figure in 20th-century art and literature, who significantly shaped avant-garde artistic and literary movements through his revolutionary ideas about creativity, unconscious expression, and artistic freedom.
  • 1967 Walter Washington Elected First Mayor of Washington, D.C.: On September 28, 1967, Walter Washington made history by becoming the first mayor of Washington, D.C. This landmark election was significant in the city's governance, marking a pivotal moment in home rule and local political representation. Walter Washington, an African American civil servant and urban administrator, was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson and later elected, symbolizing progress in municipal leadership during the civil rights era.
  • 1968 The Beatles' "Hey Jude" Tops Charts: The Beatles' single "Hey Jude" reaches number 1 on the music charts and maintains the top position for an impressive 9 weeks, demonstrating the band's immense popularity during the late 1960s.
  • 1969 West German Federal Election of 1969: Parliamentary elections were held in West Germany, marking a significant political shift. The Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) secured 46.1% of the vote, while the Social Democratic Party (SPD) gained 42.7%. The Free Democratic Party (FDP) received 5.8%. Following the election, the SPD and FDP formed a coalition, with Willy Brandt becoming the first SPD chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.
  • 1970 Death of Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser: Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser died of a heart attack at age 52, marking a significant moment in Egyptian political history. A pivotal Arab nationalist leader, Nasser was instrumental in shaping modern Egypt and the broader Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape.
  • 1971 UK Misuse of Drugs Act Bans Medicinal Cannabis: The United Kingdom passes the Misuse of Drugs Act, which comprehensively bans the medicinal use of cannabis, marking a significant shift in drug policy and medical treatment approaches.
  • 1972 Paul Henderson's Legendary Hockey Goal: Paul Henderson scores the winning goal in the historic Canada-USSR Summit Series, a pivotal moment in international ice hockey that symbolized Cold War sporting rivalry and Canadian national pride.
  • 1973 ITT Building Bombing in New York City: The International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT) Building in New York City was bombed as a political protest against the corporation's alleged involvement in the September 11, 1973 Chilean coup d'état, highlighting the complex geopolitical tensions of the era.
  • 1974 First Lady Betty Ford's Breast Cancer Surgery: First Lady Betty Ford undergoes a radical mastectomy, publicly sharing her breast cancer diagnosis and raising national awareness about the disease and women's health.
  • 1975 Women's Military Academy Admission Bill: A significant legislative bill is passed authorizing the admission of women to United States military academies, marking a pivotal moment in gender equality in military education.
  • 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act Passed: The United States Congress passes the Toxic Substances Control Act, a landmark environmental and public health legislation designed to regulate the introduction of new or existing chemicals, assess potential risks, and protect citizens from harmful substances.
  • 1977 Japan Air Lines Flight 472 Hijacking: Five members of the Japanese Red Army (JRA), a far-left terrorist organization, hijacked Japan Air Lines Flight 472 while en route from Paris to Tokyo. The hijacking was part of the group's radical political campaign, highlighting the international terrorism challenges of the late 1970s.
  • 1978 Camp David Accord Endorsed: The Israeli Knesset officially endorses the Camp David Accord, a pivotal diplomatic agreement negotiated between Israel and Egypt that aimed to establish peace in the Middle East.
  • 1979 Tragic Hotel Fire in Vienna: A devastating fire at the Am Augarten Hotel in Vienna resulted in the tragic loss of 25 lives. The blaze reportedly originated in a wastebasket in the hotel's lobby, quickly spreading and causing massive destruction. This incident highlighted the critical importance of fire safety protocols in public accommodations.
  • 1980 Carl Sagan's Cosmos Television Series Debuts: Carl Sagan's groundbreaking 13-episode science documentary series 'Cosmos: A Personal Voyage' premiered on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). The series, presented by renowned astronomer Carl Sagan and written by Sagan, Ann Druyan, and Steven Soter, would go on to become one of the most widely watched science programs in television history, inspiring millions of viewers to explore and understand the universe.
  • 1981 Joseph Paul Franklin Sentenced for Racist Murders: Joseph Paul Franklin, a notorious white supremacist, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the racially motivated murders of two Black joggers in Salt Lake City, Utah. His crimes were part of a broader pattern of hate-driven violence targeting racial minorities.
  • 1982 Tylenol Cyanide Poisoning Crisis Begins: The first reports emerge of deaths caused by cyanide-laced Tylenol capsules, marking the start of a major public health and product safety crisis in the United States. This incident would lead to significant changes in pharmaceutical packaging and product tampering prevention.
  • 1983 Space Shuttle STS-9 Launch Preparation: The Space Shuttle STS-9 vehicle was transported to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center, preparing for an upcoming mission. This was part of NASA's Space Shuttle program during the early 1980s, signaling ongoing space exploration efforts.
  • 1984 Penderecki's 'A Polish Requiem' Premieres: Krzysztof Penderecki's initial version of 'A Polish Requiem' was premiered, conducted by the legendary Mstislav Rostropovich with the Stuttgart Radio Symphony, representing a significant moment in contemporary classical music.
  • 1985 Dorothy Groce Shooting Sparks Brixton Race Riots: The shooting of Dorothy 'Cherry' Groce by the Metropolitan Police triggered significant race riots in Brixton, a predominantly Black neighborhood in South London. The incident highlighted tensions between the local community and law enforcement, exposing systemic racial discrimination and police misconduct. Groce was shot during a police raid while searching for her son, who was wanted for a suspected firearms offense. The shooting left her permanently paralyzed from the waist down and hospitalized for over a year, becoming a pivotal moment in British race relations.
  • 1986 Democratic Progressive Party Emerges as First Opposition Party in Taiwan: The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) becomes the first significant opposition party in Taiwan, challenging the long-standing one-party rule of the Kuomintang (KMT). This marks a pivotal moment in Taiwan's political democratization, representing a new generation of political activists seeking to transform the island's political landscape.
  • 1987 The First Intifada Begins: The Palestinian civil disobedience uprising, known as the First Intifada, commences against Israeli occupation, marking a significant moment of Palestinian resistance and political mobilization.
  • 1988 Orel Hershiser Sets MLB Consecutive Scoreless Innings Record: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser achieved a remarkable milestone by setting a Major League Baseball record for consecutive scoreless innings pitched, demonstrating extraordinary pitching skill and endurance during the 1988 season.
  • 1989 Genscher's Speech Enabling East German Exodus: On September 30, 1989, West German Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher delivered a historic speech from the West German embassy balcony in Prague, granting escaping East Germans free passage to the West. This moment was crucial in the lead-up to the fall of the Berlin Wall and German reunification.
  • 1990 Exiled Kuwaiti Emir Meets with US President: The exiled Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, visited the White House to discuss the ongoing Gulf War and seek support for Kuwait's liberation from Iraqi occupation. This diplomatic meeting was crucial in garnering international support against Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait.
  • 1991 Nirvana's Nevermind Release: Nirvana made a significant cultural moment by appearing at Tower Records in New York City and performing at The Marquee Club, coinciding with the release of their groundbreaking album 'Nevermind', which would soon revolutionize the alternative rock music scene.
  • 1992 Pakistan International Airlines Flight Crash in Nepal: A tragic aviation disaster occurred when a Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A-300 crashed into a mountainside near Kathmandu, Nepal during a rainstorm. The aircraft was attempting to land at Tribhuvan International Airport when it encountered severe weather conditions, resulting in the complete loss of all 167 passengers and crew members on board. This devastating incident highlighted the critical importance of aviation safety and weather-related flight risks.
  • 1993 Caracas Gas Field Explosion Tragedy: A catastrophic gas field explosion in Caracas, Venezuela resulted in 53 confirmed fatalities, marking a significant industrial disaster that highlighted critical safety concerns in the region's energy infrastructure.
  • 1994 MS Estonia Maritime Disaster: The MS Estonia ferry sank in the Baltic Sea, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life with 909 people perishing. This remains one of the deadliest maritime disasters in European history, causing significant international shock and leading to major maritime safety reforms.
  • 1995 Oslo II Accords Signed: Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) signed the Oslo II Accords, also known as the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip or the Taba Agreement. This historic diplomatic agreement divided Gaza and West Bank into three administrative areas, granting limited Palestinian self-governance and calling for the first Palestinian elections. The landmark peace process was signed by Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat, representing a significant step towards potential resolution of the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • 1996 Frankie Dettori's Historic Racing Day at Ascot: Jockey Frankie Dettori achieved an extraordinary feat by winning seven races in a single day at Ascot racetrack, riding the racehorse Fujiyama Crest. This remarkable performance led to a massive betting win for Darren Yates, who placed a 67.58-pound bet and won 550,823.54 pounds. The William Hill betting agency suffered significant losses, with a total payout of 40 million pounds on this unprecedented day.
  • 1997 Ryder Cup Golf in Valderrama, Spain: Historic Ryder Cup golf tournament held at Valderrama Golf Club in Spain, where the European team wins 14½-13½ against the United States. This victory was significant as the first time the event was contested in continental Europe and marked the beginning of Europe's six consecutive home victories.
  • 1998 Discovery of Penicillin by Alexander Fleming: In 1928, Scottish scientist Sir Alexander Fleming made a groundbreaking medical discovery by identifying penicillin, the first antibiotic. While working at St. Mary's Hospital in London, Fleming noticed that a mold contaminating one of his petri dishes had killed surrounding bacteria. This accidental discovery would revolutionize modern medicine, saving millions of lives by providing an effective treatment against bacterial infections.
  • 1999 Unprecedented Gold Options Market Spike: On September 28, 1999, the Commodity Exchange, Inc. (COMEX) experienced an extraordinary event in the gold options market. A surprise five-year moratorium on new gold sales from European central banks triggered unprecedented market activity. The day saw a record volume of 81,317 contracts traded across 15,044 transactions, more than doubling the previous volume record set on March 7, 1995.
  • 2000 Ariel Sharon's Controversial Temple Mount Visit Sparks Al-Aqsa Intifada: Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon visited the Temple Mount, accompanied by a several-hundred-strong Israeli police force. His presence triggered Palestinian riots that escalated into a full-scale armed uprising, known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada or Oslo War, marking a significant turning point in Israeli-Palestinian tensions.
  • 2001 Film: "Don't Say A Word" starring Michael Douglas and "Zoolander" starring Ben Stiller
  • 2002 Global Protests Against Potential Iraq War: Massive anti-war demonstrations erupted in major European cities, with hundreds of thousands of protesters in London and approximately 100,000 in Rome expressing opposition to the potential U.S. military intervention in Iraq. These protests highlighted growing international skepticism about the proposed military action.
  • 2003 Massive Power Outage in Italy: A comprehensive power failure swept across Italy, affecting more than 56 million people and leaving nearly the entire country without electricity, excluding the island of Sardinia.
  • 2004 North Korea Announces Nuclear Weapons Production: North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Su-hon made a significant announcement at the UN General Assembly, revealing that North Korea has converted plutonium from 8,000 spent fuel rods into nuclear weapons. The stated purpose was to create a deterrent against potential U.S. nuclear threats. Six-nation talks on the nuclear issue were suspended, with analysts believing North Korea intentionally paused negotiations until after the U.S. presidential election in November.
  • 2005 Escalating Israeli-Palestinian Tensions: Intense Israeli military operations continued in Palestinian territories, with airstrikes targeting Gaza, including power infrastructure disruption, bridge destruction in Beit Hanoun, and missile strikes on Fatah and militant group facilities.
  • 2006 Al-Qaida Leadership Change in Iraq: Abu Hamza al-Muhajir becomes the new leader of al-Qaida in Iraq, issuing an audiotape urging Muslims to transform Ramadan into a 'month of holy war', signaling potential escalation of militant activities.
  • 2007 Desmond Tutu Condemns Myanmar Crackdown: Nobel Peace Prize laureate Desmond Tutu publicly criticized the Myanmar government's actions against protesters and announced plans to support a campaign boycotting the 2008 Beijing Olympics in response to human rights violations.
  • 2008 US Financial Crisis Response: US Congress and the George W. Bush Administration reached an agreement on the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, a critical bailout package designed to rescue financial institutions during the subprime mortgage crisis.
  • 2009 Guinea Military Massacre at Protest Rally: On September 28, 2009, the Guinean military brutally attacked a peaceful protest rally, resulting in the deaths of at least 157 demonstrators and wounding hundreds more. The attack was led by Captain Moussa Dadis Camara's military junta at the Stade du 28 Septembre.
  • 2010 Al Qaeda Commander Killed in Drone Strike: Sheikh Mohammad Fateh al Masri, a top al Qaeda commander, was eliminated in a targeted drone strike in Pakistan's tribal region, marking a significant counterterrorism operation.
  • 2011 Terrorist Plot Foiled in Washington D.C.: The FBI arrested Rezwan Ferdaus, a 26-year-old American citizen, for plotting to fly remote-controlled planes laden with explosives into The Pentagon, preventing a potential terrorist attack.
  • 2012 Benghazi Attack Plot Revelation: The U.S. Director of National Intelligence's spokesperson disclosed intelligence about a potential plot to attack the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, on September 11, foreshadowing future diplomatic tensions.
  • 2013 50th Anniversary of March on Washington: Tens of thousands gathered in Washington D.C. to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington and Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech, reflecting on the civil rights movement's enduring legacy.
  • 2014 2014 Hong Kong Protests Begin: The 2014 Hong Kong protests, also known as the Umbrella Movement, begin in response to restrictive political reforms imposed by the National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing. Protesters demand genuine universal suffrage and democratic representation.
  • 2015 Catalonian Parliamentary Elections: Separatist parties won a clear majority (72 of 135 seats) in Catalonia's parliamentary elections, with a record 78% voter turnout. The winners plan to attempt unilateral independence within 18 months, despite Spain's constitutional prohibition. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy vowed to oppose the separatist movement.
  • 2016 Death of Shimon Peres: Shimon Peres, a prominent Israeli statesman who served as both President and Prime Minister, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, passed away at the age of 93. Peres was a key figure in Israeli politics and international diplomacy for decades.
  • 2017 Rohingya Refugee Tragedy: A devastating maritime incident occurred when a boat carrying 14 Rohingya refugees, including 10 children fleeing violence in Myanmar, capsized near the Bangladesh coast after apparently hitting a submerged object.
  • 2018 2018 Sulawesi Earthquake and Tsunami: A devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Sulawesi, Indonesia, triggering a massive tsunami that caused widespread destruction, resulting in 4,340 deaths and 10,679 injuries. The catastrophic event led to significant humanitarian challenges and infrastructure damage.
  • 2019 Trump Impeachment Inquiry and U.S.-China Trade Tensions: The U.S. House of Representatives initiated an impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump, concurrent with complex geopolitical events including the Afghan presidential election, which was marked by significant Taliban-related security challenges. The inquiry also coincided with ongoing tensions in U.S.-China trade relations, reflecting a period of significant political and economic uncertainty.
  • 2020 Global COVID-19 Death Toll Reaches One Million: The coronavirus pandemic reached a grim milestone as the global death toll from COVID-19 surpassed 1 million, with over 33 million confirmed cases worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University tracking. This unprecedented health crisis highlighted the severe global impact of the novel coronavirus, affecting countries across all continents and fundamentally altering human social and economic interactions.
  • 2021 US Senate Republicans Block Government Funding Bill: On Monday, September 27, 2021, Senate Republicans blocked a critical measure to prevent a potential government shutdown and avoid a default on federal debt. The vote failed with a 48-50 tally, falling short of the 60 votes required to advance the legislation. This political impasse threatened to disrupt government operations and raised concerns about the United States' fiscal stability.
  • 2022 Hurricane Ian Devastates Florida: Hurricane Ian made a catastrophic landfall as a high-end Category 4 hurricane near Cayo Costa, Florida, with sustained winds reaching 150 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center reported that the storm caused widespread destruction and tragically resulted in at least 148 fatalities in Florida, making it one of the deadliest hurricanes in the state's recent history.
  • 2023 Alexander Fleming Discovers Penicillin: On September 28, 1928, Scottish medical researcher Alexander Fleming made a groundbreaking discovery of penicillin, the first effective antibiotic. This revolutionary finding would transform modern medicine, enabling treatment of previously deadly bacterial infections and saving millions of lives worldwide.

What Is special about September 28?

September 28 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about September 28.