World
On This Day In History - April 5
By CM Chaney · April 5, 2024
On This Day In History - April 5
"On This Day in History" is a captivating journey through time, revisiting the most significant events that have occurred on this very date throughout the years.From monumental political decisions and groundbreaking scientific discoveries to unforgettable moments in sports and cultural milestones, each article in this series will transport you back to a specific day, offering a glimpse into the past and revealing how these events have shaped our world.
Join us as we uncover the fascinating stories that have left an indelible mark on history. Wikimedia
1588: Thomas Hobbes: Influential Philosopher Born
Thomas Hobbes, the influential English philosopher and political theorist renowned for his works on individual security and the social contract, was born on this day. Wikimedia/John Michael Wright
1614: Pocahontas and John Rolfe Wed
Pocahontas, a Powhatan Indian, married John Rolfe, a Virginia planter and colonial official, in a historic union between Native American and English cultures. Wikimedia/Elmer Boyd Smith
1621: Mayflower Sets Sail from Plymouth Colony
The Mayflower, having delivered 102 Pilgrims to the newly established Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts, embarked on its return voyage to England. Wikimedia/William Halsall
1792: Washington's Historic First Presidential Veto
President George Washington made history by issuing the first presidential veto in the United States, rejecting a bill related to congressional redistricting. Wikimedia/Gilbert Stuart
1856: Booker T. Washington: Visionary Educator Born
Booker T. Washington, the influential American educator and reformer who served as the first president of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, was born in Virginia. Wikimedia/Frances Benjamin Johnston
1818: Chilean Patriots Triumph at Battle of Maipú
In a pivotal moment for Chile's independence, José de San Martín and Bernardo O'Higgins led patriots to a costly but decisive victory over Spain. Wikimedia
1879: Chile Sparks War of the Pacific
Chile declared war on Peru and Bolivia over control of the resource-rich Atacama Desert, igniting the War of the Pacific, which Chile ultimately won. Wikimedia
1908: Bette Davis: Iconic Actress Born
Bette Davis, the legendary American actress renowned for her fierce intensity that sustained her illustrious 50-year career, was born on this day. Wikimedia/Studio Publicity
1951: Rosenbergs Sentenced to Death for Espionage
Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were condemned to death for espionage, becoming the first American civilians to be executed for the crime two years later. Wikimedia/Roger Higgins
1984: Abdul-Jabbar Tops NBA Scoring Record
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar overtook Wilt Chamberlain to become the National Basketball Association's all-time leading scorer, setting a new benchmark for excellence on the court. Wikimedia/Steve Jenner
1994: Kurt Cobain's Tragic Suicide at 27
Kurt Cobain, the influential American grunge rocker and frontman of Nirvana, died by suicide at the young age of 27, shocking the music world. Wikimedia/Theresa Arzadon-Labajo
2000: Mori Yoshiro Assumes Japan's Premiership
Mori Yoshiro of the Liberal-Democratic Party took office as Japan's prime minister, succeeding Obuchi Keizo, who had suffered a fatal stroke earlier that month. Wikimedia/Cabinet Public Affairs Office, Cabinet Secretariat