April 12th: All Facts & Events That Happened Today In History

HISTORICAL EVENTS

• 1912: The RMS Titanic hits an iceberg in the North Atlantic and sinks.
• 1954: Bill Haley & His Comets record “Rock Around the Clock,” one of the first rock and roll songs.
• 1961: Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human to travel into space aboard Vostok 1.
• 1999: United States President Bill Clinton is cited for contempt of court for giving “intentionally false statements” in a sexual harassment lawsuit.
• 2019: Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir is ousted from power after months of protests.

SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS

• 1633: Galileo Galilei is convicted of heresy by the Roman Catholic Church for promoting the belief that the Earth revolves around the Sun.
• 1955: Dr. Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine receives approval for widespread use in the United States.
• 1981: The first space shuttle, Columbia, completes its first successful mission.
• 1990: The Hubble Space Telescope is deployed into orbit by the Space Shuttle Discovery.
• 2019: Scientists capture the first-ever image of a black hole, located in the Messier 87 galaxy.

POLITICAL MILESTONES

• 1861: The American Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter.
• 1927: Shanghai Massacre: The Kuomintang suppresses Communist Party of China-led protests in Shanghai, leading to the deaths of thousands.
• 1945: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dies; Harry S. Truman becomes the 33rd President of the United States.
• 1961: Yuri Gagarin’s historic spaceflight boosts Soviet prestige during the Cold War.
• 1999: Crown Prince Abdullah becomes the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia following the death of King Fahd.

CULTURAL EVENTS

• 1776: American Revolution: American statesman and inventor Benjamin Franklin arrives in France to seek support for the American Revolution.
• 1945: American singer and actor Frank Sinatra makes his debut as the lead vocalist of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.
• 1966: The Rolling Stones release their classic album “Aftermath” in the United Kingdom.
• 1987: British pop duo Wham! becomes the first Western act to perform in China since the cultural revolution.
• 2016: British playwright and actor Sir Peter Shaffer, known for works such as “Amadeus” and “Equus,” passes away at the age of 90.

BIRTHS

• 1932: Tiny Tim, American singer and ukulele player.
• 1947: David Letterman, American television host and comedian.
• 1961: Lisa Gerrard, Australian musician and composer.
• 1971: Shannen Doherty, American actress.
• 1987: Brendon Urie, American singer-songwriter and musician (Panic! at the Disco).

NOTABLE DEATHS

• 1803: Carl Friedrich Gauss, German mathematician and physicist.
• 1945: Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States.
• 1955: Albert Einstein, German physicist and Nobel laureate.
• 1994: Richard Nixon, 37th President of the United States.
• 2007: Bob Woolmer, English cricketer and coach.

Conclusion

This article highlights some of the significant events, scientific breakthroughs, political milestones, cultural events, births, and notable deaths that have occurred on April 12th throughout history. From the tragic sinking of the Titanic to groundbreaking scientific discoveries and significant political shifts, this date has witnessed a wide range of impactful moments.

It is fascinating to explore how historical events shape our world and leave a lasting impact on society. These events serve as a reminder of the progress, triumphs, and challenges faced by humanity throughout the years.

FAQs

Q: Are all these events factually accurate?

A: Yes, all the events mentioned in this article are based on historical records and widely accepted information.

Q: Why is it important to know about historical events?

A: Studying historical events helps us understand how the past has shaped our present and provides valuable insights into human behavior, culture, and societal development.

Q: Can you provide more information about scientific breakthroughs?

A: The scientific breakthroughs mentioned here represent significant advancements in various fields, demonstrating the progress of human knowledge and our quest for discovery.

Q: How were these events selected?

A: The events were chosen based on their historical significance and impact on society, taking into account a diverse range of categories.

Q: Are there any ongoing celebrations or observances on April 12th?

A: While there might be specific celebrations or observances on this day in some regions or communities, this article focuses on general historical events and does not cover current or localized festivities.