Explore the pivotal moments that shaped our world during this week in history:
April 15
- 1912 – Sinking of the RMS Titanic: The “unsinkable” Titanic tragically sank in the North Atlantic after hitting an iceberg, resulting in over 1,500 deaths.
- 1865 – Assassination of President Abraham Lincoln: President Lincoln succumbed to his injuries after being shot by John Wilkes Booth, marking a somber moment in American history.
- 1947 – Jackie Robinson Breaks Baseball’s Color Barrier: Jackie Robinson debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers, becoming the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era.
April 16
- 2007 – Virginia Tech Shooting: A tragic mass shooting at Virginia Tech resulted in the deaths of 32 individuals, making it the deadliest school shooting in U.S. history.
- 1963 – Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail”: Dr. King penned this influential letter, articulating the moral imperative for civil disobedience against unjust laws.
April 17
- 1961 – Bay of Pigs Invasion: A failed CIA-backed operation where Cuban exiles attempted to overthrow Fidel Castro’s regime in Cuba.
- 1970 – Apollo 13 Returns Safely: After an onboard explosion jeopardized their mission, the Apollo 13 crew safely returned to Earth, showcasing NASA’s problem-solving prowess.
April 18
- 1906 – San Francisco Earthquake: A devastating earthquake struck San Francisco, followed by fires, resulting in over 3,000 deaths and massive destruction.
- 1955 – Death of Albert Einstein: The renowned physicist passed away, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of science.
April 19
- 1775 – Battles of Lexington and Concord: These battles marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War, igniting the colonies’ fight for independence.
- 1995 – Oklahoma City Bombing: A domestic terrorist attack destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, killing 168 people and injuring hundreds.
April 20
- 1999 – Columbine High School Massacre: Two students carried out a mass shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado, resulting in 13 deaths and sparking nationwide debates on gun control and school safety.
April 21
- 753 BC – Founding of Rome: According to legend, Romulus and Remus established the city of Rome, laying the foundation for one of history’s greatest empires.
- 1898 – Start of the Spanish-American War: The U.S. declared war on Spain, leading to significant geopolitical changes, including the U.S. acquiring territories like Puerto Rico and Guam.
