Top 5 Historical Events on April 12
The 12th of April has been a witness to a multitude of noteworthy events throughout the course of history. These events range from pioneering scientific accomplishments and exploratory missions to defining milestones in the rights of civilized people and international affairs. Here are some significant events that took place on this date:
1. First Human in Space (1961):
Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, made history on April 12, 1961, when he became the first human to journey into space and orbit the Earth onboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft. The beginning of human spaceflight was commemorated by this historic milestone in the history of space exploration, which also served to intensify the Space Race between the United States of America and the Soviet Union.
2. American Civil War Begins (1861):
The assault by the Confederates on Fort Sumter, which was located in South Carolina, marked the beginning of the American Civil War on April 12, 1861. This event signaled the beginning of a conflict that would last for four years and have a tremendous impact on the United States. It would ultimately result in the abolition of slavery as well as dramatic changes in the political, social, and economic face of the nation.
3. Polio Vaccine Declared Safe and Effective (1955):
A important step forward in the fight against the poliovirus was taken on April 12, 1955, when the polio vaccine developed by Dr. Jonas Salk was deemed to be both safe and effective. Through the invention of the vaccine and its subsequent widespread usage, the debilitating disease known as polio, which had been a problem for communities all over the world, was almost completely eradicated.
4. Space Shuttle Columbia Launches (1981):
On April 12, 1981, the Kennedy Space Center was the location where the first space shuttle, Columbia, was transported into orbit. This mission, known as STS-1, marked the beginning of the space shuttle program, which was instrumental in the construction of the International Space Station as well as the deployment of satellites, scientific research, and other endeavors over the course of three decades.
5. Franklin D. Roosevelt Dies (1945):
President Franklin D. Roosevelt of the United States passed away on April 12, 1945, when he was 63 years old. Roosevelt was a pivotal player in the history of the United States during crucial periods of the 20th century, including the Great Depression and the majority of World War II. He served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death, which occurred in 1945. He was succeeded by Vice President Harry S. Truman, who would see the end of the war and the beginning of the post-war world order. His death signaled the end of an era in American politics, and he was succeeded by somebody who would see the war come to an end.
