On this day, April 26 we remember the tragedy of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and the death of mathematical prodigy Srinivasa Ramanujan. It's a day that reminds us of our mortality and ingenuity. The first multiracial elections in South Africa, the invention of the polio vaccine are a testament to human actions.
What Happened on this Day in History: April 26
Here are a few events that have occurred on this day in history, arranged chronologically.
William Shakespeare Baptised (1564)
On this day William Shakespeare was baptised in Stratford-upon-Avon. The exact date of his birth is unknown, but is commemorated three days earlier i.e on April 23. Shakespeare became the world's most prolific playwright, whose works contributed to the English language. He wrote about the different emotions, including sadness and comedy. His work still has an impact on literature, cinema and theatre today.
The Death of John Wilkes Booth (1865)
The murderer of President Abraham Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth, is gunned down by federal troops. Booth was hiding out in a Virginia tobacco barn. His arrest and death brought to a close the biggest manhunt in US history, which lasted for twelve days and caused national mourning. The period in the American Civil War ended. And it left the US to confront the challenges of Reconstruction without its leader.
Mathematics Genius Srinivasa Ramanujan Passes Away (1920)
Indian mathematics prodigy Srinivasa Ramanujan passed away at the young age of thirty-two. Ramanujan was an autodidact and made great strides in the world of number theory and infinite series. He was so far ahead of his time that even to this day his work inspires physicists working on black holes.
The Nazi Gestapo was Formed (1933)
On this day in 1933, German secret state police, the Gestapo, was established by Hermann Göring. It was a secret police that harassed political opponents and implemented race policies. It was an illegal police force that terrorised for the Nazi regime.
Did You Know?
The first large-scale "double-blind" trial of the Salk polio vaccine on "Polio Pioneers" started on April 26, 1954, in Virginia. A total of 1.8 million children participated in this groundbreaking medical experiment in the fight to eliminate it.
The Bombing of Guernica, Spain (1937)
During the Spanish Civil War, the town of Guernica was bombed by German and Italian planes today. It was a civilian bombing that decimated the historic town. The bombing horrified the world and was depicted in Pablo Picasso's anti-war painting, Guernica. It was one of the first ever instances of "carpet bombing".
Large Scale Polio Vaccine Trials Begin (1954)
Mass testing of Jonas Salk's polio vaccine began in the United States. School children were injected with the new vaccine to test if it would stop paralysing polio. Polio caused schools and pools to close in the summer. The trials were a success and led to the near eradication of the virus across the world. This is one of the most successful medical advances.
Chernobyl Nuclear Accident (1986)
An explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the Soviet Union. This was the largest radioactive accident, which resulted in the release of radioactive material. It left several towns abandoned and thousands of people suffering from health problems. It called into question the safety of nuclear power.
Deadliest Tornado Hits Bangladesh (1989)
The most deadly tornado in history hit the Daulatpur and Saturia region of Manikganj district in Bangladesh. This tornado was an F3 or F4 level tornado. The tornado is reported to have struck the area at a speed of 210-260 mph. It destroyed all of the houses in its way and killed 1,300 people. It highlighted the susceptibility of the South Asian delta region to natural disasters. This led to the implementation of early warning and preparedness in these regions.
Indian Airlines Flight 491 Crash (1993)
Indian Airlines Flight 491 crashed shortly after take-off from Aurangabad, in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The passenger Boeing 737 hit a high-tension wire and a road truck, leading to 55 deaths. The accident raised questions about the safety and infrastructure of the industry in India. It raised concerns about the importance of clearing the area around airports. It resulted in enhanced safety measures for domestic airlines, prioritizing passenger safety.
First Multiracial Elections in South Africa (1994)
South Africa's first multiracial elections were held, marking the end of Apartheid. This was the first time in South African history that voters of all races queued to cast their votes. It was the start of the mandate of South Africa's first black president, Nelson Mandela. The multiracial elections marked the end of institutionalized racism, and South Africa became the "Rainbow Nation". It is now the international symbol of peaceful democratic transition and forgiveness.
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