24 fun facts for April, 4
Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
Summary
April 4th has been a day of remarkable events and celebrations throughout history, from the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and the foundation of Microsoft, to the birth of Maya Angelou and the celebration of World Rat Day. These days also mark historical milestones in civil rights, technology, and international cooperation, making every April 4th a special day to reflect and appreciate the wonders of our world.
24 Fun facts
- On April 4th, 1968, American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, leaving a lasting impact on the nation and the world. His death contributed to the expansion of the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for racial equality.
- World Rat Day is celebrated every year on April 4th to appreciate the intelligence and sociability of rats as pets. It began in 2002 by members of the Ratlist, a mailing list dedicated to the discussion and appreciation of pet rats.
- April 4th, 1958, marked the beginning of a four-month-long protest against the construction of the Berlin Wall. The protests, known as the Easter Marches, were an expression of frustration against the division of Germany and its impact on individual rights and freedom.
- In 1975, Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, ultimately revolutionizing the world of software and personal computing. The company formally entered the software scene on April 4th, providing transformative technologies and services in the subsequent decades.
- On April 4th, 1905, the first meeting of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) was held in New York City. The society promotes collaboration, skill development, and standardization among mechanical engineers globally.
- In 1973, the iconic World Trade Center in New York City was officially opened on April 4th. It was a major commercial complex until its unfortunate destruction in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
- Each year on April 4th, Angola celebrates Peace and National Reconciliation Day, marking the end of a long and devastating civil war. The holiday commemorates the signing of the Luena Memorandum in 2002, which brought 27 years of conflict to an end.
- The first-ever YouTube video titled "Me at the zoo" was uploaded on April 4th, 2005, by the site's co-founder Jawed Karim, launching one of the most popular and innovative video-sharing platforms in history.
- On April 4th, 1960, actor and filmmaker Charlie Chaplin returned to the United States after a two-decade self-imposed absence. His return allowed him to receive an honorary Oscar for his significant impact on the entertainment industry.
- In 1967, Johnny Carson quit his popular late-night talk show "The Tonight Show" on April 4th over a salary dispute. Fortunately for fans, he returned after only three weeks, as the network acquiesced to his demands to continue the show under better financial conditions.
- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established on April 4th, 1949. This international alliance aims to maintain peace and security by promoting collaboration among member countries.
- In 1973, on April 4th, the British newspaper "The Guardian" announced a breakthrough in the art world: the discovery of a new painting by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The painting, later confirmed to be a fake, was actually a clever April Fools' Day prank played by the newspaper.
- On April 4th, 1930, American astronaut and test pilot John A. Guerin was born. Guerin, a former NASA deputy administrator, was involved in various space shuttle missions, including the Challenger disaster investigation.
- In 1964, British band The Beatles set a record by occupying the top five spots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on April 4th, showcasing their tremendous popularity and success in the United States.
- American actor Robert Downey Jr. was born on April 4th, 1965. Known for his roles in movies such as "Iron Man" and "Sherlock Holmes," Downey Jr. has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for decades.
- April 4th marks the anniversary of the 1948 death of Argentine writer and poet Alfonsina Storni. She was a pioneer feminist author who championed women's rights and empowerment through her literary works.
- Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, also known as "Amazing Grace," was promoted to the rank of Commodore on April 4th, 1983. Hopper, a pioneering computer scientist, was one of the first programmers of the Harvard Mark I computer.
- April 4th, 1968, marked the first broadcast of the British science fiction TV series "Doctor Who" in the United States. The show has since gained a loyal following and was revived in 2005, becoming a global phenomenon.
- In 2005, Pope John Paul II's funeral took place on April 4th in Vatican City. He was the first Polish pope in history, and his reign lasted over 26 years, bringing about significant changes in the Catholic Church.
- On April 4th, 1818, the United States Congress adopted the flag we see today, featuring 13 stripes and 20 stars. The Flag Act also specified that a star would be added for each new state on the July 4th following their admission into the Union.
- In 1975, the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) introduced the first programmable home video recorder on April 4th. The device was called the SelectaVision, a forerunner to VHS and DVD technologies.
- American poet Maya Angelou was born on April 4th, 1928. Her influential works, such as "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," explored themes of identity, race, and gender, shaping the literary and social landscape of the 20th century.
- In 1887, Argonia, Kansas, elected Susanna M. Salter as the first-ever female mayor in the United States on April 4th. Salter's election was not only groundbreaking but also a significant milestone for women's suffrage and political involvement.
- In 1960, on April 4th, the 13-ton steel and fiberglass Wonders of the World exhibit was destroyed by a fire at the British Industries Fair in Birmingham, leaving only relics of its original splendor on display.