Osun Defender History Corner: April 2 In Focus
Today, on the history corner, we take a trip in the realm of flashback and recall some events that marked this day.
April 2, 1513
Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León first sights Florida.
April 2, 1792
The Coinage Act is passed by the United States Congress, establishing the United States Mint and regulating coinage in the country.
April 2, 1800
Ludwig van Beethoven conducts the premiere of his First Symphony in Vienna.
April 2, 1863
During the American Civil War, the Battle of Yorktown begins in Virginia.
April 2, 1877
The first ever Cricket Test match begins, between England and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
April 2, 1917
Jeannette Rankin takes her seat as the first female member of the United States House of Representatives.
April 2, 1947
The United Nations Security Council holds its first meeting.
April 2, 1956
As the Suez Crisis continues, Israel withdraws from the Sinai Peninsula.
April 2, 1972
The first Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking and Health is released in the United States, highlighting the dangers of smoking.
April 2, 1982
Argentina invades the Falkland Islands, leading to the Falklands War with the United Kingdom.
April 2, 1992
In a referendum, South Africans vote to end apartheid and allow racial equality.
April 2, 2002
Israeli forces surround the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, where Palestinian militants are sheltering.
April 2, 2005
Pope John Paul II dies in Vatican City after serving as Pope for nearly 27 years.
April 2, 2012
A mass shooting occurs at Oikos University in Oakland, California, resulting in seven deaths and three injuries.
April 2, 2014
The International Court of Justice orders Japan to halt its whaling program in the Southern Ocean.
April 2, 2015
Gunmen attack Garissa University College in Kenya, killing 148 people and injuring 79 others.
April 2, 2016
The Panama Papers, a massive leak of confidential documents, reveal widespread tax evasion and corruption by prominent individuals and companies around the world.
April 2, 2017
A bombing in St. Petersburg, Russia, kills 16 people and injures dozens more.
April 2, 2019
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir is ousted from power by the military after months of protests against his rule.
April 2, 2020
The world reaches a grim milestone as confirmed cases of COVID-19 surpass one million globally, with over 50,000 deaths reported.
Please note that these are just a few historical events that happened on April 2. History is full of numerous other significant events on this day, ranging from politics and warfare to cultural and scientific milestones.
