April 12th holds a unique place in history, marked by both moments of triumph and tragedy. Let’s take a trip back in time and explore some of the significant events that unfolded on this date.
1945 – Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Demise
At the age of sixty-three, American statesman and 32nd President Franklin D. Roosevelt passed away on April 12, 1945. The entire nation was shocked by his untimely death. It was in the afternoon that Roosevelt passed away in his chair after collapsing.
All About Franklin:
- Born: 30 January 1882, Hyde Park, New York, United States
- Died: 12 April 1945 (age 63 years), Little White House Historic Site, Georgia, United States
- Presidential term: 4 March 1933 – 12 April 1945
- Vice presidents: John Nance Garner (1933–1941), Henry Agard Wallace (1941–1945), More
- Children: Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr., Anna Roosevelt Halsted, James Roosevelt, Elliott Roosevelt, More
- Spouse: Eleanor Roosevelt (m. 1905–1945)
- Party: Democratic Party
1961 – Yuri Gagarin Became The First Human in Space:
The first human in space, Yuri Gagarin of the Soviet Union, wrote history on April 12, 1961. Gagarin completed an orbital mission with his Vostok 1 spacecraft that lasted 108 minutes. After the mission’s success, he became a national hero and an internationally renowned figure. From a pool of 154 qualified pilots short-listed by their Air Force units, the military physicians chose 29 cosmonaut candidates, of whom 20 were approved by the Credential Committee of the Soviet government. The first twelve, including Gagarin, were approved on 7 March 1960 and eight more were added in a series of subsequent orders issued until June.
All About Yuri:
- Born: 9 March 1934, Klushino, Russia
- Died: 27 March 1968 (age 34 years), Novoselovo, Russia
- Cause of death: MiG-15 jet crash
- Space missions: Vostok 1
- Spouse: Valentina Gagarina (m. 1957–1968)
- First space flight: Vostok 1
- Height: 1.57 m
- Nationality: Soviet
2014 – Valparaíso Fire (Gran Incendio de Valparaíso):
Propelled by high winds, a massive wildfire spread through parts of the port city of Valparaíso in Chile. The fire which eventually became the largest fire in the city’s history destroyed several thousand homes and claimed the lives of at least 15 people before it was extinguished. The wildfire succumbed at least 2,500 homes, leaving 11,000 people with nowhere to go. An additional 6,000 people were evacuated from the city, which was placed on red alert and declared a disaster zone.
All About Valparaíso:
- Date(s): 12–16 April 2014
- Location: Camino La Pólvora, Valparaíso, Chile
- Burned area: 800 hectares (3.089 sq mi; 800.0 ha)
- Land use: Vegetation, housing, informal landfill
- Deaths: 15
- Non-fatal injuries: 10 serious, 500 slight
- Structures destroyed: At least 2,500
- Ignition Cause: High winds
Other noteworthy events on April 12th include:
- 1955: The Salk polio vaccine, a crucial breakthrough in combating the crippling disease, was declared safe and effective.
- 1981: The Space Shuttle Columbia, a revolutionary reusable spacecraft, embarked on its maiden voyage.
April 12th serves as a potent reminder of the diverse occurrences that shape our world. From natural disasters to the triumphs of human ingenuity, this day offers a glimpse into the ever-changing narrative of history.