What Happened on April 15?

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EVENTS ON APRIL 15

Explore the most important historical events that happened on April 15, featuring key moments that shaped the world.

1896 Summer Olympics

Year: 1896

Closing ceremony of the Games of the I Olympiad in Athens, Greece.

General Electric

Year: 1892

The General Electric Company is formed.

Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

Year: 1865

President Abraham Lincoln dies after being shot the previous evening by actor John Wilkes Booth. Three hours later, Vice President Andrew Johnson is sworn in as president.

Philippine–American War

Year: 1900

Philippine–American War: Filipino guerrillas launch a surprise attack on U.S. infantry and begin a four-day siege of Catubig, Philippines.

Titanic

Year: 1912

The British passenger liner RMS Titanic sinks in the North Atlantic at 2:20 a.m., two hours and forty minutes after hitting an iceberg. Only 710 of 2,224 passengers and crew on board survive.

Insulin

Year: 1923

Insulin becomes generally available for use by people with diabetes.

John B. Kendrick

Year: 1922

U.S. Senator John B. Kendrick of Wyoming introduces a resolution calling for an investigation of a secret land deal, which leads to the discovery of the Teapot Dome scandal.

Braintree, Massachusetts

Year: 1920

Two security guards are murdered during a robbery in South Braintree, Massachusetts. Anarchists Sacco and Vanzetti would be convicted of and executed for the crime, amid much controversy.

BIRTHS ON APRIL 15

Discover famous people and historical figures born on April 15, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.

Hasrat Jaipuri

Year of birth: 1922

Hasrat Jaipuri, Indian poet and songwriter (died 1999)

Donn F. Draeger

Year of birth: 1922

Donn F. Draeger, American martial arts practitioner (died 1982)

Harold Washington

Year of birth: 1922

Harold Washington, American lawyer and politician, 51st Mayor of Chicago (died 1987)

Georgy Beregovoy

Year of birth: 1921

Georgy Beregovoy, Ukrainian-Russian general, pilot, and astronaut (died 1995)

Godfrey Stafford

Year of birth: 1920

Godfrey Stafford, English-South African physicist and academic (died 2013)

Angelo DiGeorge

Year of birth: 1921

Angelo DiGeorge, American physician and endocrinologist (died 2009)

Michael Ansara

Year of birth: 1922

Michael Ansara, Syrian-American actor (died 2013)

Robert DePugh

Year of birth: 1923

Robert DePugh, American activist, founded the Minutemen (an anti-Communist organization) (died 2009)

DEATHS ON APRIL 15

Look back at notable individuals who passed away on April 15, and learn about their lasting influences on history.