What Happened on April 2?
All
events
births
deaths
holidays
EVENTS ON APRIL 2
Explore the most important historical events that happened on April 2, featuring key moments that shaped the world.
Zewditu
Year:
1930
After the mysterious death of Empress Zewditu, Haile Selassie is proclaimed emperor of Ethiopia.
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Autonomous Government of Khorasan
Year:
1921
The Autonomous Government of Khorasan, a military government encompassing the modern state of Iran, is established.
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American entry into World War I
Year:
1917
American entry into World War I: President Wilson asks the U.S. Congress for a declaration of war on Germany.
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Titanic
Year:
1912
The ill-fated RMS Titanic begins sea trials.
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Hermosa Beach, California
Year:
1954
A 19-month-old infant is swept up in the ocean tides at Hermosa Beach, California. Local photographer John L. Gaunt photographs the incident; 1955 Pulitzer winner "Tragedy by the Sea".
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As the World Turns
Year:
1956
As the World Turns and The Edge of Night premiere on CBS. The two soaps become the first daytime dramas to debut in the 30-minute format.
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Vietnam War
Year:
1975
Vietnam War: Thousands of civilian refugees flee from Quảng Ngãi Province in front of advancing North Vietnamese troops.
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Charlie Chaplin
Year:
1972
Actor Charlie Chaplin returns to the United States for the first time since being labeled a communist during the Red Scare in the early 1950s.
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BIRTHS ON APRIL 2
Discover famous people and historical figures born on April 2, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.
Vladimir Kuznetsov (javelin thrower)
Year of birth:
1931
Vladimir Kuznetsov, Russian javelin thrower (died 1986)
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Edward Egan
Year of birth:
1932
Edward Egan, American cardinal (died 2015)
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Ed Dorn
Year of birth:
1929
Ed Dorn, American poet and educator (died 1999)
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Joseph Bernardin
Year of birth:
1928
Joseph Bernardin, American cardinal (died 1996)
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Serge Gainsbourg
Year of birth:
1928
Serge Gainsbourg, French singer-songwriter, actor, and director (died 1991)
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György Konrád
Year of birth:
1933
György Konrád, Hungarian sociologist and author (died 2019)
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Dovid Shmidel
Year of birth:
1934
Dovid Shmidel, Austrian-born Israeli rabbi
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Dick Radatz
Year of birth:
1937
Dick Radatz, American baseball player (died 2005)
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DEATHS ON APRIL 2
Look back at notable individuals who passed away on April 2, and learn about their lasting influences on history.
Achille Vianelli
Year of death:
1894
Achille Vianelli, Italian painter and academic (born 1803)
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Theodore Robinson
Year of death:
1896
Theodore Robinson, American painter and academic (born 1852)
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Paul Heyse
Year of death:
1914
Paul Heyse, German author, poet, and translator, Nobel Prize laureate (born 1830)
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Bryn Lewis
Year of death:
1917
Bryn Lewis, Welsh international rugby player (born 1891)
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Albert Pike
Year of death:
1891
Albert Pike, American lawyer and general (born 1809)
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Ahmed Vefik Pasha
Year of death:
1891
Ahmed Vefik Pasha, Greek playwright and politician, 249th Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire (born 1823)
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Ludwig Heinrich Bojanus
Year of death:
1827
Ludwig Heinrich Bojanus, German physician and educator (born 1776)
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Philip Charles Durham
Year of death:
1845
Philip Charles Durham, Scottish admiral and politician (born 1763)
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HOLIDAYS ON APRIL 2
See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on April 2 around the world.
Theodosia of Tyre
Christian feast day: Theodosia of Tyre
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Abundius
Christian feast day: Abundius of Como
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Urban of Langres
Christian feast day: Urban of Langres
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April 2 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Christian feast day: April 2 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
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Malvinas Day
Malvinas Day (Argentina)
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World Autism Awareness Day
World Autism Awareness Day (International)
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Nicetius of Lyon
Christian feast day: Nicetius of Lyon
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Pedro Calungsod
Christian feast day: Pedro Calungsod
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