All Events

Historical Events on April 14

  • Abolitionism in the United States

    1775

    The first abolition society in North America is established. The Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage is organized in Philadelphia by Benjamin Franklin and Benjamin Rush.

  • Abraham Lincoln

    1865

    U.S. President Abraham Lincoln is shot in Ford's Theatre by John Wilkes Booth; Lincoln died the next day.

  • RMS Titanic

    1912

    The British passenger liner RMS Titanic hits an iceberg in the North Atlantic at 23:40 (sinks morning of April 15th).

  • World War II

    1940

    World War II: Royal Marines land in Namsos, Norway in preparation for a larger force to arrive two days later.

  • Erwin Rommel

    1941

    World War II: German general Erwin Rommel attacks Tobruk.

  • Malta

    1942

    Malta receives the George Cross for its gallantry. The George Cross was given by King George VI himself and is now an emblem on the Maltese national flag.

  • Soviet Union

    1958

    The Soviet satellite Sputnik 2 falls from orbit after a mission duration of 162 days. This was the first spacecraft to carry a living animal, a female dog named Laika, who likely lived only a few hours.

  • Georgia (country)

    1991

    The Republic of Georgia introduces the post of President after its declaration of independence from the Soviet Union.

  • Venezuela

    2002

    Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez returns to office two days after being ousted and arrested by the country's military.

All Births

Famous Birthdays on April 14

All Deaths

Famous Deaths on April 14

13. April

15. April