All Events

Historical Events on April 5

  • Virginia

    1614

    In Virginia, Native American Pocahontas marries English colonist John Rolfe.

  • George Washington

    1792

    United States President George Washington exercises his authority to veto a bill, the first time this power is used in the United States.

  • American Civil War

    1862

    American Civil War: The Battle of Yorktown begins.

  • World War II

    1942

    World War II: The Imperial Japanese Navy launches a carrier-based air attack on Colombo, Ceylon during the Indian Ocean raid. Port and civilian facilities are damaged and the Royal Navy cruisers HMS Cornwall and HMS Dorsetshire are sunk southwest of the island.

  • Cold War

    1945

    Cold War: Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito signs an agreement with the Soviet Union to allow "temporary entry of Soviet troops into Yugoslav territory".

  • Fidel Castro

    1956

    Fidel Castro declares himself at war with Cuban President Fulgencio Batista.

  • Vietnam War

    1969

    Vietnam War: Massive antiwar demonstrations occur in many U.S. cities.

  • China

    1976

    In the People's Republic of China, the April Fifth Movement leads to the Tiananmen Incident.

  • North Korea

    2009

    North Korea launches its controversial Kwangmyŏngsŏng-2 rocket. The satellite passed over mainland Japan, which prompted an immediate reaction from the United Nations Security Council, as well as participating states of Six-party talks.