April 24 in History – From Revolution to Remembrance | Past Tracker

A deep dive into April 24’s global impact, from historic battles to cultural milestones

Past Tracker brings you Today in History – Explore top historical events, famous birthdays, notable deaths, and FAQs from this day.

What’s Special on April 24th?

April 24 is a date marked by revolutionary moments, historical milestones, and powerful legacies across the globe. From space exploration breakthroughs to major political events, this day resonates with significance in world history. It is a time to reflect on groundbreaking discoveries, cultural contributions, and the birth and death of influential figures. Whether you're curious about what happened on April 24 or want to know what special day is April 24th, the following timeline answers your historical questions.

Top 10 Historic Events – April 24

1990 – Hubble Space Telescope Launched

On April 24, 1990, NASA released the Hubble Space Telescope aboard the gap travel Discovery. This revolutionary telescope has provided stunning images of deep space, allowing scientists to study galaxies, nebulae, and black holes with unprecedented clarity. The mission expanded humanity’s understanding of the universe, delivering data that led to major astronomical discoveries. The launch of Hubble remains a landmark event in both space science and modern history.

1915 – Armenian Genocide Begins

April 24, 1915, marks the beginning of the Armenian Genocide, when the Ottoman Empire initiated mass arrests of Armenian intellectuals in Constantinople. This brought about the systematic extermination of about 1.five million Armenians. The tragedy stands as one of the earliest and most devastating genocides of the 20th century, remembered globally every April 24 as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. It continues to shape discussions around human rights and historical recognition.

1800 – U.S. Library of Congress Founded

The United States Library of Congress was founded on April 24, 1800, by President John Adams. Originally intended to serve members of Congress, the library has grown into the largest library in the world. It houses millions of books, recordings, manuscripts, and maps. The establishment of this vital institution marked a turning point in American cultural history and reflects the nation’s commitment to knowledge and research preservation.

1970 – China Launches Its First Satellite

On April 24, 1970, China successfully launched its first satellite, Dong Fang Hong 1, into orbit. This made China the fifth nation to independently send a satellite into space. The satellite played the Chinese national anthem, symbolizing the country's technological and political progress. This milestone launched China's ongoing space exploration efforts, setting the foundation for future missions, including moon and Mars exploration programs.

1916 – Easter Rising Begins in Ireland

April 24, 1916, marked the beginning of the Easter Rising, an armed insurrection by Irish republicans against British rule. The rebellion began in Dublin and lasted for six days. Though it was suppressed, the Easter Rising reignited the Irish independence movement and set the stage for Ireland's eventual separation from the United Kingdom. This pivotal event holds a powerful place in Irish history and identity.

2005 – Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger Installed as Pope Benedict XVI

On April 24, 2005, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was officially installed as Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Basilica. His papacy followed the death of Pope John Paul II. Known for his conservative views and theological scholarship, Pope Benedict served until 2013, when he became the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign. His installation marked a significant moment in modern religious history.

1967 – Soviet Cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov Dies in Space Mission

Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov tragically died on April 24, 1967, during the Soyuz 1 mission. A parachute failure caused the spacecraft to crash on reentry. Komarov became the first human to die in a spaceflight accident. His death highlighted the risks of space exploration and the need for better engineering and safety protocols. Komarov is remembered as a brave pioneer in the space race.

1980 – Operation Eagle Claw Fails in Iran

On April 24, 1980, the United States attempted a military operation to rescue 52 hostages held in Tehran, Iran. Known as Operation Eagle Claw, the mission failed due to mechanical issues and a deadly helicopter crash. The operation’s failure damaged U.S. morale and contributed to President Jimmy Carter’s declining popularity. It also led to major reforms in U.S. special operations training and coordination.

2013 – Rana Plaza Building Collapse in Bangladesh

On April 24, 2013, the Rana Plaza garment manufacturing unit in Dhaka, Bangladesh, collapsed, killing extra than 1,a hundred human beings and injuring thousands. It is considered one of the deadliest industrial disasters in history. The tragedy brought global attention to poor labor conditions and building safety in the garment industry. It sparked worldwide demands for ethical fashion and improved worker protections.

1805 – U.S. Marines Capture Derna in First Barbary War

On April 24, 1805, U.S. Marines and allied mercenaries captured the city of Derna in Libya during the First Barbary War. This marked the first recorded land battle of the U.S. on foreign soil. The victory helped secure American shipping interests and bolstered the reputation of the U.S. military. The phrase "to the shores of Tripoli" in the Marine Corps Hymn refers to this event.

Famous Birthdays on April 24

• Barbra Streisand (1942) – American singer, actress, and filmmaker, celebrated for her powerful voice and numerous awards.

• Kelly Clarkson (1982) – Grammy-winning pop singer and the first winner of "American Idol."

• Djimon Hounsou (1964) – Academy Award-nominated actor known for roles in "Gladiator" and "Blood Diamond."

• Willem de Kooning (1904) – Influential abstract expressionist painter.

Notable Deaths on April 24

• Daniel Defoe (1731) – English author best known for "Robinson Crusoe."

• Wally Schirra (2007) – U.S. astronaut who flew Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions.

• Vladimir Komarov (1967) – Soviet cosmonaut who died during Soyuz 1 mission.

Conclusion

April 24 holds profound meaning in the annals of world history. From space exploration to political revolutions, cultural milestones to tragic events, this day offers a unique lens through which we can view human achievement and resilience. For those exploring the April 24 calendar, this day remains a pivotal marker of our shared past.

Optional FAQs (For SEO Boost)

Q: What's special on April 24th?

A: April 24 is known for the launch of the Hubble Telescope, Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, and the founding of the U.S. Library of Congress.

Q: What happened on 24th April?

A: Historic events include the 1915 Armenian Genocide, the launch of Hubble in 1990, and the 2013 Rana Plaza collapse.

Q: What days in April are special?

A: April 22 (Earth Day), April 23 (World Book Day), and April 24 (Genocide Remembrance Day) are among April’s most historically significant dates.

Q: What special day is 25 April?

A: April 25 is observed as ANZAC Day in Australia and New Zealand to honor fallen soldiers.

Q: What is the April 24 zodiac sign?

A: Individuals born on April 24 fall under the Taurus zodiac sign, known for determination and loyalty.

Q: How many days until April 24th?

A: The number of days until April 24 depends on the current date. As of April 15, 2025, it's 9 days away.

Q: Is there a holiday on April 24?

A: April 24 is recognized as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day and International Fashion Revolution Day.

Q: April 24 game?

A: Game releases and sports events on April 24 vary yearly. Check gaming calendars for current updates.

Q: April 24 birthday personality?

A: Those born on April 24 (Taurus) are practical, loyal, determined, and have a strong sense of beauty and comfort.