This Day in History: April 22

On this day, April 22, the world recalls the times of deep environmental awakening and radical political changes. This is the day when the modern environmental movement was born and the explorers came to the shores of the distant lands. Since the emergence of revolutionary leaders up to the signing of the most important climate agreements, April 22 helps us to remember about our mutual responsibility to the planet and the strength of personal belief. Let us explore the events that unfolded today in history in chronological order below.

What Happened on this Day in History: 22nd April

Portuguese Explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral Reaches Brazil - 1500

This day Brazil was officially discovered by Portuguese sailor Pedro Alvares Cabral. He commanded a fleet of thirteen vessels bound to India, and swung far westward into the Atlantic and caught sight of the coast of South America. This was the landing that enabled Portugal to occupy the territory of the Treaty of Tordesillas. The incident essentially altered the world map and began centuries of Portuguese colonialism in South America. This point is nowadays considered to be the beginning of the modern Brazilian history and its peculiar Lusophone culture.

Revolutionary Leader Vladimir Lenin is Born - 1870

Vladimir Ilich Ulyanov, popularly known as Vladimir Lenin was born in Simbirsk, Russia. He was the main architect of the October Revolution and the first leader of the Soviet Union. The political framework of the 20th century was transformed by the way in which Lenin adapted the Marxist theory. He created the first communist state in the world, which shaped the world politics over decades. His legacy is still a topic of heated discussion even today, about the way of governance, social equality, and the price of revolutionary change.

The Oklahoma Land Rush Begins - 1889

At noon thousands of settlers rushed into the "Unassigned Lands" of Oklahoma to claim cheap homesteads. This was called the Oklahoma Land Rush and the cities such as Oklahoma City were born overnight. It was the last thrust of the American frontier era and the rapid growth of the United States. Nevertheless, it also marked the displacement of Native American tribes that had been forced into the areas before. The history of the Sooners is at the heart of the state of Oklahoma.

First Large-Scale Use of Poison Gas in Warfare - 1915

In World War I, the Germans used 168 tons of chlorine gas during the Second Battle of Ypres to attack Allied lines. It was the first large-scale application of lethal chemical weapons in modern times. The assault resulted in thousands of deaths and brought a new frightening aspect to the war. It caused the rapid creation of gas masks and caused an international outcry. This later led to the Geneva Protocol that continues to prohibit the use of chemical weapons in the international warfare to date.

Did You Know?

The date for the first Earth Day in 1970 was specifically chosen because it fell between Spring Break and final exams. Organizers wanted to ensure the maximum number of college students could participate in the rallies.

Subhas Chandra Bose Resigns from the Indian Civil Service - 1921

On this day, Subhas Chandra Bose, one of the most legendary freedom fighters of India, quit the coveted Indian Civil Service (ICS). He declined to serve the British Raj although he was ranked fourth in the tough competitive exams. Bose also wrote to the Secretary of State to India saying that he could not serve a foreign government when his country was fighting to be free. This was a bold step that led him to join the Indian nationalist movement. His leadership subsequently offered a radical alternative to the mainstream fight of freedom.

The World Celebrates the First Earth Day - 1970

Twenty million people in the United States went to the streets to demonstrate against environmental ignorance and to demand a new way forward. The first Earth Day was organized by Senator Gaylord Nelson, and it led to the enactment of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. It made environmentalism not a niche issue but a movement all over the world. On This Day, we recall how local activism can result in systemic change in legislation. Earth Day is now being celebrated by more than one billion people in almost 200 countries.

Former U.S. President Richard Nixon Passes Away - 1994

Richard Nixon, the 37th president of the United States, passed away four days after he suffered a stroke. His historic visit to China and the termination of the Vietnam War are what he is best remembered by, but also the Watergate scandal. He is the only president of the United States who resigned. His passing was a national reconsideration of his mixed legacy of foreign policy genius and domestic political upheaval. His presidency remains a point of study to modern historians as a shift in American faith in government.

The Ryongchon Disaster in North Korea - 2004

In North Korea, a huge blast at a railway station in Ryongchon happened when a train with flammable chemicals hit electrical wires. The explosion left thousands of houses in ruins and hundreds of people dead or injured. This was an unusual request of international assistance to the secretive state as a result of this rare glimpse into the North Korean tragedy. International organizations and the neighboring South Korea supplied emergency food and medical supplies. The crisis has demonstrated the weak condition of the infrastructure in North Korea and the possibility of the humanitarian collaboration.

The Paris Agreement is Signed by World Leaders - 2016

In 2016, 174 countries and the European Union signed the Paris Agreement on Earth Day at the United Nations headquarters. It was a historic treaty that was to ensure global warming is kept at a level that is less than 2 degrees Celsius. It was a time when there was almost a universal agreement in the necessity to deal with climate change. Signing on this historic day, countries pledged to cut carbon emissions and promote sustainable development. It is the leading global climate action and international environmental policy framework today.

India Records a Global High in Daily COVID-19 Cases - 2021

During the height of the devastating second wave, India reported over 314,000 new COVID-19 infections in a single day. At the time, this was the highest one-day tally recorded by any nation since the pandemic began. The surge placed an immense strain on India’s healthcare system and oxygen supplies.

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