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Explore the historical events that shaped our world on April 25th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
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Construction of the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral in France, began sometime, between March 24 and April, 25, 1163, with the laying of the foundation stone by Pope Alexander III in the presence of King Louis VII. The Cathedral was formally completed 200 years later in 1345.
The project was initiated by Maurice de Sully, the Bishop of Paris, who envisioned a grand cathedral in the new Gothic style to replace the then existing Saint-Étienne Cathedral.
The Treaty of Łęczyca, in medieval Poland, is signed, c. April 25, 1185, bringing a pause in the power struggles between Casimir II the Just and his older brother, Mieszko III the Old. As part of the treaty, Mieszko III acknowledged Casimir's rule over Kraków (the Seniorate), while Casimir recognized Mieszko's status as a senior prince. The resulting peace, was often unstable.
Alfonso II of Aragon, the first king of the Crown of Aragon and Count of Barcelona, dies on April 25, 1196 in Perpignan (modern-day France). He was succeeded by his son, Peter II of Aragon (also known as Pedro II or Peter the Catholic).
King Casimir III of Poland is crowned on April 25, 1333,. He focused on strengthening the kingdom through domestic reforms, legal codification, economic growth, and peaceful diplomacy. Poland was a major European power by his death in 1370.
The Convention Parliament meets on April 25, 1660, in England, beginning the Restoration of the monarchy under Charles II.
Robinson Crusoe, the novel by Daniel Defoe is published in London on April 25, 1719, quickly becoming a major success, having four editions printed in the first year of publication. The book tells the story of Robinson Crusoe, who defies his family's wishes and goes to sea, only to be shipwrecked on a deserted island.
He survives for many years by his own ingenuity, adapting to his environment, learning to farm, and eventually befriending a native man he names Friday. The novel explores themes of survival, resilience, and the human spirit's resilience. The book went on to become the second-most translated book in the world. More
The Groundbreaking of the Suez Canal officially began on April 25, 1859, when French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps broke ground at Port Said, Egypt. Ten years later, on August 18, 1869, the water of the the Red Sea and the Mediterranean seas meet and a new world navigation path was established; after after digging out 74 million m3 of soil and spending 433 million Francs, double the original estimate. More
The United States Congress, formally declares war on Spain on April 25, 1898, beginning the Spanish-American War. The war declaration was made retroactive to April 21, 1898, following Spain’s rejection of a U.S. ultimatum to withdraw from Cuba.
American and Soviet troops meet on the Elbe in the vicinity of Torgau, Germany, on April 25, 1945, signaling that the end of the Second World War in Europe was within reach. More
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U.S. President Harry S. learns of the Manhattan Project on April 25, 1945, after the death of President Roosevelt in April and he took the oath of office as the next president of the United States.
He was briefed by Henry Stimson, Secretary of War. While a Senator, Truman had noticed large, secret government expenditures in Washington state in 1943, but Secretary Stimson had personally asked him to stop investigating for national security reasons.
Truman went on to became in charge of the most difficult moral and tactical decision of World War II: whether or not to drop the atomic bomb. His ultimate decision led to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. More
The "People Power" (the Carnation Revolution) of April 25, 1974. A largely peaceful military coup in Portugal, highlighted by civilians placing red carnations in soldiers' gun barrels, and the merging of military action and popular uprising into a massive popular movement.
The resulting profound social revolution and the establishment of lasting democratic and social changes, ended nearly half a century of authoritarian rule.
Dan-Air Flight 1008, a Boeing 727-46 jet aircraft operated by Dan Air Services as a charter flight from Manchester to Tenerife on the Canary Islands crashes on April 25, 1980 on La Esperanza Mountain killing all 146 on board. More
The Hubble Space Telescope is deployed in low earth orbit on April 25, 1990, after being launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on the STS-31 mission the day before. More
Nepal is hit by a devastating 7.8 earthquake, on April 25, 2015 resulting in widespread destruction and more than eight thousand deaths. The earth quake was followed by a 7.3 magnitude aftershock on May 12. More
