1320day.year
The Scots reaffirm their independence by signing the Declaration of Arbroath.
On April 6, 1320, Scottish nobles sealed the Declaration of Arbroath, affirming Scotland’s sovereignty and appealing to the Pope to recognize their independence from England.
The Declaration of Arbroath was drafted and dispatched to Pope John XXII in April 1320 by Scottish barons who sought papal support against English overlordship. This formal letter, sealed at Arbroath Abbey, eloquently asserted that Scotland had been free long before English invasions and that no monarch unwilling or unworthy could rule them. It famously stated that if Robert the Bruce betrayed their cause, the Scots would choose another king. The declaration is regarded as a powerful statement of national identity and has become a symbol of Scottish patriotism. Its appeal rested on the principles of popular sovereignty and collective will. Although it did not immediately change England’s policy, it secured moral and diplomatic backing from the papacy. The document’s legacy resounded through centuries, influencing later movements for self-determination around the world.
1320
Declaration of Arbroath
1782day.year
King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) of Siam (modern day Thailand) establishes the Chakri dynasty.
On April 6, 1782, General Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke crowned himself King Rama I of Siam and founded the Chakri dynasty, which continues to rule Thailand today.
Following the fall of Ayutthaya to Burmese forces in 1767 and a period of turmoil, General Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke seized power in 1782 and ascended the throne as Rama I. He chose Bangkok as the new capital and began constructing the Grand Palace and key temples, signaling a renaissance of Siamese culture and governance. Establishing the Chakri dynasty marked a new era of stability, consolidation, and modernization for the kingdom. Rama I reorganized the administration, codified laws, and patronized Buddhist traditions to legitimize his rule. Under his leadership, Siam regained territory and diplomatic relations with neighboring states. The dynasty he founded has continued through successive Rama monarchs, witnessing Siam’s transformation into modern Thailand. April 6 remains a significant date in Thai history, commemorating the birth of the ruling dynasty.
1782
Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke
Thailand
1793day.year
During the French Revolution, the Committee of Public Safety becomes the executive organ of the republic.
On April 6, 1793, during the French Revolution, the Committee of Public Safety gained full executive authority, ushering in the Reign of Terror.
The Committee of Public Safety was established by the National Convention to coordinate the war effort and defend the revolution from internal and external threats. On April 6, 1793, it assumed executive powers, surpassing other revolutionary bodies in influence and control. Led by figures such as Maximilien Robespierre, Georges Couthon, and Louis Saint-Just, the committee centralized decision-making in Paris. It instituted policies such as the levée en masse, rigorous price controls, and the Law of Suspects to root out enemies of the revolution. Under its authority, revolutionary tribunals conducted mass trials and executions, culminating in the notorious Reign of Terror. The committee’s measures helped France survive foreign invasions and civil strife but at a tremendous human cost. Its legacy remains controversial, symbolizing both the revolution’s most radical phase and the perils of unchecked political power.
1793
French Revolution
Committee of Public Safety
1800day.year
The Treaty of Constantinople establishes the Septinsular Republic, the first autonomous Greek state since the Fall of the Byzantine Empire. (Under the Old Style calendar then still in use in the Ottoman Empire, the treaty was signed on 21 March.)
The Treaty of Constantinople established the Septinsular Republic, the first autonomous Greek state since the fall of the Byzantine Empire.
On 4 April 1800, the Treaty of Constantinople was signed between the Ottoman Empire and Imperial Russia.
It created the Septinsular Republic in the Ionian Islands, the first autonomous Greek state since Byzantium fell in 1453.
The new republic was nominally under Ottoman suzerainty while enjoying Russian protection and influence.
This agreement ended French occupation of the islands that had begun under Napoleon's expansion.
The treaty reflected the complex power struggles in Europe at the dawn of the 19th century and presaged later movements for Greek independence.
1800
Treaty of Constantinople
Septinsular Republic
Fall of the Byzantine Empire
Old Style
1814day.year
Nominal beginning of the Bourbon Restoration; anniversary date that Napoleon abdicates and is exiled to Elba.
Napoleon Bonaparte abdicated the French throne, beginning the Bourbon Restoration and his exile to Elba.
On 6 April 1814, Napoleon Bonaparte formally abdicated as Emperor of the French following a series of defeats.
His abdication marked the nominal start of the Bourbon Restoration under King Louis XVIII.
Napoleon was exiled to the island of Elba, off the coast of Italy, with sovereignty over the small territory.
The restoration aimed to re-establish the traditional monarchy after the tumult of the Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.
This phase of European history was characterized by the Congress of Vienna's efforts to restore balance and legitimacy.
1814
Bourbon Restoration
Elba
1841day.year
U.S. President John Tyler is sworn in, two days after having become president upon William Henry Harrison's death.
John Tyler was sworn in as the 10th President of the United States, succeeding William Henry Harrison after his death.
On 6 April 1841, Vice President John Tyler took the oath of office after President William Henry Harrison died.
Harrison had died on April 4, just one month into his term, making his the shortest presidency in U.S. history.
Tyler's succession established the precedent that the vice president fully assumes presidential powers and title.
His accession, known as the 'Tyler Precedent,' clarified the U.S. Constitution's provisions for presidential succession.
Tyler faced opposition from both major parties but oversaw the annexation of Texas and other significant policy decisions.
1841
John Tyler
William Henry Harrison
1911day.year
During the Battle of Deçiq, Dedë Gjon Luli Dedvukaj, leader of the Malësori Albanians, raises the Albanian flag in the town of Tuzi, Montenegro, for the first time after George Kastrioti (Skanderbeg).
Dedë Gjon Luli Dedvukaj hoists the Albanian flag at Tuzi, reigniting a national symbol since Skanderbeg.
On April 6, 1911 during the Battle of Deçiq, Dedë Gjon Luli Dedvukaj led the Malësori Albanian forces to a decisive victory against Ottoman troops near Tuzi, Montenegro.
Atop the hill of Deçiq, he hoisted the Albanian double-headed eagle flag for the first time since the days of Skanderbeg.
This powerful gesture became a rallying symbol for the Albanian national awakening and struggle for autonomy.
The victory spurred momentum for the Albanian Revolt of 1911 and set the stage for the declaration of independence in 1912.
Dedvukaj’s flag-raising remains a celebrated moment in Albania’s quest for nationhood.
1911
Battle of Deçiq
Dedë Gjon Luli Dedvukaj
Malësori
Albanians
Tuzi
Skanderbeg
1917day.year
World War I: The United States declares war on Germany.
The United States enters World War I by formally declaring war on Germany.
On April 6, 1917, after German unrestricted submarine warfare and the Zimmerman Telegram revelation, the U.S. Congress declared war on Imperial Germany.
President Woodrow Wilson framed the conflict as a fight 'to make the world safe for democracy.'
America’s entry provided a crucial infusion of fresh troops and resources to the beleaguered Allies in Europe.
Over two million American soldiers would later serve on the Western Front, influencing the war’s outcome.
This decision marked a turning point in global geopolitics and set the stage for the United States’ emergence as a world power.
1917
World War I
United States declares war on Germany
1929day.year
Huey P. Long, Governor of Louisiana, is impeached by the Louisiana House of Representatives.
Louisiana Governor Huey P. Long is impeached amid allegations of corruption and authoritarian rule.
On April 6, 1929, Governor Huey P. Long of Louisiana faced impeachment by the state House on charges including misuse of funds, excessive patronage, and overreach of authority.
Known for his populist 'Share Our Wealth' program, Long had centralized power and challenged established political elites.
The impeachment proceedings underscored the fierce political battles that defined his tenure.
Although the trial was never concluded—Long narrowly avoided removal due to procedural delays—the episode highlighted the controversies surrounding his leadership.
Huey Long’s influence continued to ripple through both Louisiana and national politics.
1929
Huey P. Long
Governor of Louisiana
impeached
Louisiana House of Representatives
1948day.year
The Finno-Soviet Treaty is signed in Moscow.
The Finno-Soviet Treaty was signed in Moscow on April 6, 1948, defining Finland’s security and relations with the Soviet Union.
On April 6, 1948, Finland and the Soviet Union signed the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance in Moscow.
The pact guaranteed Finland's sovereignty while ensuring it would resist any attack by Germany or its allies on Soviet territory through Finnish soil.
In exchange, the Soviet Union recognized Finland’s western borders and allowed Finnish neutrality in global affairs.
This settlement marked the end of wartime hostilities between the two nations and preserved Finland's democratic system.
The treaty dominated Finnish foreign policy throughout the Cold War, balancing East-West tensions.
It became a cornerstone of Finland's policy of neutrality until its eventual dissolution in 1992.
1948
Finno-Soviet Treaty
1968day.year
Pierre Elliott Trudeau wins the Liberal Party leadership election, and becomes Prime Minister of Canada soon afterward.
Pierre Trudeau won the Liberal Party leadership on April 6, 1968, and soon became Prime Minister of Canada.
On April 6, 1968, Pierre Elliott Trudeau emerged victorious in the Liberal Party of Canada leadership convention.
His progressive platform and charismatic appeal earned him widespread support across the party.
Within weeks, Trudeau was appointed Prime Minister, ushering in a period known as 'Trudeaumania.'
He promoted policies of bilingualism, multiculturalism, and a just society initiative.
Trudeau’s leadership style and media savviness transformed Canadian politics and public discourse.
He served as Prime Minister for 15 years over two terms, leaving a lasting legacy on Canada.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau
Liberal Party leadership election
1984day.year
Members of Cameroon's Republican Guard unsuccessfully attempt to overthrow the government headed by Paul Biya.
Cameroon's Republican Guard mounts an unsuccessful coup attempt to overthrow President Paul Biya.
On April 6, 1984, members of Cameroon's elite Republican Guard attempted to seize power in a coup against President Paul Biya. The conspirators aimed to oust Biya's government, citing dissatisfaction with his leadership and economic challenges facing the country. Loyalist forces quickly suppressed the uprising, and key plotters were arrested or fled into exile. The brief revolt exposed unrest within the military and raised concerns about the stability of Biya's regime. President Biya strengthened his security apparatus in the aftermath to prevent further insurrections. The event remains one of the few serious threats to Biya's long tenure in office.
1984
Cameroon
unsuccessfully attempt
Paul Biya