April 23

Events - Politics & Government

711day.year

Dagobert III succeeds his father King Childebert III as King of the Franks.

Dagobert III ascended to the Frankish throne in 711, succeeding his father Childebert III.
In 711, following the death of King Childebert III, his son Dagobert III was proclaimed King of the Franks. The young monarch inherited a realm beset by internal nobility disputes and external threats. His reign, though short, occurred during a pivotal period preceding the rise of the Carolingian family. Historical records of Dagobert’s policies and actions remain scarce, complicating the narrative of his rule. Scholars debate his impact, yet his succession marked continuity in Merovingian dynastic tradition.
711 Dagobert III Childebert III King of the Franks
1016day.year

Edmund Ironside succeeds his father Æthelred the Unready as King of England.

Edmund Ironside became King of England in 1016 after the death of Æthelred the Unready.
Upon the death of his father Æthelred the Unready in April 1016, Edmund Ironside was crowned King of England. Known for his martial prowess against Danish invaders, Edmund inherited a realm under siege by Cnut of Denmark. His reign saw intense battles as he strove to defend his kingdom from conquest. Though his time on the throne was brief, his resistance laid groundwork for future English monarchy. Edmund’s tenure illustrates the turbulent era of Viking invasions and dynastic struggle.
1016 Edmund Ironside Æthelred the Unready
1348day.year

The founding of the Order of the Garter by King Edward III is announced on St. George's Day.

King Edward III announced the founding of England’s Order of the Garter on St. George’s Day 1348.
On 23 April 1348, King Edward III formalized the Order of the Garter, England’s highest order of chivalry, in a ceremony at Windsor Castle. Dedicated to St. George, patron saint of soldiers, the order initially comprised Edward and 25 knights. It aimed to foster loyalty among the king’s martial elite and celebrate ideals of knighthood. The elaborate investiture rituals and distinctive garb set a precedent for European chivalric orders. Over centuries, the Order of the Garter has evolved into a symbol of honor and tradition within the British monarchy.
1348 Order of the Garter Edward III St. George's Day
1660day.year

Treaty of Oliva is established between Sweden and Poland.

The Treaty of Oliva is signed between Sweden and Poland, ending hostilities and confirming territorial changes in Northern Europe.
In the aftermath of the Northern Wars, the Treaty of Oliva was signed on April 23, 1660, between Sweden, the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, and other regional powers. It formally ended the conflict between Sweden and Poland that had raged since 1655 and clarified territorial sovereignty. Under the treaty, Sweden secured control over Livonia and retained its influence in the Baltic region. Poland recovered some of its territories, and mutual restitution of captured lands was agreed upon. The settlement brought a period of relative peace to Northern Europe and laid groundwork for diplomatic relations in the ensuing decades.
1660 Treaty of Oliva
1661day.year

King Charles II of England, Scotland and Ireland is crowned in Westminster Abbey.

King Charles II is crowned at Westminster Abbey, marking the restoration of the monarchy after the Interregnum.
Following the collapse of the Commonwealth and the Protectorate, Charles II returned from exile and was formally crowned on April 23, 1661, in Westminster Abbey. The coronation ceremony symbolized the restoration of the Stuart monarchy after more than a decade of republican rule. Dignitaries from across Europe attended the festivities, highlighting the king's renewed legitimacy among continental powers. The lavish ceremony combined traditional medieval rituals with renewed pomp, seeking to reinforce royal authority. Charles II’s reign would usher in the Restoration era, noted for its cultural revival and political realignments in England, Scotland, and Ireland.
1661 Charles II of England Westminster Abbey
1919day.year

The Estonian Constituent Assembly is held in Estonia, which marks the birth of the Estonian Parliament, the Riigikogu.

The first Estonian Constituent Assembly convenes on April 23, 1919, establishing the Riigikogu, Estonia's parliament. This assembly laid the foundation for Estonia's democratic governance after independence.
In the aftermath of World War I and the collapse of the Russian Empire, Estonia declared its independence on February 24, 1918. On April 23, 1919, delegates gathered in Tallinn for the inaugural session of the Estonian Constituent Assembly, also known as the Asutav Kogu. The assembly was charged with drafting a constitution and establishing essential state institutions for the new republic. It formally established the Riigikogu as the legislative body, defining parliamentary procedures and civil rights. This meeting laid the legal and political foundations for Estonia's sovereignty and democratic tradition.
1919 Estonian Constituent Assembly Estonia Riigikogu
1920day.year

The Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) is founded in Ankara. The assembly denounces the government of Sultan Mehmed VI and announces the preparation of a temporary constitution.

The Grand National Assembly of Turkey opens in Ankara on April 23, 1920, as the seat of the Turkish nationalist movement. It rejects Sultan Mehmed VI’s government and begins drafting a provisional constitution.
Amid the Turkish War of Independence, nationalist leaders convened in Ankara to challenge the Ottoman government’s authority. On April 23, 1920, the Grand National Assembly (Türkiye Büyük Millet Meclisi) held its first session with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk among the delegates. The assembly officially denounced the rule of Sultan Mehmed VI and assumed both legislative and executive powers. Delegates resolved to draft a temporary constitution to guide the emerging Turkish state. This session laid the groundwork for the Republic of Turkey, linking national sovereignty to the will of its people. April 23 is now celebrated as National Sovereignty and Children’s Day in Turkey.
1920 Grand National Assembly of Turkey Ankara Sultan Mehmed VI temporary constitution
1935day.year

The Polish Constitution of 1935 is adopted.

Poland adopts the April Constitution on April 23, 1935, reshaping its governance under Marshal Józef Piłsudski. The new constitution strengthened executive power and altered the balance of the state.
On April 23, 1935, the Polish Parliament enacted the April Constitution (Konstytucja kwietniowa), replacing the 1921 March Constitution. Drafted under the influence of Marshal Józef Piłsudski, it granted extensive powers to the President, including the authority to dissolve the Sejm. The document aimed to create a more stable government by limiting parliamentary fragmentation and ensuring decisive leadership. Critics argued the constitution leaned toward authoritarianism and weakened democratic checks and balances. It remained in effect until the outbreak of World War II and the subsequent occupation of Poland. The April Constitution stands as a controversial milestone in interwar Polish politics.
1935 Polish Constitution of 1935
1946day.year

Manuel Roxas is elected the last President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines.

Manuel Roxas wins the presidential election on April 23, 1946, becoming the last President of the Philippine Commonwealth. His leadership set the stage for full independence from the United States.
In the aftermath of World War II, the Philippines prepared for full sovereignty under the Tydings–McDuffie Act. On April 23, 1946, Manuel Roxas, a wartime statesman and political leader, won the presidential election. He became the fifth and final President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. Roxas faced the daunting task of rebuilding infrastructure and institutions in a war-ravaged nation. He led the delegation that negotiated the Treaty of Manila, granting Philippine independence on July 4, 1946. Under his administration, economic recovery and the establishment of diplomatic ties with the United States were top priorities.
1946 Manuel Roxas Commonwealth of the Philippines
1951day.year

Cold War: American journalist William N. Oatis is arrested for espionage by the Communist government of Czechoslovakia.

American journalist William N. Oatis was arrested by the Czechoslovak Communist government on espionage charges during the height of the Cold War.
On April 23, 1951, William N. Oatis, a reporter for the United Press wire service, was detained in Prague and accused of spying for the United States. He endured harsh interrogations and a highly publicized trial orchestrated by the Communist regime as a show of power. The arrest sparked international outcry over press freedom and diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Czechoslovakia. Despite global protests and legal efforts, Oatis was sentenced to ten years in prison, though he was released after seven months following intense U.S. government pressure. His case became emblematic of the ideological struggles and human rights disputes that defined the Cold War era.
1951 Cold War William N. Oatis Communist Czechoslovakia
1961day.year

Algiers putsch by French generals.

A group of French generals attempted a military coup in Algiers to oppose President de Gaulle's Algerian independence policies.
From April 21 to 25, 1961, four retired French generals led a coup d'état in Algiers against President Charles de Gaulle’s decision to negotiate Algerian independence. The putschists seized key military installations and called for continued French rule in Algeria, igniting a crisis that threatened the stability of the French Fifth Republic. De Gaulle appealed directly to the French public via radio, condemning the rebellion and urging loyalty to the government. The coup collapsed within days as units withdrew support and the generals surrendered. The failed putsch ultimately strengthened de Gaulle’s authority and accelerated Algeria’s path to independence, which was achieved in 1962.
1961 Algiers putsch
1990day.year

Namibia becomes the 160th member of the United Nations and the 50th member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Namibia was admitted to the United Nations and the Commonwealth, solidifying its status as a newly independent nation.
On April 23, 1990, the Republic of Namibia joined the United Nations as its 160th member and the Commonwealth of Nations as its 50th member. This followed Namibia’s formal independence from South African rule on March 21, 1990, after decades of struggle led by SWAPO and international mediation. Membership in these organizations granted Namibia access to diplomatic forums, development aid, and global partnerships. The dual admission symbolized international recognition of Namibia’s sovereignty and commitment to multilateral cooperation. Celebrations across Windhoek and major cities marked a new era for the country’s democratic governance and economic development.
1990 Namibia member United Nations member Commonwealth of Nations