April 24

Events - Politics & Government

1479 BC

Thutmose III ascends to the throne of Egypt, although power effectively shifts to Hatshepsut (according to the Low Chronology of the 18th dynasty).

In 1479 BC, Thutmose III ascended the Egyptian throne, though actual power lay with his stepmother Hatshepsut.
Thutmose III, one of the most powerful pharaohs of Egypt's 18th Dynasty, officially took the throne in 1479 BC. Despite his formal accession, his stepmother and co-regent Hatshepsut wielded the real authority for many years. Under their joint rule, Egypt enjoyed a renaissance of art, architecture, and international trade. Massive building projects at Karnak and expeditions to Punt showcased the kingdom's wealth. After Hatshepsut's death, Thutmose III led military campaigns that expanded Egypt's borders to their greatest extent. His reign marked a golden age that influenced successive pharaohs for generations.
1479 BC Thutmose III Egypt Hatshepsut
1558day.year

Mary, Queen of Scots, marries the Dauphin of France, François, at Notre-Dame de Paris.

Mary, Queen of Scots married France's Dauphin François at Notre-Dame de Paris in 1558, strengthening Franco-Scottish ties.
At just 15 years old, Mary Stuart wed François, the future King Francis II of France, on April 24, 1558. The marriage at Notre-Dame de Paris cemented the historic 'Auld Alliance' between Scotland and France. For Scotland, it offered powerful support against English ambitions and Protestant reforms. Mary became the French queen consort for a short but politically significant period. Her union with François influenced her tumultuous reign and later claim to the English throne.
1558 Mary, Queen of Scots marries Dauphin of France François Notre-Dame de Paris
1793day.year

French revolutionary Jean-Paul Marat is acquitted by the Revolutionary Tribunal of charges brought by the Girondin in Paris.

French revolutionary leader Jean-Paul Marat was acquitted of Girondin charges by the Revolutionary Tribunal in Paris in 1793.
In the volatile atmosphere of the French Revolution, Marat faced accusations from moderate Girondins. On April 24, 1793, the Revolutionary Tribunal cleared him of all charges, boosting his radical reputation. Marat's fiery writings and support for the poor made him a hero of the Montagnard faction. His acquittal emboldened his calls for harsh measures against perceived enemies of the revolution. Less than a year later, Marat would be assassinated in his bathtub by Charlotte Corday.
1793 Jean-Paul Marat
1800day.year

The United States Library of Congress is established when President John Adams signs legislation to appropriate $5,000 to purchase "such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress".

In 1800, President John Adams signed legislation allocating funds to establish the United States Library of Congress.
On April 24, 1800, President Adams approved $5,000 for the purchase of books deemed necessary for Congress. This act officially founded the Library of Congress as the federal government's research arm. Initially housed in the Capitol, its early collections focused on law, history, and government documents. Thomas Jefferson later expanded the library's holdings by selling his personal collection to Congress. Today, the Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, preserving America's cultural heritage.
1800 Library of Congress John Adams Congress
1924day.year

Thorvald Stauning becomes premier of Denmark (first term).

Thorvald Stauning assumes office as Denmark’s prime minister, beginning his first term and initiating social reforms.
On April 24, 1924, Thorvald Stauning was appointed premier of Denmark, beginning his first term in office. A leader of the Social Democrats, Stauning would become one of Denmark’s longest-serving prime ministers. His tenure ushered in progressive welfare reforms and strengthened labor rights in the interwar period. Stauning’s government introduced unemployment insurance and expanded social security programs. He navigated economic challenges during the Great Depression while maintaining political stability. Stauning’s leadership shaped modern Danish social democracy and government policy for decades to come.
1924 Thorvald Stauning Denmark
1926day.year

The Treaty of Berlin is signed. Germany and the Soviet Union each pledge neutrality in the event of an attack on the other by a third party for the next five years.

Germany and the Soviet Union sign the Treaty of Berlin, pledging mutual neutrality in case of third-party aggression for five years.
On April 24, 1926, Germany and the Soviet Union signed the Treaty of Berlin in Berlin. The agreement reaffirmed the principles of the earlier Treaty of Rapallo and extended neutrality commitments. Both nations pledged to remain neutral if either was attacked by a third party for the next five years. The treaty aimed to counterbalance French influence and foster diplomatic ties between the two powers. Though not a military alliance, it strengthened bilateral relations during the interwar era. The Treaty of Berlin reflected a pragmatic approach to security and commerce in post-World War I Europe.
1926 Treaty of Berlin Soviet Union
1933day.year

Nazi Germany begins its persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses by shutting down the Watch Tower Society office in Magdeburg.

In 1933, the Nazi regime shut down the Watch Tower Society office in Magdeburg, marking the start of official persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses.
In April 1933, Adolf Hitler’s government moved against Jehovah’s Witnesses by closing the Watch Tower Society office in Magdeburg. The crackdown marked the beginning of systematic repression of this faith community. Witnesses were targeted for their refusal to pledge allegiance to the regime and participate in military service. Many endured arrest, property seizures, and internment in concentration camps. Despite brutal persecution, numerous members held fast to their beliefs, drawing international attention to Nazi human rights abuses. The Magdeburg closure foreshadowed wider religious oppression under the Third Reich.
1933 Nazi Germany persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses Watch Tower Society Magdeburg
1953day.year

Winston Churchill is knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen Elizabeth II knighted former Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1953, honoring his wartime leadership and public service.
On April 24, 1953, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed a knighthood on Winston Churchill at Buckingham Palace, recognizing his pivotal role during World War II and his lifelong dedication to public life. Churchill, known for his stirring speeches and unwavering resolve, received the honor with characteristic humility and wit. The ceremony underscored the new monarch’s respect for the man who had guided Britain through its darkest hours. Distinguished guests, including senior political figures and members of the royal household, attended the investiture. The knighthood added to Churchill’s many honors, reflecting his enduring status as one of Britain’s greatest statesmen. Today, the event is remembered as a poignant post-war affirmation of service and leadership.
1953 Winston Churchill Elizabeth II
1955day.year

The Bandung Conference ends: Twenty-nine non-aligned nations of Asia and Africa finish a meeting that condemns colonialism, racism, and the Cold War.

In 1955, twenty-nine non-aligned nations of Asia and Africa concluded the Bandung Conference, denouncing colonialism, racism, and Cold War divisions.
Held from April 18 to 24, 1955, the Bandung Conference gathered leaders from twenty-nine newly independent Asian and African states in Indonesia. Delegates aimed to foster economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and solidarity against imperialist pressures. The closing session adopted the Ten Principles of Bandung, which condemned racism, colonialism, and the polarization of the Cold War. This landmark event laid the groundwork for the Non-Aligned Movement, offering a third path outside of US and Soviet influence. Prominent figures like Jawaharlal Nehru, Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Sukarno shaped the call for mutual respect and national sovereignty. The spirit of Bandung continues to inspire global dialogue on decolonization and south-south cooperation.
1955 Bandung Conference colonialism racism Cold War
1957day.year

Suez Crisis: The Suez Canal is reopened following the introduction of UNEF peacekeepers to the region.

In 1957, the Suez Canal reopened under the supervision of UNEF peacekeepers, restoring a vital global shipping route after the crisis.
After the 1956 hostilities of the Suez Crisis, the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) deployed to oversee the ceasefire and the withdrawal of invading troops. With tensions abated, the strategically crucial Suez Canal officially reopened on April 24, 1957. The reopening reestablished a key artery for oil and commercial shipping between Europe and Asia. It also marked a significant achievement for the nascent United Nations peacekeeping operations. Egypt regained full sovereignty over the canal zone, bolstering national pride and international legitimacy. The event underscored the potential of diplomatic intervention and multilateral peacekeeping in resolving post-colonial disputes.
1957 Suez Crisis Suez Canal UNEF
1965day.year

Civil war breaks out in the Dominican Republic when Colonel Francisco Caamaño overthrows the triumvirate that had been in power since the coup d'état against Juan Bosch.

In 1965, Colonel Francisco Caamaño’s rebellion against the ruling triumvirate ignited a civil war in the Dominican Republic.
On April 24, 1965, Colonel Francisco Caamaño led forces to oust the three-man military junta that had governed since the 1963 coup against President Juan Bosch. Declaring the defense of constitutional order, Caamaño’s supporters engaged in intense fighting across Santo Domingo and other regions. The conflict drew U.S. military intervention later that month under the pretext of protecting American citizens and preventing communist influence. The civil war reflected Cold War-era tensions and the struggle between restorationists and military rulers. A provisional government eventually negotiated an end to hostilities, but the violence left deep political and social scars. Caamaño remains a symbol of constitutionalism and resistance in the Dominican Republic’s path toward democracy.
1965 Civil war Dominican Republic Francisco Caamaño triumvirate coup d'état Juan Bosch
1970day.year

The Gambia becomes a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations, with Dawda Jawara as its first President.

The Gambia transforms into a republic within the Commonwealth, crowning Dawda Jawara as its first President.
On April 24, 1970, The Gambia adopted a republican constitution, ending the British monarchy's role as head of state. The decision was ratified within the framework of the Commonwealth of Nations, maintaining ties with former colonial powers. Dawda Jawara, who had led the country's independence movement, became The Gambia's first President. The move signified a step toward full political autonomy and national identity for the young West African nation. It set the stage for subsequent constitutional developments and established the presidency's central role in Gambian governance. The event is celebrated as a key moment in The Gambia's post-colonial history.
The Gambia republic Commonwealth of Nations Dawda Jawara President