1961⚡ Event
First Human in Space
Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human to journey into outer space. He completed one orbit of Earth aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft.
spacesciencetechnology
What Happened on April 12?
Discover 16 historical moments on April 12 — 6 events, 5 birthdays, and 5 notable deaths spanning centuries of human history.
entertainmentpoliticssportswartechnologymusicspacescience
Hero image inspired by: Yuri Gagarin
Historical Events on April 12(6)
1983⚡ Event
Harold Washington elected Mayor of Chicago
Harold Washington was elected as the first African-American mayor of Chicago on April 12, 1983.
politicslaw
1993⚡ Event
Operation Deny Flight
NATO forces began Operation Deny Flight on April 12, 1993, to enforce a no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina. This was ordered by the United Nations Security Council.
warpolitics
2012⚡ Event
Guinea-Bissau coup d'état
The Guinea-Bissau military seized control in a coup on April 12, 2012, amid a presidential election. Power was later handed to a transitional administration.
politicswar
2013⚡ Event
Kidal suicide bombing
Four Chadian soldiers were killed in a suicide bombing by jihadist rebels in Kidal, Mali, on April 12, 2013.
warpolitics
2014⚡ Event
Valparaíso wildfire
A major wildfire broke out near Valparaíso, Chile, on April 12, 2014. The fire destroyed at least 2,500 homes and left approximately 11,000 people homeless.
disaster
Famous Birthdays on April 12(5)
Notable Deaths on April 12(5)
2022🕊️ Death
Gilbert Gottfried
Gilbert Gottfried was an American comedian, actor, and singer.
entertainmentmusic
2024🕊️ Death
Roberto Cavalli
Roberto Cavalli was an Italian fashion designer and inventor.
entertainmenttechnology
2024🕊️ Death
Robert MacNeil
Robert MacNeil was a Canadian-American journalist and author.
literatureentertainment
2025🕊️ Death
Pilita Corrales
Pilita Corrales was a Filipino singer-songwriter and actress.
entertainmentmusic
April 12 in History
April 12 is home to 16 recorded historical entries in our collection, including 6 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 deaths. This date has witnessed momentous occasions spanning from 1961 to the present day.
Major Events on April 12
Among the most notable events on April 12: First Human in Space (1961), Harold Washington elected Mayor of Chicago (1983), Operation Deny Flight (1993). View all events →
Famous Birthdays on April 12
Notable figures born on April 12 include Eric Bailly, Isabelle Drummond, Pedro Cachin. View all birthdays →
Notable Deaths on April 12
Remembered figures who died on April 12 include Gilbert Gottfried, Roberto Cavalli, Eleanor Coppola. View all →
Browse what happened on April 11 or April 13, explore the full month of April, or discover a random historical fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on April 12?
- April 12 is home to 16 recorded historical entries, including 6 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 notable deaths.
- What is the most notable event on April 12?
- One of the most notable events on April 12 is: First Human in Space.
- Who was born on April 12?
- Famous figures born on April 12 include Eric Bailly, Isabelle Drummond, Pedro Cachin.
- How many historical events happened on April 12?
- Our collection records 6 historical events on April 12, spanning centuries of world history.
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