On this day, October 4 - Know what happened today in history

Today in History, October 4

October 4 has witnessed some significant moments in history, shaping the course of global events, from conflicts ending to advances in space exploration. Let’s take a look at the notable events, births, and deaths that occurred on this day.

End of the Mozambican Civil War (1992)

On this day in 1992, Mozambique's 15-year-long civil war, which began in 1977, finally came to a close with the signing of the Rome General Peace Accords. The conflict, sparked soon after Mozambique gained independence from Portugal, was a brutal struggle between the Mozambique Resistance Movement (RENAMO) and the FRELIMO-led government. The war claimed countless lives and devastated the country’s infrastructure. The peace agreement brought hope for stability and recovery.

Lesotho Gains Independence (1966)

Lesotho, a small landlocked kingdom in Southern Africa, officially gained its independence from British colonial rule on October 4, 1966. Once a British protectorate known as Basutoland, Lesotho embarked on its path as a sovereign nation, celebrating freedom and the beginning of self-governance.

Launch of Sputnik: The Dawn of the Space Age (1957)

A monumental event occurred on this day in 1957, when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the world’s first artificial satellite, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. This historic moment marked the start of the Space Race between the Cold War rivals, the USSR and the United States. Sputnik’s successful launch sent shockwaves across the globe, igniting a fierce competition for space supremacy.

First U.S. Open Golf Tournament (1895)

The U.S. Open golf tournament, now one of the sport's most prestigious events, was first held on October 4, 1895, at the Newport Country Club in Rhode Island. The 36-hole competition was played by 11 golfers in a single day. Horace Rawlins, a 21-year-old Englishman, claimed victory, earning $150 and a trophy for his remarkable performance.

End of the Julian Calendar in Catholic Countries (1582)

October 4, 1582, was the last day the Julian calendar was observed in Catholic countries, as Pope Gregory XIII's Gregorian calendar came into effect the following day. This change was implemented to correct the calendar's drift in relation to equinoxes and solstices. As a result, October 4 was immediately followed by October 15 in regions adopting the new system. Today, the Gregorian calendar is the most widely used calendar globally.

Notable Births on October 4

• 1988: Derrick Rose, talented, American basketball player
• 1973: Abyss, formidable, American wrestler
• 1946: Chuck Hagel, influential, American politician
• 1895: Buster Keaton, iconic, American actor and director
• 1822: Rutherford B. Hayes, distinguished, 19th President of the United States

Notable Deaths on October 4

• 1982: Glenn Gould, visionary, Canadian pianist and composer
• 1974: Anne Sexton, celebrated, American poet
• 1970: Janis Joplin, legendary, American singer-songwriter
• 1951: Henrietta Lacks, groundbreaking, American patient whose cells revolutionised medicine
• 1669: Rembrandt, masterful, Dutch painter