September 12 Events in History

September 12 has seen many pivotal moments that have shaped history.

From ancient battles and discoveries to modern political upheavals and scientific breakthroughs, this date highlights humanity’s quest for progress and justice.

In this article, we explore twenty significant events that occurred on September 12, arranged chronologically, to uncover the rich tapestry of our shared past.

September 12th – On this Day in History

490 BC – Battle of Marathon: Athenian and Plataean Victory

 Battle of Marathon

The Battle of Marathon took place in 490 BC and marked a significant event in the Greco-Persian Wars. The battle was fought between the citizens of Athens, aided by the Plataeans, and a Persian force sent by King Darius I.

Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Greek forces managed to secure a decisive victory against the Persians.

This triumph was not only a military success but also a morale booster for the Greeks, demonstrating their ability to defend their homeland against a powerful empire.

The victory at Marathon is often celebrated as a pivotal moment in the preservation of Greek culture and the eventual rise of classical Greek civilization.

1185 – Death of Andronikos I Komnenos

In 1185, Andronikos I Komnenos, the Byzantine Emperor, met a brutal end in Constantinople. His reign was marked by attempts to restore the power of the Byzantine Empire and reduce the influence of the aristocracy. However, his methods, which included severe punishment and purges, earned him many enemies.

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His downfall began when Isaac II Angelos initiated a rebellion against him. Andronikos was captured while trying to flee the city and was subjected to a public and horrific execution. This event marked a significant power shift in the Byzantine Empire, leading to further instability and eventual decline.

1213 – The Battle of Muret: Toulouse and Aragon Defeated

The Battle of Muret, fought on September 12, 1213, was a crucial engagement during the Albigensian Crusade. Simon de Montfort, leading the Crusader forces, faced the combined armies of the Count of Toulouse and King Peter II of Aragon.

Despite being outnumbered, Montfort’s forces won a decisive victory, resulting in the death of King Peter II. This battle significantly weakened the Cathar resistance in southern France and bolstered Montfort’s position.

The victory at Muret was instrumental in the Crusaders’ efforts to suppress the Cathar heresy and expand the influence of the Catholic Church in the region.

1609 – Henry Hudson Discovers Manhattan

On September 12, 1609, the English explorer Henry Hudson, sailing on behalf of the Dutch East India Company, discovered the island of Manhattan. Hudson was searching for a northwest passage to Asia when he ventured into what is now the Hudson River.

Henry Hudson

His exploration laid the groundwork for Dutch colonization in the New World. Manhattan would later become New Amsterdam, a thriving Dutch settlement, before eventually being ceded to the English and renamed New York.

Hudson’s discovery had lasting implications, contributing significantly to the colonial history and development of the United States.

1683 – Battle of Vienna: Ottoman Empire Defeated

The Battle of Vienna on September 12, 1683, was a critical conflict that marked the end of the Ottoman Empire’s expansion into central Europe. A coalition of European forces, led by King John III Sobieski of Poland, launched a surprise attack on the besieging Ottoman army.

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The battle was fierce, but the European forces managed to break the siege and decisively defeat the Ottomans. This victory was a turning point in European history, halting the Ottoman advance and leading to the gradual decline of Ottoman influence in Europe.

The successful defense of Vienna is celebrated for preserving European Christendom and altering the balance of power in the region.

1846 – Elizabeth Barrett Elopes with Robert Browning

On September 12, 1846, the renowned poets Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning eloped in a secret ceremony held at St. Marylebone Parish Church in London. Elizabeth Barrett, who was a prolific and respected poet, had been living a reclusive life due to her frail health and her father’s oppressive control.

Despite this, she and Robert Browning, also a well-regarded poet, developed a deep romantic and intellectual relationship through their extensive correspondence. Their elopement was both a romantic and rebellious act against Elizabeth’s domineering father, who disowned her upon discovering their marriage.

The couple then moved to Italy, where Elizabeth’s health improved, and they continued to write and support each other’s literary careers, contributing significantly to Victorian literature.

1847 – The Battle of Chapultepec: American Troops Capture Mexico City

The Battle of Chapultepec

The Battle of Chapultepec, fought from September 12-13, 1847, was a pivotal conflict during the Mexican-American War. American forces, led by General Winfield Scott, launched a daring assault on the heavily fortified hill of Chapultepec, which protected the western approaches to Mexico City.

Despite fierce resistance from Mexican forces, including cadets from the military academy who became national heroes, the Americans captured the hill after a brutal fight. This victory allowed U.S. forces to enter Mexico City, leading to the eventual conclusion of the war with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

The battle is remembered for its significant impact on the war’s outcome and the territorial gains the United States achieved, including California and much of the Southwest.

1857 – The SS Central America Sinks

On September 12, 1857, the SS Central America, a steamship carrying over 400 passengers and crew, sank off the coast of the Carolinas during a hurricane. The ship was also transporting a significant amount of gold from the California Gold Rush, estimated to be worth millions of dollars.

The loss of the SS Central America had a profound impact on the U.S. economy, contributing to the Panic of 1857, a financial crisis that led to widespread bank failures and economic downturn. The shipwreck, sometimes referred to as the “Ship of Gold,” remained lost until its discovery in 1987, leading to recovery efforts that brought back a significant portion of the lost treasure.

1933 – Leó Szilárd Conceives the Idea of the Nuclear Chain Reaction

On September 12, 1933, Hungarian physicist Leó Szilárd conceived the idea of the nuclear chain reaction, a fundamental principle behind nuclear energy and atomic weapons.

While waiting at a traffic light on Southampton Row in Bloomsbury, London, Szilárd recalled reading about a recent discovery regarding the atomic nucleus and envisioned the possibility of a self-sustaining chain reaction of nuclear fission.

This breakthrough idea later played a crucial role in the development of nuclear reactors and the atomic bomb. Szilárd’s concept was a significant milestone in nuclear physics, leading to both the harnessing of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and the creation of devastating weapons of war.

1940 – Discovery of Lascaux Cave Paintings

On September 12, 1940, four teenagers in France discovered the Lascaux Cave, home to some of the most famous prehistoric cave paintings.

Located near the village of Montignac in the Dordogne region, the cave’s walls were adorned with over 600 detailed depictions of animals, human figures, and abstract symbols, created by Paleolithic artists around 17,000 years ago.

The Lascaux paintings are renowned for their remarkable realism, vibrant colors, and sophisticated techniques, providing invaluable insights into early human culture and art.

The discovery of these ancient artworks significantly advanced the study of prehistoric art and human history, highlighting the creative and symbolic capabilities of early Homo sapiens.

1942 – World War II: First Day of the Battle of Edson’s Ridge

Battle of Edson's Ridge

On September 12, 1942, the Battle of Edson’s Ridge, also known as the Battle of Bloody Ridge, began during the Guadalcanal Campaign of World War II. The battle was a critical clash between the Japanese and Allied forces, primarily consisting of U.S. Marines.

The Japanese aimed to recapture Henderson Field, a strategically vital airstrip on Guadalcanal, which the Allies had seized earlier. Over two intense nights, the Japanese launched relentless attacks against the well-fortified American positions on a ridge near the airfield. Despite being outnumbered, the Marines, under the command of Colonel Merritt A. Edson, held their ground with fierce determination.

The successful defense of Edson’s Ridge was pivotal in maintaining control of Henderson Field, contributing significantly to the Allied victory in the Guadalcanal Campaign and the broader Pacific Theater.

1958 – Jack Kilby Demonstrates the First Working Integrated Circuit

On September 12, 1958, engineer Jack Kilby demonstrated the first working integrated circuit at Texas Instruments. This groundbreaking invention marked a significant milestone in the field of electronics, paving the way for the miniaturization of electronic devices.

Kilby’s integrated circuit, or microchip, combined multiple electronic components onto a single piece of semiconductor material, drastically reducing the size and complexity of electronic circuits. This innovation laid the foundation for the development of modern computers, smartphones, and countless other electronic devices.

Kilby’s work revolutionized technology and earned him numerous accolades, including the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2000. The integrated circuit remains a cornerstone of modern electronics and has profoundly impacted every aspect of contemporary life.

1959 – Soviet Union Launches Luna 2, the First Spacecraft to Reach the Moon

On September 12, 1959, the Soviet Union launched Luna 2, making it the first human-made object to reach the Moon. Luna 2, part of the Soviet Luna program, was an unmanned spacecraft designed to crash-land on the lunar surface. After a journey of approximately 36 hours, it impacted the Moon near the Aristides, Archimedes, and Autolycus craters.

This historic achievement marked a significant milestone in the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. Luna 2’s successful mission provided valuable data on the Moon’s surface and space environment, boosting Soviet prestige and demonstrating their advanced technological capabilities in space exploration. The mission’s success was a key step towards future lunar exploration and the eventual human landing on the Moon.

1962 – President John F. Kennedy’s “We Choose to Go to the Moon” Speech

On September 12, 1962, President John F. Kennedy delivered his iconic “We choose to go to the Moon” speech at Rice University in Houston, Texas. In this speech, Kennedy outlined his vision for America’s space program and set the ambitious goal of landing a man on the Moon before the end of the decade.

John F. Kennedy

His address emphasized the importance of space exploration for national pride, scientific advancement, and global leadership. Kennedy’s stirring words galvanized public and political support for NASA’s Apollo program, leading to significant investments in space technology and research.

The speech is remembered as a defining moment in the space race, symbolizing American determination and innovation. It ultimately led to the successful Apollo 11 mission, where astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the Moon in 1969.

1970 – Dawson’s Field Hijackings End with the Destruction of Three Hijacked Planes

On September 12, 1970, the Dawson’s Field hijackings culminated in the destruction of three hijacked planes in Jordan. The coordinated hijackings, carried out by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), involved the capture of four commercial airliners over several days.

The hijackers diverted the planes to Dawson’s Field, a remote desert airstrip. After negotiations and the safe release of most hostages, the PFLP blew up three of the aircraft on September 12 as a dramatic demonstration of their demands for political recognition and the release of imprisoned militants.

The fourth plane, a British aircraft, was destroyed later in Cairo. The Dawson’s Field hijackings were a significant event in the history of international terrorism, highlighting the vulnerabilities of global air travel and leading to increased security measures and anti-terrorism policies worldwide.

1974 – Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia is Deposed by the Derg

On September 12, 1974, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia was deposed in a coup d’état led by a Marxist-Leninist military junta known as the Derg. Haile Selassie, who had reigned since 1930 and was considered a symbol of Ethiopian sovereignty and African independence, was removed from power amid growing economic problems, political unrest, and a severe famine.

The Derg, led by Major Mengistu Haile Mariam, abolished the monarchy and established a socialist state, proclaiming Ethiopia a People’s Democratic Republic in 1975. The deposition of Haile Selassie marked the end of centuries of imperial rule and the beginning of a turbulent period characterized by internal conflict, human rights abuses, and profound socio-political changes.

The Derg’s regime lasted until 1991, when it was overthrown by rebel forces, leading to the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

1977 – South African Anti-Apartheid Activist Steve Biko Dies in Police Custody

On September 12, 1977, Steve Biko, a prominent South African anti-apartheid activist and leader of the Black Consciousness Movement, died in police custody. Biko had been arrested and detained by the South African security forces in August 1977.

During his detention, he was brutally beaten and subjected to inhumane treatment, resulting in severe injuries. Despite his deteriorating condition, he was denied medical treatment and later died from his injuries. Biko’s death highlighted the brutal nature of the apartheid regime and sparked international outrage and condemnation.

He became a martyr for the anti-apartheid cause, and his legacy continued to inspire the struggle for freedom and justice in South Africa. Biko’s death underscored the systemic violence of the apartheid state and galvanized the global anti-apartheid movement, contributing to the eventual dismantling of the apartheid system.

1980 – Military Coup in Turkey Led by Kenan Evren

On September 12, 1980, the Turkish military, led by General Kenan Evren, staged a coup d’état, overthrowing the civilian government and seizing control of the country.

The coup was the third in Turkey’s history and was justified by the military as a necessary intervention to restore order amid escalating political violence, economic instability, and social unrest. The military suspended the constitution, dissolved parliament, and implemented martial law.

The coup resulted in widespread arrests, torture, and executions of political activists, particularly targeting leftist and Kurdish groups. General Evren became the head of state and later the president of Turkey.

The 1980 coup had a profound impact on Turkish society and politics, leading to significant changes in the political landscape, including the drafting of a new constitution in 1982 that increased the military’s influence in governance. The legacy of the coup continues to influence Turkish politics and civil-military relations.

1992 – NASA Launches Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-47

On September 12, 1992, NASA launched the Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-47, marking the 50th Space Shuttle mission. This mission was notable for its international collaboration and scientific research.

STS-47 was a cooperative venture between NASA and the Japanese Space Agency (NASDA), featuring the Spacelab-J module, which facilitated various experiments in life sciences and materials processing. The crew included Mae Jemison, who became the first African-American woman in space, and Mamoru Mohri, the first Japanese citizen to fly on a U.S. spacecraft.

The mission’s experiments focused on microgravity research, examining the effects of weightlessness on biological and physical systems. STS-47 was a significant milestone in space exploration, showcasing the benefits of international partnerships and advancing scientific understanding of space environments.

2005 – Israel Completes Its Withdrawal of All Troops and Settlers from the Gaza Strip

On September 12, 2005, Israel completed its unilateral withdrawal of all military personnel and civilian settlers from the Gaza Strip, a move known as the Gaza Disengagement Plan. The withdrawal, implemented by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, involved the evacuation of around 8,000 Israeli settlers and the dismantling of 21 settlements in Gaza, as well as four in the northern West Bank.

The decision was part of a broader strategy to improve security and reduce friction with Palestinians by removing Israeli presence from densely populated Palestinian areas. The disengagement was met with mixed reactions; it was hailed by some as a step towards peace and criticized by others as a unilateral action that did not involve negotiation with Palestinian authorities.

The aftermath of the withdrawal saw increased tensions and conflict in the region, with Gaza coming under the control of Hamas in 2007 and subsequent cycles of violence between Israel and Palestinian factions. The Gaza Disengagement Plan remains a contentious and pivotal event in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.