September 16 Events in History

September 16 is a date marked by numerous significant events throughout history, spanning various continents and contexts.

From pivotal moments in warfare and independence movements to natural disasters and economic crises, this date has seen actions that have shaped nations and influenced global affairs.

This article explores twenty notable events that occurred on September 16, providing a detailed chronological account of each to highlight their historical importance and lasting impact.

September 16th – On this Day in History

681 AD – Pope Honorius I Excommunicated

In 681 AD, Pope Honorius I was posthumously excommunicated by the Sixth Ecumenical Council, also known as the Third Council of Constantinople. The council was convened to address the heresy of Monothelitism, which proposed that Christ had only one will despite having two natures, divine and human.

Also Read: September 15 Events in History

Pope Honorius I, who had died in 638 AD, was condemned for his perceived support of Monothelitism in his correspondences with Patriarch Sergius I of Constantinople. The excommunication highlighted the contentious theological debates of the time and underscored the ongoing struggle within the church to define orthodoxy.

1400 – Owain Glyndŵr Declared Prince of Wales

Owain Glyndŵr

On September 16, 1400, Owain Glyndŵr was declared Prince of Wales by his followers, marking the beginning of a fierce rebellion against English rule.

Glyndŵr, a Welsh nobleman, led a revolt against King Henry IV of England, driven by grievances over the treatment of the Welsh and the loss of their traditional rights and lands.

His declaration and subsequent uprising garnered significant support and posed a substantial threat to English control in Wales. Glyndŵr’s rebellion, although ultimately unsuccessful, became a symbol of Welsh nationalism and resistance.

1620 – Mayflower Departs from Plymouth

The Mayflower set sail from Plymouth, England, on September 16, 1620, carrying 102 passengers seeking religious freedom and new opportunities in the New World. These passengers, later known as the Pilgrims, faced a perilous journey across the Atlantic Ocean.

Also Read: September 17th – On this Day in History

Their voyage marked a significant event in American history, leading to the establishment of Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts. The Pilgrims’ quest for religious liberty and self-governance laid the foundation for the democratic principles that would later shape the United States.

1701 – James Francis Edward Stuart Becomes Jacobite Claimant

In 1701, James Francis Edward Stuart, often referred to as the “Old Pretender,” became the Jacobite claimant to the thrones of England and Scotland following the death of his father, James II of England.

The Jacobite movement sought to restore the Stuart monarchy, which had been deposed in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. James Francis Edward’s claim was supported by those who opposed the Protestant succession and the rule of William III and Mary II.

Despite several uprisings and considerable support, the Jacobite efforts to reclaim the throne were ultimately unsuccessful.

1776 – Battle of Harlem Heights

Battle of Harlem Heights

The Battle of Harlem Heights, fought on September 16, 1776, was a significant engagement during the American Revolutionary War. Following a series of defeats, American forces under General George Washington sought to boost morale and halt the British advance in New York City.

The battle took place in present-day Manhattan and ended in a strategic victory for the Continental Army. The successful engagement helped restore confidence among American troops and demonstrated their ability to challenge British forces effectively. This battle marked an important turning point in the early stages of the war for American independence.

1810 – Grito de Dolores Begins Mexican War of Independence

On September 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, issued the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores), a call to arms that sparked the Mexican War of Independence from Spanish rule. Gathering his congregation in the small town of Dolores, Hidalgo urged them to revolt against the oppressive colonial government.

His passionate plea resonated with the people, leading to a widespread uprising. Although Hidalgo was eventually captured and executed, his actions set the stage for a prolonged struggle that ultimately led to Mexico’s independence in 1821. The Grito de Dolores is celebrated annually as Mexico’s Independence Day.

1863 – Founding of Robert College in Istanbul

Robert College was established on September 16, 1863, in Istanbul, Turkey, becoming the first American educational institution outside the United States. Founded by philanthropist Christopher Robert and missionary Cyrus Hamlin, the college aimed to provide a liberal arts education to young men from the Ottoman Empire and beyond.

Over the years, Robert College became known for its high academic standards and played a crucial role in educating many prominent leaders and intellectuals in the region. Its establishment marked a significant cultural and educational exchange between the United States and the Ottoman Empire.

1908 – General Motors Corporation Founded

On September 16, 1908, William C. Durant founded the General Motors Corporation (GM) in Flint, Michigan. GM quickly grew to become one of the largest and most influential automobile manufacturers in the world.

Durant’s vision was to create a holding company that would consolidate multiple car brands, including Buick, Oldsmobile, Cadillac, and later, Chevrolet. GM’s innovative business model and its commitment to producing a wide range of vehicles for different market segments revolutionized the automotive industry.

1916 – First Use of Tanks in Battle at the Somme

The Battle of the Somme saw the first-ever use of tanks in combat on September 16, 1916, during World War I. The British Army deployed these new armored vehicles, known as “landships,” to break through German defensive lines.

Tanks in Battle at the Somme

Although the initial deployment was limited and the tanks faced mechanical issues, their presence on the battlefield marked a significant technological advancement in warfare.

The introduction of tanks signaled a shift towards mechanized warfare and had a profound influence on future military tactics and strategies. The Battle of the Somme, despite its high casualties, demonstrated the potential of tanks to change the dynamics of ground combat.

1920 – Wall Street Bombing

On September 16, 1920, a bomb exploded in a horse-drawn wagon outside the J.P. Morgan building on Wall Street in New York City. The blast killed 38 people and injured hundreds more, making it one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in the United States at the time.

The bombing caused widespread panic and highlighted vulnerabilities in the heart of the nation’s financial district. Although the perpetrators were never definitively identified, the attack was widely attributed to anarchists or political radicals.

The Wall Street bombing underscored the growing tensions and unrest in post-World War I America, leading to increased security measures and a crackdown on radical political movements.

1940 – The Selective Training and Service Act Passed

On September 16, 1940, the United States Congress passed the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940, marking the first peacetime conscription in American history.

This legislation required all men aged 21 to 35 to register for the draft, and it aimed to build a substantial military force in response to the escalating global conflicts that would soon culminate in World War II.

The act was a significant shift in American military policy, reflecting the nation’s growing recognition of the need for preparedness in an increasingly volatile international landscape. Over ten million men were eventually inducted into the armed forces under this act, providing crucial manpower for the U.S. military during the war.

1955 – Juan Perón Deposed in Argentina

Juan Perón

On September 16, 1955, a military coup known as the Revolución Libertadora overthrew Juan Perón, the then-President of Argentina. Perón had been a dominant and polarizing figure in Argentine politics, known for his populist policies and efforts to empower the working class, but also for his authoritarian tendencies and the repression of political opponents.

The coup was fueled by widespread discontent among various sectors of society, including the military, the church, and the middle class, who opposed Perón’s regime. His ousting led to a period of political instability and set the stage for a series of military and civilian governments in Argentina over the following decades.

1961 – First Attempt to Modify a Hurricane

On September 16, 1961, scientists from the United States National Hurricane Research Project conducted the first attempt to modify a hurricane. They dropped eight cylinders of silver iodide into the eyewall of Hurricane Esther in an effort to weaken the storm.

This experiment, part of Project Stormfury, aimed to explore the possibility of reducing the intensity of hurricanes by seeding clouds to disrupt their structure.

Although initial results were inconclusive and the project eventually faced skepticism and controversy, it represented an early foray into weather modification. The effort highlighted both the potential and the challenges of using scientific intervention to mitigate natural disasters.

1963 – Formation of Malaysia

Malaysia was officially formed on September 16, 1963, through the merger of the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, North Borneo (Sabah), and Sarawak. This union was aimed at fostering economic cooperation and political stability in the region, following the end of British colonial rule.

However, the formation of Malaysia was not without controversy; it faced opposition from neighboring countries Indonesia and the Philippines, as well as from various internal groups. Tensions and disagreements led to Singapore’s expulsion from the federation in 1965.

Despite these challenges, the establishment of Malaysia marked a significant milestone in the region’s post-colonial history, shaping its political and socio-economic landscape.

1975 – Papua New Guinea Gains Independence

On September 16, 1975, Papua New Guinea achieved independence from Australia. The journey to independence had been a gradual process, with Australia administering the territory under United Nations mandate since World War II.

The move towards self-governance began in earnest in the 1960s, culminating in the adoption of a constitution and the establishment of an independent government.

Michael Somare became the first Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, leading the country as it navigated the challenges of nation-building and development. Independence was a pivotal moment for Papua New Guinea, symbolizing the end of colonial rule and the beginning of a new chapter in its national history.

1976 – The Embassy of Japan in Kabul Stormed

On September 16, 1976, the Embassy of Japan in Kabul, Afghanistan, was stormed by armed militants. This attack occurred during a period of significant political instability in Afghanistan, as various factions vied for power amidst a backdrop of Cold War tensions.

The militants took several hostages, demanding the release of political prisoners and other concessions. The incident highlighted the precarious security situation in Afghanistan and underscored the risks faced by diplomatic missions in volatile regions.

The resolution of the hostage crisis required delicate negotiations, and it left a lasting impact on international diplomatic protocols and security measures.

1978 – Tabas Earthquake in Iran

On September 16, 1978, a devastating earthquake struck the city of Tabas in northeastern Iran. Measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, the earthquake caused catastrophic damage, flattening the city and surrounding villages. Approximately 25,000 people were killed, and tens of thousands were injured or left homeless.

The disaster underscored the vulnerability of the region to seismic activity and prompted a significant humanitarian response. In the aftermath, efforts were made to improve earthquake preparedness and response strategies in Iran. The Tabas earthquake remains one of the deadliest in the country’s history and serves as a somber reminder of the power of natural forces.

1982 – The Sabra and Shatila Massacre

The Sabra and Shatila massacre began on September 16, 1982, during the Lebanese Civil War. Over a three-day period, Lebanese Christian Phalangist militias, allied with Israeli forces, entered the Palestinian refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila in West Beirut.

They proceeded to massacre a large number of Palestinian and Lebanese civilians, with estimates of the death toll ranging from 460 to 3,500. The massacre occurred in the wake of the assassination of Lebanese President-elect Bachir Gemayel and was allegedly intended as a reprisal.

The event caused international outrage and condemnation, leading to widespread calls for accountability and justice. It remains one of the most tragic and contentious episodes in the history of the Lebanese Civil War.

1991 – Trial of Manuel Noriega Begins

On September 16, 1991, the trial of deposed Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega began in the United States. Noriega, who had been captured during the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989, faced multiple charges including drug trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering. The trial attracted significant media attention, as Noriega was the first foreign leader to be tried in the United States.

His defense claimed that he had been an ally of the U.S. intelligence services, but the prosecution successfully argued that he had abused his power for personal gain. In 1992, Noriega was convicted and sentenced to 40 years in prison, though this was later reduced. The trial highlighted the complex and often murky relationship between the U.S. and foreign leaders during the Cold War era.

1992 – Black Wednesday: The British Pound Forced Out of ERM

On September 16, 1992, known as Black Wednesday, the British pound was forced out of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) by currency speculators.

The ERM was intended to reduce exchange rate variability and achieve monetary stability in Europe in preparation for the Economic and Monetary Union and the introduction of a single currency, the euro.

However, the British pound came under intense speculative pressure, leading to a crisis. The UK government, despite extensive intervention efforts and raising interest rates, was unable to maintain the pound’s value within the agreed limits.

The event led to significant financial losses for the UK Treasury and marked a turning point in British economic policy, with the government subsequently adopting a more independent approach to monetary policy. Black Wednesday had lasting implications for the UK’s relationship with the European Union and its financial markets.