Today in history September 28

  1. 1066 – Battle of Stamford Bridge
    On September 28, 1066, the Battle of Stamford Bridge took place in England. It was fought between the English army led by King Harold Godwinson and the invading Norwegian forces under King Harald Hardrada. This battle marked the end of the Viking Age as it was one of the last major Viking invasions of England. King Harold’s victory was significant because it temporarily secured his throne from northern invaders. However, just days later, Harold had to face the Norman invasion at the Battle of Hastings, which dramatically changed English history.
  2. 1542 – Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo discovers California
    On this day in 1542, the Portuguese explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, sailing under the Spanish flag, became the first European to navigate the coast of present-day California. Cabrillo’s expedition was significant because it helped Spain claim the west coast of North America. He explored the coastline and established contact with indigenous peoples, documenting their cultures. Cabrillo’s voyage paved the way for subsequent Spanish exploration and colonization. His journey increased European understanding of the Pacific coast, which was largely unknown to them before.
  3. 1781 – Siege of Yorktown begins
    The Siege of Yorktown, a decisive battle during the American Revolutionary War, started on September 28, 1781. American forces led by General George Washington, along with French troops under General Rochambeau, laid siege to the British army commanded by General Cornwallis. This siege lasted for several weeks and ended with Cornwallis’s surrender, effectively ending major combat in the war. The victory at Yorktown was crucial for American independence and forced Britain to negotiate peace. It stands as one of the most important moments in the foundation of the United States.
  4. 1905 – Albert Einstein presents his paper on special relativity
    On September 28, 1905, Albert Einstein submitted his groundbreaking paper on the theory of special relativity to the Annalen der Physik journal. This paper revolutionized physics by introducing new concepts about space and time, challenging classical Newtonian mechanics. Einstein’s work explained how the laws of physics are the same for all non-accelerating observers and showed the speed of light is constant regardless of the observer’s motion. The theory led to the famous equation E=mc², linking mass and energy. This contribution made Einstein a key figure in modern physics.
  5. 1928 – Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin
    On September 28, 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, the world’s first true antibiotic. He noticed that a mold called Penicillium notatum killed bacteria in a petri dish, which led to the development of a powerful treatment for bacterial infections. This discovery revolutionized medicine, saving countless lives from previously fatal diseases. Penicillin paved the way for the development of other antibiotics, transforming medical care and public health. Fleming’s work earned him a Nobel Prize and remains one of the most significant medical breakthroughs in history.
  6. 1939 – The Soviet Union invades Poland
    On this date in 1939, the Soviet Union launched an invasion of eastern Poland, following the secret protocols of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact with Nazi Germany. This invasion came shortly after Germany had attacked Poland from the west, marking the beginning of World War II. The Soviet offensive led to the division of Polish territory between Germany and the USSR. It resulted in immense suffering for the Polish people, including deportations and executions. The event was a critical moment in the early stages of WWII and reshaped Eastern European borders.
  7. 1941 – The Holocaust: First mass transport of Jews to Auschwitz
    On September 28, 1941, the first mass transport of Jewish prisoners arrived at Auschwitz concentration camp. Auschwitz would later become the most infamous Nazi death camp during the Holocaust. The transport marked the beginning of the systematic extermination of Jews and other groups deemed undesirable by the Nazi regime. Over the next few years, millions would be imprisoned, subjected to inhumane conditions, and murdered there. This day represents a dark chapter in human history and is remembered as a solemn reminder of the horrors of genocide.
  8. 1951 – United Nations headquarters agreement signed
    The agreement establishing the United Nations headquarters in New York City was signed on September 28, 1951. This agreement allowed the UN to have a permanent home in the United States, facilitating international diplomacy and cooperation. The headquarters has since been the site of countless global discussions and resolutions aimed at promoting peace and security. The signing symbolized post-World War II efforts to create a stable international order. It reinforced New York City’s role as a center for global governance and diplomacy.
  9. 1995 – The Dayton Peace Agreement initialed
    On September 28, 1995, the Dayton Peace Agreement, which ended the Bosnian War, was initialed at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. The agreement was negotiated between the leaders of Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia under the mediation of the United States. It brought an end to nearly four years of brutal conflict marked by ethnic cleansing and mass atrocities. The accord established a complex political structure designed to maintain peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Dayton Agreement is considered a significant diplomatic achievement in post-Cold War Europe.
  10. 2008 – SpaceX Falcon 1 becomes first privately developed liquid-fueled rocket to reach orbit
    On September 28, 2008, SpaceX successfully launched Falcon 1, the first privately developed liquid-fueled rocket to reach Earth orbit. This milestone marked a new era in space exploration, demonstrating that private companies could compete with government space agencies. The achievement reduced the cost of access to space and opened opportunities for commercial satellite deployment and space travel. SpaceX’s success has since led to further innovations, including reusable rockets and missions to the International Space Station. This event highlighted the growing role of private industry in the space sector.

Related Posts