Did you know that one of the most important alliances in Europe's history was deliberately given the wrong date, just so that it would not appear on it on April 1st? What happened that day in history can surprise even the most passionate lovers of the past. This day in history abounds in events that have changed the fate of nations, cultures and entire civilizations — from the creation of Apple, through royal vows on Jasna Góra, to the birth of legends of music and philosophy. We invite you to review our history calendar on 1 April — You'll see this day is much more than a prima aprilis.
What happened on April 1st? Major events in history
1656 – Vows of Lvov Jan Kazimierz
In the face of a disastrous Swedish invasion, called the Flood, King John II Kazimierz Waza took historic vows in the cathedral of Lviv, announcing the Mother of God as patron and Queen of Poland. The solemn act was at the same time a declaration of the fight against the Swedes until the final victory. This event has been permanently included in the Polish religious and patriotic tradition, and its echo can be heard in the Polish national identity to this day. Interestingly, the anniversary of these vows is celebrated in many churches to this day as one of the symbols of Polish Marian fidelity.
1683 – Sobieski Pact with Habsburgs, anti-dated because of... prima aprilis
Emperor Leopold I Habsburg made a covenant with King John III of Sobieski against the Ottoman Empire — An alliance that several months later resulted in a famous Vienna rescue. The agreement was deliberately anti-taxed on March 31 so that it would not appear on April 1st. This is an interesting fact, which shows that even in the 17th century the prima aprilis joke was taken seriously enough to influence great diplomacy. So this day in history hides a real diplomatic surprise.
1976 – Apple Inc.
On April 1, 1976, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne founded Apple Inc. No one at the time predicted that this small company from the garage would become one of the most valuable corporations in human history. For many, this date sounds like a joke, but history has proved the opposite. — Apple revolutionized the way humanity communicates, works and consumes culture. This is perhaps one of the best examples of what happened that day in history and what is shaping our daily life today.
1979 – Proclamation of the Islamic Republic of Iran
On April 1, 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran was officially proclaimed after the victory of the Islamic Revolution under the leadership of Ayatollah Chomejni. The fall of the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi monarchy and replacing it with a theocratic Islamic regime changed the geopolitics of the Middle East forever. The effects of these events are still felt today — both in Iranian-Western relations and throughout the region. Iran is still celebrating this day as the Celebration of the Islamic Republic.
1918 – Royal Air Force Uprising
The Royal Air Force was established in Britain — One of the world's first independent military aviation, separated from military and naval structures. This decision was crucial for the development of aviation doctrine and the future shape of armed forces worldwide. The RAF will play a decisive role in the Battle of England in 1940, defending the British Isles against Nazi aggression. It is worth noting that on exactly the same day — Though in 1943 — formed the Polish Squadron C under the RAF, intended for flights over occupied Poland.
1951 – Establishment of Mossad
The same day the Soviet authorities deported nearly 10,000 of Jehovah’s Witnesses to Siberia, on the other side of the globe Israel created one of the world’s most famous intelligence agencies — Mossad. This institution will play a key role in the trail of Nazi war criminals, including by participating in the capture of Adolf Eichmann, and its operations in and outside the Middle East are subject to constant interest from historians and investigative journalists. Historical calendar rarely brings together events so dramatically contrasting — on the same day, the same year.
2009 – Poland 10:0, historic victory over San Marino
On April 1, 2009, in Kielce, Poland's representation defeated San Marino 10:0 in the World Championships, setting a record of all time in terms of the number of goals scored in the history of Polish football. Although San Marino is one of the weakest teams in European football, the scale of the victory was unusual and provoked huge emotions among fans. This day in the history of Polish sport deserves special mention — with a score of 10:0 Poland entered in gold letters into football annals.
1960 – First TIR 1 weather satellite
On April 1, 1960, the United States launched TIROS 1 — The first ever weather satellite. This mission launched an era of Earth observation from outer space and revolutionized the science of weather, allowing forecasting atmospheric phenomena on an unprecedented scale. Without meteorological satellites, it would not be possible to track hurricanes or predict climate disasters for weeks ahead. What happened that day in 1960 literally changed the face of science and public security.
Born 1 April
Otto von Bismarck (1815) – Prussian statesman, German unification architect and first Chancellor of the German Empire, one of the most important politicians of the 19th century.
Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873) – Russian composer, pianist and conductor, author of immortal piano concerts and Preludium cis-moll, recognized as one of the last great romantics in classical music.
Hugo Kolłataj (1750) – Polish politician, Enlightenment writer and one of the main authors of the Constitution 3 May, the key character of Polish Enlightenment.
Milan Kunder (1929) – Czech prozaik and essayist, author of "Unbearable Lightness of Being", one of the most important European writers of the 20th and 21st centuries, for many years on the list of candidates for the Literary Nobel Prize.
Ferenc Puskás (1927) – Hungarian footballer and coach, one of the biggest football players in the history of football, legend of Real Madrid and representation of Hungary, creator of the unforgettable "Golden Eleven".
World events
1572 – The beginning of the liberation war of the Netherlands "The sea gess won Brielle's fortress at the mouth of Moza, which is considered to be the actual beginning of the Netherlands' struggle for independence from Spain.
1924 – Hitler convicted of attempted coup – Adolf Hitler was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for the 1923 Munich coup; he eventually went free after less than a year.
2001 – The Netherlands legalized single-sex marriages "The Netherlands was the first country in the world to officially legalize same-sex marriages, opening a new chapter in human rights history.
1945 – invasion of Okinawa "American troops launched Operation Iceberg, a mass invasion of Japanese island Okinawa, one of the bloodiest battles in Pacific history during World War II.
1999 – Establishment of Nunavut territory in Canada – Canada has separated the new territory of Nunavut as an autonomous region inhabited mainly by the Inuits, a symbol of the long-standing efforts of indigenous peoples to have the right to self-determination.
April 1 is the day that — against his reputation — It hides in itself some of the most serious and breakthrough events in human history. From allied treaties signed with a trembling hand, the birth of corporate giants, to historic sporting victories and political revolutions — Our historical calendar proves that history does not know the days of the trivial. Look at us tomorrow to find out what the next date is in our review of the events of the past era.
