Europa
- Battle of Britain Day (United Kingdom)
September 15 is commemorated as Battle of Britain Day in the United Kingdom. This day marks a decisive air battle in 1940 during World War II, when the Royal Air Force (RAF) delivered a significant defeat to the German Luftwaffe, helping to thwart Hitler’s planned invasion of Britain. - European Football Milestone
On September 15, 1921, FK Željezničar Sarajevo, a prominent football club in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was founded. The club has since become one of the most successful teams in the region, winning the national championship of Bosnia & Herzegovina and the former Yugoslavia seven times.
America
- Central American Independence (1821)
On September 15, 1821, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua declared independence from Spain. This event is celebrated as Independence Day in these countries and marks a pivotal moment in Latin American history. - The Birmingham Church Bombing (1963)
A Ku Klux Klan bombing at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, killed four African-American girls. This act of racial terrorism became a turning point in the American Civil Rights Movement, sparking national outrage and accelerating the push for civil rights legislation. - Lehman Brothers Bankruptcy (2008)
Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, marking the largest bankruptcy in U.S. history and a defining moment in the 2008 global financial crisis. - 1776: During the American Revolutionary War, British forces captured New York, a significant moment in the struggle for American independence.
- 1857: The typesetting machine was patented by Timothy Alder, marking a technological milestone.
- 1981: The steam locomotive John Bull, originally operated in New Jersey, became the world’s oldest operable locomotive when run by the Smithsonian Institution.
- 1959: Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev became the first Soviet premier to visit the United States, a landmark in Cold War diplomacy.
Asia
- Battle of Pyongyang (1894)
On September 15, 1894, the Battle of Pyongyang concluded with a decisive victory for Japan over Qing China. This major land battle was part of the First Sino-Japanese War, which marked the rise of Japan as a regional power and the decline of Qing influence in East Asia. - Typhoon Kathleen in Japan (1947)
Typhoon Kathleen struck the Kantō region of Japan on September 15, 1947, resulting in catastrophic flooding and the deaths of approximately 1,000–2,000 people. This disaster had a significant impact on postwar Japan, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to natural calamities. - Indian Army Operations (1948)
On this day in 1948, the Indian Army captured the towns of Jalna, Latur, and Mominabad as part of the Hyderabad Police Action, which led to the integration of the princely state of Hyderabad into the Indian Union. - INS Delhi Arrives in Mumbai (1948)
Also in 1948, India’s first flagship warship, INS Delhi, arrived at the port of Bombay (now Mumbai), symbolizing the growth of independent India’s naval power. - Launch of Doordarshan (1959)
September 15, 1959, marks the launch of Doordarshan, India’s public service broadcaster, in New Delhi. This was a pivotal moment in the development of mass media in India. - Engineer’s Day in India
The date is celebrated as Engineer’s Day in India, commemorating the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, a distinguished engineer and statesman. - On September 15, 1974, Air Vietnam Flight 706 was hijacked and crashed while attempting to land, resulting in the deaths of all 75 people on board.
- The day is also recognized globally as the International Day of Democracy, promoting democratic values and institutions.
Africa
- Britain Seizes the Dutch Cape Colony (1795)
On September 15, 1795, Britain seized the Dutch Cape Colony in southern Africa to prevent its use by the Batavian Republic. This event marked a significant chapter in the colonial history of South Africa, establishing British control over a key strategic point at the southern tip of the continent. - First Election of the Union of South Africa (1910)
On September 15, 1910, General Louis Botha and the South African Party (SAP) won the majority of seats in the first parliamentary elections of the newly formed Union of South Africa. This election was a milestone in South African political history, marking the beginning of the Union and Botha’s tenure as the first Prime Minister. - National Africa Civility Day
September 15 is celebrated as National Africa Civility Day across many African nations. The day is dedicated to fostering respect, unity, and understanding among people, promoting civility and inclusivity in African societies. It was first proposed by the African Union in 2003 as a response to civil unrest and political instability, and is marked by educational workshops, cultural festivals, and community dialogues. - International Day of Democracy
September 15 is also observed as the International Day of Democracy, a global observance that resonates across Africa, where democratic values and governance remain central to ongoing social and political developments. - Other Historical Notes
On September 15, 1879, after the Anglo-Zulu War, King Cetshwayo was exiled and sent to Cape Town, a significant event in Zulu and South African history.
This day in history: 15 september