This day in history: 18 april

1951 – Treaty of Paris Signed: Six European countries (France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg) signed the Treaty of Paris, establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), a foundational step toward the creation of the European Union.
1947 – Death of Jozef Tiso: Jozef Tiso, Slovak priest and President of the Slovak Republic during World War II, was executed.
1955 – Death of Albert Einstein: Although he spent his final years in the US, Albert Einstein, the German-born physicist, died on this day.

On 18 April 1951, the Treaty of Paris was signed by six countries—Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany—establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). This treaty laid the foundation for modern European integration and was a crucial step toward the creation of what would become the European Union.

1853 – First Train in Asia: The first train in Asia began running from Bombay (now Mumbai) to Thane in India, marking a major milestone in the region’s transportation history.
1917 – Gandhi’s Champaran Satyagraha Begins: Mahatma Gandhi selected Champaran, Bihar, as the site for his first Satyagraha movement in India, a key event in the Indian independence struggle.
1930 – Chittagong Armoury Raid: Surya Sen and the Indian Republican Army raided the Chittagong armoury in British India, a significant revolutionary act against colonial rule.
1950 – Bhoodan Movement Launch: Vinoba Bhave started the Bhoodan (land gift) movement from Pochampally, Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana), promoting voluntary land redistribution in India.
1955 – Bandung Conference: The Afro-Asian Conference (Bandung Conference) was organized in Bandung, Indonesia, bringing together Asian and African nations to discuss peace, cooperation, and opposition to colonialism.
2002 – Return of Zahir Shah: Former Afghan king Mohammad Zahir Shah returned to Kabul after decades in exile, marking a symbolic moment in Afghanistan’s modern history.

1954 – Nasser Seizes Power in Egypt: Gamal Abdel Nasser took power and appointed himself Prime Minister, a pivotal moment in modern Egyptian and Arab history.
1972 – Ethiopian Air Disaster: East African Airways Flight 720 crashed during a rejected takeoff from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Ethiopia, resulting in 43 deaths.
1973 – Birth of Haile Gebrselassie: Celebrated Ethiopian long-distance runner and Olympic gold medalist, born on this day.
1980 – Zimbabwe Gains Independence: Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) officially became an independent nation, with Canaan Banana as its first president. The capital, Salisbury, was later renamed Harare on 18 April 1982.
1905 – Death of Enoch Sontonga: South African composer of “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika,” an anthem of pan-African liberation, died on this day.
2015 – Mediterranean Migrant Tragedy: A ship carrying over 800 African migrants sank off the coast of Libya; only about 30 survived.
World Heritage Day: 18 April is also celebrated as World Heritage Day, promoting awareness of cultural heritage across Africa and the world.