This day in history: 24 september

Europa

• On September 24, 1939, during the early stages of World War II, the German Luftwaffe launched its first major bombing raid on Warsaw, the capital of Poland. The attack reduced entire streets to rubble and caused widespread fires throughout the city. This marked a significant escalation in the destruction of Warsaw and was considered by the British government as a breach of Germany’s earlier pledge to refrain from indiscriminate attacks on civilian targets.
• On the same day, the Battle of Husynne saw the Polish Army initially repel a Soviet infantry corps, only to be surrounded and forced to surrender after a Soviet tank counterattack. Additionally, the Battle of Grodno ended in a Soviet victory.
• Notable deaths on this day include Carl Laemmle, a German-born American filmmaker.

America

• Federal Troops Sent to Little Rock (1957)
  On September 24, 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered federal troops to Little Rock, Arkansas, to enforce the desegregation of Central High School. This decisive action was in response to resistance against the enrollment of nine Black students, marking a pivotal moment in the American civil rights movement.
• Devils Tower Proclaimed First U.S. National Monument (1906)
  On this day in 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt designated Devils Tower in Wyoming as the first National Monument in the United States, setting a precedent for the conservation of natural landmarks.
• Black Friday Financial Panic (1869)
  September 24, 1869, is remembered for the financial panic known as “Black Friday.” A failed attempt by speculators Jay Gould and James Fisk to corner the gold market led to a market crash and widespread economic turmoil.
• Establishment of the U.S. Supreme Court (1789)
  The United States Supreme Court and the position of Attorney General were established on September 24, 1789, laying the foundation for the federal judiciary system.
• Christopher Columbus’s Second Voyage (1493)
  On September 24, 1493, Christopher Columbus departed from Cádiz, Spain, on his second expedition to the New World, an event that had profound consequences for the Americas.
• Hurricane Rita Landfall (2005)
  Hurricane Rita, one of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record, made landfall in Texas and Louisiana on September 24, 2005, causing significant damage and widespread evacuations.

Asia

• Iran–Iraq War Begins (1980)
  On September 24, 1980, war erupted between Iran and Iraq as Iraqi troops crossed the border and encircled the Iranian city of Abadan, setting fire to what was then the world’s largest oil refinery. This marked the beginning of a prolonged and devastating conflict that significantly shaped the geopolitics of the Middle East.
• Japan Airlines Flight 472 Incident (1972)
  On September 24, 1972, Japan Airlines Flight 472 mistakenly landed at Juhu Aerodrome instead of the intended Santacruz Airport in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. While not a major disaster, the incident is notable in Asian aviation history.

Africa

• September 24 is celebrated as Heritage Day in South Africa, a national public holiday dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the cultural wealth and diverse heritage of the nation. It was formerly known as Shaka Day, commemorating the Zulu King Shaka, who united the Zulu clans into a powerful nation before his death in 1828. Heritage Day was officially declared a public holiday in 1996 and encourages South Africans to honor their varied cultural traditions and communities. The day is often marked by events, traditional dress, and celebrations such as the popular “National Braai Day,” which highlights South Africa’s backyard barbecue culture. Nelson Mandela emphasized the importance of this day in building a new, united nation from its rich cultural heritage.
• Independence Day of Guinea-Bissau (1973)
  On September 24, 1973, Guinea-Bissau declared its independence from Portugal. This was a significant moment in African decolonization history, as Guinea-Bissau became a free state after years of struggle against colonial rule. Luis Cabral became the first head of state of the newly independent country.
• World Rivers Day and World Gorilla Day
  September 24 is also observed as World Rivers Day and World Gorilla Day, which highlight environmental and wildlife conservation efforts in Africa and globally.