This day in history: 8 april

1271: In Syria, Sultan Baibars conquers the Krak des Chevaliers, a significant event in the history of the Crusades.
1812: Czar Alexander I, the Russian Emperor and the Grand Duke of Finland, officially announces the transfer of the status of the Finnish capital from Turku to Helsinki.
1820: The Venus de Milo is discovered on the Aegean island of Milos, an event that would later influence European art and culture.
1866: Italy and Prussia sign a secret alliance against the Austrian Empire, setting the stage for the Austro-Prussian War.
1886: William Ewart Gladstone introduces the first Irish Home Rule Bill into the British House of Commons, a pivotal moment in the history of Irish nationalism.
1971: The first World Roma Congress takes place in London, marking a historic milestone for the Romani people. This event led to the establishment of the International Romani Day on April 8, celebrating Romani culture and raising awareness of the issues facing Romani people.
1990: The International Romani Day is officially declared in Serock, Poland, during the fourth World Romani Congress of the International Romani Union (IRU).

1789: The U.S. House of Representatives held its first meeting.
1812: Marines participated in the sea battle between the USS Hyder Ally and HMS General Monk.
1823: Marines chased pirates east of Havana, Cuba.
1832: About 300 American troops of the 6th Infantry left Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, to confront the Sauk Indians in what would become known as the Black Hawk War.
1864: The U.S. Senate passed the 13th Amendment (S.J. Res. 16) by a vote of 38 to 6.
1865: General Robert E. Lee’s retreat was cut off near Appomattox Court House, leading to his request to meet with General Ulysses Grant to discuss possible surrender.
1913: The Seventeenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, requiring direct popular election of U.S. senators.
1952: President Harry S. Truman seized control of America’s steel mills to prevent a shutdown by strikers. However, on April 29th, the seizure was ruled unconstitutional by a U.S. District Court, leading to a 53-day strike.
1974: Hank Aaron hits his 715th home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s record as the all-time home run leader.
1975: Frank Robinson of the Cleveland Indians becomes the first black manager of a major league baseball team.

1929: Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt staged a demonstration against the repressive Defence of India Act in India. Their actions, including throwing bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly, were symbolic protests against British rule.
1953: Jomo Kenyatta, who would later become Kenya’s first President, was sentenced to seven years of hard labor for his involvement with the Mau Mau uprising. Although this event occurred in Africa, it had implications for Asian countries under colonial rule, as it highlighted the global struggle against imperialism.
1990: The first World Roma Congress took place in London, marking a historic milestone for the Romani people, who have a significant presence in Asia as well as Europe.

1953: Jomo Kenyatta, who would later become Kenya’s first President, was sentenced to seven years of hard labor for his involvement with the Mau Mau uprising. This event was a pivotal moment in the struggle against British colonial rule in Kenya.
2024: A partial solar eclipse was visible in Africa, with the maximum eclipse occurring at 1:54 pm local time, reaching a magnitude of 0.959. This celestial event was part of a global total solar eclipse, but in Africa, it was observed as a partial eclipse.