April 2 is the 92nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 273 days remain until the end of the year.
April 2 is the 92nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 273 days remain until the end of the year.
We have some interesting facts & historic events all about April 2nd, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.
Keep reading for more interesting facts about April 2nd in history!
Table of Contents
Global Celebrations
- World Autism Awareness Day.
- National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day
- Love Your Produce Manager Day
- National Ferret Day
- International Children’s Book Day
- World Autism Awareness Day
- International Pillow Fight Day
- Tangible Karma Day
Historic Events
What Happened On This Day – April 2
2002: Israeli forces besiege the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
The Israel Defense Force had occupied Bethlehem to capture wanted Palestinians. The 39-day siege ensued after some militants fled into the church, which is believed to stand on the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth.
1982: Argentina occupies the Falkland Islands
The invasion escalated a long-standing conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the archipelago in the South Atlantic. It triggered the Falklands War, which was won by the U.K.
1968: Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey receives its world premiere
Upon release, the epic about human evolution, technology, and extraterrestrial life polarized audiences and critics alike. Today, it is considered a classic in its genre.
1800: Ludwig van Beethoven’s First Symphony is premiered
The German composer conducted the orchestra himself. The premiere received exceptionally positive reviews.
1792: The U.S. dollar is introduced
The Mint Act of 1792 established the Dollar as U.S. currency. About two-thirds of global trade today is based on the U.S. Dollar.
1974: Arnold Schwarzenegger As entrant to the 1974 Mr. Olympia competition at Madison Square Garden.
1930: Ras Tafari Makonnen becomes Emperor Haile Selassie of Abyssinia in 1930.
1930: Los Angeles around 1930 – An ostrich carriage beeing stopped by the police for crossing the speed limit.
1914: World War I. French cuirassiers leaving Paris for the front lines, August 1914.
1801: Napoleonic Wars: The British led by Horatio Nelson destroy the Danish fleet in the naval Battle of Copenhagen in 1801.
1539: Explorer Juan Ponce de León claims Florida for Spain as the first known European to reach Florida in 1539.
Famous Birthdays
Births On This Day, April 2
1939: Marvin Gaye, American singer-songwriter
1891: Max Ernst, German painter, sculptor, poet
1840: Émile Zola, French author, critic
1805: Hans Christian Andersen, Danish author, poet
1725: Giacomo Casanova, Italian explorer, author
Marvin Gaye was born.
Kapil Sharma was born.
Ajay Devgan was born.
Heartbreaking Deaths
Deaths On This Day, April 2
2015: Manoel de Oliveira, Portuguese director, screenwriter
2005: Pope John Paul II
1974: Georges Pompidou, French politician, Prime Minister, President of France
1933: Ranjitsinhji, Indian cricketer
1872: Samuel Morse, American painter, inventor, co-invented the Morse code
Arthur Prince of wales died.
Milo O’Shea died.
Jesus Franco died.