Box-office #1
The Empire Strikes Back
1980 · dir. Irvin Kershner
Wide US release on May 23, 1980. Goes on to become the highest-grossing film of the year.
Sci-fiStar Wars $538M worldwide
On this day
April 12 Sunday, April 12, 2026
A curious almanac of what happened on April 12 across the years — history, birthdays, the songs that ruled the charts, the films that packed cinemas, and the science that nudged the world forward.
12
Events
7
Birthdays
6
Holidays
1588
European history 438 years ago
The Instruction of 12 April 1588 was enacted, which is widely regarded as the formal establishment of the Dutch Republic.
The Instruction of 1588 was enacted, formally establishing the Dutch Republic as an independent state during its revolt against Spanish rule.
History
What happened on April 12
12 verified entries Full timeline
- 240World history
Shapur I becomes co-emperor of the Sasanian Empire with his father Ardashir I.
Shapur I becomes co-emperor of the Sasanian Empire alongside his father Ardashir I.
- 467World history
Anthemius is elevated to Emperor of the Western Roman Empire.
Anthemius is proclaimed Emperor of the Western Roman Empire, ruling for four years until his death.
- 627Religion
King Edwin of Northumbria is converted to Christianity by Paulinus, Bishop of York.
King Edwin of Northumbria is baptized by Paulinus, Bishop of York, marking a pivotal moment in the Christianization of Anglo-Saxon England.
- 806Religion
Nikephoros I of Constantinople is consecrated as patriarch of Constantinople.
Nikephoros I is consecrated as the patriarch of Constantinople.
- 1159European history
Having received the submission of the prince of Antioch, Raynald of Châtillon, Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Komnenos enters triumphantly the city of Antioch.
Manuel I Komnenos enters Antioch in triumph after receiving the submission of Prince Raynald of Châtillon.
- 1204European history
The Crusaders of the Fourth Crusade breach the walls of Constantinople and enter the city, which they completely occupy the following day.
The Crusaders breach Constantinople's walls and occupy the city the next day.
- 1588European history
The Instruction of 12 April 1588 was enacted, which is widely regarded as the formal establishment of the Dutch Republic.
The Instruction of 1588 was enacted, formally establishing the Dutch Republic as an independent state during its revolt against Spanish rule.
- 1606UK history
The Union Flag is adopted as the flag of English and Scottish ships.
The Union Flag becomes the official emblem for English and Scottish ships.
- 1776US history
American Revolution: With the Halifax Resolves, the North Carolina Provincial Congress authorizes its Congressional delegation to vote for independence from Britain.
The North Carolina Provincial Congress adopts the Halifax Resolves, authorizing its delegates to vote for independence from Britain in the Continental Congress.
- 1782War
American Revolution: A Royal Navy fleet led by Admiral George Rodney defeats a French fleet led by the Comte de Grasse at the Battle of the Saintes off Dominica in the Caribbean Sea.
Admiral George Rodney leads a British fleet to victory over the French navy commanded by the Comte de Grasse in the Battle of the Saintes.
- 1877UK history
The United Kingdom annexes the Transvaal.
The United Kingdom annexes the Transvaal, incorporating it as a British territory.
- 1961Science
Space Race: The Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human to travel into outer space and perform the first crewed orbital flight, Vostok 1.
Yuri Gagarin completes the first crewed orbital flight, marking a milestone in the Space Race.
Born today
Famous birthdays on April 12
7 this date All birthdays
Keiko Fukuda
Japanese-American martial artist
Keiko Fukuda, the highest-ranked female judoka in history and last surviving student of judo founder Kanō Jigorō, was born today in 1913.
Born
1913
Died
2013
Henri Désiré Landru
French serial killer
1869 – 1922
Charles Napier
American actor
1936 – 2011
Roy M. Anderson
English epidemiologist, zoologist, and academic
b. 1947 · 79
Joschka Fischer
German academic and politician
b. 1948 · 78
Flavio Briatore
Italian businessman
b. 1950 · 76
Vince Gill
American singer-songwriter and guitarist
b. 1957 · 69
Music
The number one songs on April 12
Across the years Full chart history
🇬🇧 #1 on April 12, 1981
"Stand and Deliver"
by Adam and the Ants
The dandy highwayman spent five weeks at the top — a brash, glam-pop coronation.
#1 for 5 weeks
Also #1 on this day
- 1965"Ticket To Ride"— The Beatles
- 1972"Metal Guru"— T. Rex
- 2003"Make Luv"— Room 5 ft. Oliver Cheatham
Film & TV
At the movies
Box office #1 and premieres All releases
🏆 Sport April 12, 1980
Canadian runner and athlete, Terry Fox begins his Marathon of Hope Run in St. John's, NF
Terry Fox starts his Marathon of Hope run in St. John's, aiming to raise awareness for cancer research.
Read the story
🔬 Science April 12, 1945
U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dies in office; Vice President Harry S. Truman succeeds him.
Harry S. Truman becomes the new president after Franklin D. Roosevelt's death.
Read the storyToday is also
Holidays & observances
6 celebrated today
Children's Day (Bolivia)
International
Children's Day is a commemorative date celebrated annually in honour of children, whose date of observance varies by country
Commemoration of first human in space by Yuri Gagarin: Cosmonautics Day (Russia)
International
Cosmonautics Day is an anniversary celebrated in Russia and some other post-Soviet states on 12 April
Commemoration of first human in space by Yuri Gagarin: International Day of Human Space Flight
International
The International Day of Human Space Flight is the annual celebration, held on 12 April, of the anniversary of the first human space flight by Yuri Gagarin (USSR)
Commemoration of first human in space by Yuri Gagarin: Yuri's Night (International observance)
International
Yuri's Night is an international celebration held every April 12 to commemorate milestones in space exploration
Halifax Day (North Carolina)
International
The following are minor or locally celebrated holidays related to the American Revolution
National Redemption Day (Liberia)
International
The following are public holidays in Liberia