This Day in History: April 25

1859 Construction of the Suez Canal begins

The Suez Canal, a waterway connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, began construction in 1859. The canal was intended to provide the shortest sea link between Europe and Asia, reducing the need for lengthy and dangerous trips around the southern tip of Africa. The canal officially opened in 1869 and has since become one of the world’s most heavily trafficked shipping lanes.

1953 Double helix structure of DNA described for the first time

In 1953, Francis Crick and James D. Watson published their groundbreaking findings in the scientific journal Nature about the double helix structure of DNA. Their discovery revolutionized the study of genetics and had profound implications for medicine and biotechnology.

1974 The fascist Estado Novo is overthrown in a bloodless coup

In Portugal, the Carnation Revolution was a bloodless coup that overthrew the Estado Novo, a fascist regime that had been in power for over four decades. The revolution was led by military officers and supported by widespread civil resistance.

1983 Hitler’s diaries exposed as forgeries

In 1983, the German news magazine Stern announced the discovery of what were purported to be the diaries of Adolf Hitler. However, the documents were later exposed as forgeries, triggering one of the most spectacular media scandals in history. Experts believe that Hitler never kept a diary.

2011 Largest tornado outbreak ever recorded hits the U.S.

In 2011, the U.S. experienced the largest tornado outbreak ever recorded, with a total of 358 confirmed tornadoes across six states. The outbreak resulted in 348 fatalities and widespread destruction, particularly in the states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

1185 Sea battle at Dan-no-ura: Minamoto Yoritomo beats Taira-family

In 1185, the Minamoto clan defeated the Taira clan in a decisive sea battle at Dan-no-ura. This battle marked the end of the Genpei War, a five-year conflict that had devastated Japan and resulted in the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate.

1362 Peter I of Castile kills Muhammad VI of Granada

In 1362, Peter I of Castile personally killed Muhammad VI, the ruler of Granada, in battle. Along with 36 followers, Muhammad VI’s head was sent to his successor, Muhammad V.

1449 Anti-pope Felix V resigns

In 1449, Felix V, an anti-pope who had been elected in opposition to Pope Eugene IV, resigned from his position. His resignation marked the end of the Council of Basel, a meeting of the Catholic Church that had been convened to address the Great Schism.

1507 Martin Waldseemüller uses the name “America” on his world map

In 1507, the German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller became the first person to use the name “America” on his world map “Universalis Cosmographia.” The name was chosen to honor Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian explorer who had made several voyages to the New World.

1541 Liege flooded after a heavy downpour

In 1541, the Belgian city of Liege experienced a devastating flood.