April 12

What happened on April 12 in history

3 events fall on April 12, from 1861 to 1961. Read them below, then try to place a historical scene yourself — guess where in the world it happened and in what year.

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Events on April 12

  1. 1861

    The American Civil War begins

    Thirty-four hours of shelling force the garrison to surrender the fort.

    Play the 19th century round

  2. 1955

    The polio vaccine is declared safe

    Trial results are announced and mass vaccination begins in the United States.

    Play the 20th century round

  3. 1961

    Yuri Gagarin orbits the Earth

    Vostok 1 makes a single orbit and the first human spaceflight lasts 108 minutes.

    Play the 20th century round