April 12

    What happened on April 12 in history

    4 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.

    Events on April 12

    1. 1861

      The American Civil War begins

      Confederate guns open fire on Fort Sumter in Charleston harbour.

      Read about Opening of the Metropolitan Railway, World's First UndergroundPlay the 19th century round

    2. 1861

      Fort Sumter is bombarded

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

      Read about Opening of the Metropolitan Railway, World's First UndergroundPlay the 19th century round

    3. 1955

      The polio vaccine is declared safe

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

      Play the 20th century round

    4. 1961

      Yuri Gagarin orbits the Earth

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

      Read about Construction of the Berlin WallPlay the 20th century round

    Guess where and when

    Explore a 360° historical scene and place it on the map and the timeline. Free, no sign-up.

    Play today's challenge