Throughout the course of human history, particular dates resonate more prominently than others due to significant events that occurred on them. September 5th is one of those dates, having witnessed a plethora of groundbreaking incidents, births, and other notable moments that have shaped the course of human history.
Today in History: 5 September
1666: The End of the Great Fire of London
One of the most devastating disasters in English history, the Great Fire of London, which began on September 2nd, finally came to an end on September 5th. It destroyed the medieval city inside the old Roman wall. The conflagration consumed over 13,000 houses, 87 churches, and numerous key buildings, including the Royal Exchange and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Ironically, the fire helped to eradicate the Black Plague, as the rats and fleas that carried the disease were killed in the blaze. The city was rebuilt, paving the way for modern London.
1698: Peter the Great Imposes Beard Tax
Tsar Peter I of Russia, commonly referred to as Peter the Great introduced a beard tax as part of his efforts to modernize the Russian society and make it more akin to Western European countries. Those who wished to keep their beards were required to pay a levy and carry a “beard token” as proof of payment. This move faced opposition, especially from the clergy, as beards held religious significance in Russian Orthodoxy.
1836: Sam Houston Elected as the First President of Texas
A pivotal figure in the Texan fight for independence from Mexico, Sam Houston was elected as the first president of the Republic of Texas on this day. His leadership during the Texan Revolution, notably at the Battle of San Jacinto, made him a revered figure in Texan history. His presidency set the stage for Texas’s eventual annexation by the United States.
1882: The First Labor Day Parade in the U.S.
The origins of Labor Day as a celebration of workers and their contributions trace back to this day when the first Labor Day parade was held in New York City. Organized by the Central Labor Union, thousands of workers marched from City Hall to Union Square. It became a federal holiday in 1894 and is now observed on the first Monday of September every year.
1905: The Russo-Japanese War Ends
A significant conflict of the early 20th century, the Russo-Japanese War, came to an end with the Treaty of Portsmouth. The war, which began in 1904, was primarily about the control of areas in Manchuria and Korea. Japan emerged victorious, marking the first time an Asian power defeated a European nation in a major conflict. The victory shifted the balance of power in East Asia and set the stage for Japan’s rise as a significant military force.
1972: Munich Olympics Massacre
A dark day in sports history, 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team were taken hostage and eventually killed by the Palestinian group Black September. The terrorists demanded the release of 234 prisoners held in Israeli jails. The tragedy culminated in a botched rescue attempt at Fürstenfeldbruck airbase. This event cast a long shadow over what was supposed to be a celebration of global unity through sports.
1977: Voyager 1 is Launched by NASA
One of humanity’s most distant emissaries, Voyager 1, was launched on this day. Its mission was to study the outer Solar System and eventually interstellar space. Decades later, Voyager 1 became the first human-made object to leave the solar system, entering interstellar space and continuing to send data back to Earth.
1986: Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing” Wins MTV’s Video of the Year
In the realm of entertainment, British rock band Dire Straits won “Video of the Year” at the third MTV Video Music Awards for their hit “Money for Nothing.” The song was notable for its early computer-animated music video and its commentary on the music industry in the age of television.
Notable Births:
- 1638: Louis XIV of France, also known as the Sun King, was born on this day. His reign of 72 years is one of the longest in European history, and he played a crucial role in establishing France as a dominant European power.
- 1847: Jesse James, the American outlaw, guerrilla, and gang leader, was born. He became a legendary figure of the Wild West.
- 1946: Freddie Mercury, the charismatic lead vocalist of the rock band Queen, was born. His powerful voice and theatrical stage presence made him one of the most iconic figures in rock history.
In Conclusion:
The 5th of September stands as a testament to the varied and rich tapestry of human history. From devastating fires to groundbreaking space missions, from the rise and fall of monarchs to the celebration of the working class, this day has seen it all. As we reflect on these events, we gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of our past and the events that shape our present and future.