Categories: Current Affairs

This Day in History: What Happened Today in History – 05 September

Every date on the calendar carries stories of triumphs, struggles, and turning points that shaped our world. September 5 is no exception—it is a day that witnessed groundbreaking political movements, legendary births, cultural milestones, and unforgettable tragedies. From the First Continental Congress in 1774 that laid the foundation for American independence, to the Munich Olympics tragedy in 1972 that shook the global conscience, September 5 has been marked by events of global significance. It also gave the world iconic figures like Freddie Mercury, Claudette Colvin, and Bob Newhart, while bidding farewell to legends like Mother Teresa and Crazy Horse.

Historical Events

1774: First Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia.
1836: Sam Houston elected president of the Republic of Texas.
1877: Sioux leader Crazy Horse killed at Fort Robinson.
1905: Treaty of Portsmouth signed, ending Russo-Japanese War.
1969: Lt. William Calley charged for My Lai Massacre.
1970: Last major U.S. ground operation in Vietnam begins.
1972: Munich Olympics massacre shocks the world.
1975: President Gerald Ford survives assassination attempt.
1986: Pan Am hijacking in Karachi kills 20.
1991: Tailhook scandal rocks U.S. Navy; AIDS activists protest Sen. Helms.
2006: Katie Couric becomes first solo female evening news anchor.
2024: Oksana Masters wins her 9th Paralympic gold medal.

Births

1847: Jesse James, outlaw.
1929: Bob Newhart, actor-comedian.
1939: Claudette Colvin, civil rights pioneer.
1946: Freddie Mercury, Queen frontman.

Deaths

1857: Auguste Comte, philosopher, sociology founder.
1877: Crazy Horse, Sioux leader.
1902: Rudolf Virchow, pathologist, social medicine pioneer.
1906: Ludwig Boltzmann, physicist.
1970: Jochen Rindt, F1 world champion (crash).
1997: Mother Teresa, missionary & humanitarian.
2023–2024: Rebecca Cheptegei (athlete), Herbie Flowers (musician), Radha Charan Gupta (historian), Sérgio Mendes (musician), Rich Homie Quan (rapper), Derek Boshier (artist), Martin France (jazz drummer), Lady Helen Wogan, Tom Davies (bassist), Lee Halliday (singer), Molly Holzschlag (web advocate), George Lefont (theatre owner).

Sumit Arora

As a team lead and current affairs writer at Adda247, I am responsible for researching and producing engaging, informative content designed to assist candidates in preparing for national and state-level competitive government exams. I specialize in crafting insightful articles that keep aspirants updated on the latest trends and developments in current affairs. With a strong emphasis on educational excellence, my goal is to equip readers with the knowledge and confidence needed to excel in their exams. Through well-researched and thoughtfully written content, I strive to guide and support candidates on their journey to success.