April 18th in History: The Great San Francisco Earthquake and India’s Independence Struggle

April 18th in History: The Great San Francisco Earthquake and India’s Independence Struggle

Great San Francisco Earthquake (1906)

On April 18, 1906, a massive earthquake struck San Francisco, causing widespread destruction and fires throughout the city. The earthquake and subsequent fires resulted in the deaths of over 3,000 people and left more than half of the city’s population homeless. The disaster remains one of the most significant natural catastrophes in United States history and led to significant advancements in earthquake-resistant construction and urban planning.

Reference: Wikipedia – 1906 San Francisco Earthquake

India’s Non-cooperation Movement (1919)

On April 18, 1919, Indian nationalist leader Mahatma Gandhi called for a nationwide Non-cooperation Movement against British rule in India. The movement marked a critical turning point in India’s struggle for independence, as it united various factions of the Indian population under a common goal. By employing the principles of nonviolence and civil disobedience, Gandhi successfully mobilized millions of Indians to resist colonial rule, ultimately contributing to India’s independence in 1947.

Reference: Wikipedia – Non-cooperation Movement