Earth Day, Land Rushes, and New Worlds!
Welcome to April 22nd, a day where big explorations met big ideas for our planet! From explorers bumping into massive new continents to people organizing to protect the Earth, this date is packed with action. Get ready to dig into some seriously cool history that changed how we see the world and live on it!
Did you know that on this one day, explorers officially 'discovered' a huge country, thousands of people rushed to claim land like it was a giant treasure hunt, AND people started the massive movement to celebrate and protect our planet? Talk about a day for making history!
What Happened on This Day
Brazil is 'Discovered' by Explorer
Imagine sailing across the ocean and suddenly seeing a massive new coastline—that's what happened when Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral arrived in what is now Brazil! He claimed the land for Portugal, though people already lived there, of course. This voyage kicked off a new chapter for both Europe and South America. It’s a huge moment in the [link:age-of-exploration-for-kids]! Think of it as accidentally finding a giant new playground!
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In God We Trust Appears on Coins
Ever looked closely at a US coin? That phrase 'In God We Trust' wasn't always there! Back in 1864, during the middle of the [link:civil-war-president-lincoln-kids], the US Congress passed a law that required the motto to be added to new money. Maybe folks needed a little extra hope during tough times? It started on the penny and two-cent pieces first. It's a little piece of history you carry in your pocket!
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Oklahoma Land Rush Starts with a Bang!
This was the ultimate real-life video game race! In 1889, the US government opened up nearly two million acres of land in what is now Oklahoma. At noon, a single gunshot echoed, and thousands of people—the 'Boomers'—raced on foot, horseback, and in wagons to claim their own patch of dirt. Imagine the chaos and excitement as towns like Oklahoma City sprang up in a single afternoon! It was a wild scramble for a fresh start.
Modern Olympics Return to Athens
The ancient Greeks invented the Olympics, so it makes sense to go back to the source! In 1906, the first games of the modern era were held in Athens, Greece, trying to bring back the spirit of the old [link:ancient-olympics-for-kids]. Even though the official count sometimes skips this one, it was a massive step in making the global sporting event we know and love today happen every four years. Get those imaginary torches ready!
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The Very First Earth Day!
Today, we celebrate Earth Day every year to remind everyone to look after our amazing planet! The very first one was celebrated on April 22, 1970, after seeing pollution causing real problems. Millions of Americans got together to clean up parks and shout about needing cleaner air and water. It was a giant, worldwide classroom lesson about why nature matters. This day helped kick off the huge environmental movement!
Fun Facts About April 22
- The first Arbor Day (a day to plant trees!) was celebrated in Nebraska on April 22, 1872.
- In 1977, optical fiber, which sends phone calls using light pulses, was used for the first time!
- The World Wide Web (the foundation of the internet!) was made publicly available on this day in 1993.
- In 1994, South Africa held its first election where all racial groups could vote, ending Apartheid.
A Look Back in Time
April 22nd has seen the world get bigger and then turn its attention to making things better. In the early 1500s, European powers were busy exploring and claiming huge parts of the globe, like Brazil. Fast forward a few centuries, and the focus shifts internally—from a massive land grab in the American West (the Land Rush) to a global movement focused on self-care for our planet with the first Earth Day in 1970. It’s a date that shows history is always moving from discovery to responsibility.
Born on This Day
Immanuel Kant
This brilliant German philosopher thought deeply about how humans think, what makes a good choice, and the universe itself! He wrote some super important books that still make smart people scratch their heads today. Think of him as one of history's biggest 'What If?' thinkers.
Vladimir Lenin
Lenin was a Russian revolutionary leader who was super important in creating the world's first Communist state, the Soviet Union. He was a passionate speaker and thinker who believed the working class should take control. His actions totally changed the map and politics of the 20th century!
J. Robert Oppenheimer
He was a brilliant American physicist nicknamed the 'father of the atomic bomb.' Oppenheimer led the secret project during WWII to develop this powerful new technology. He later spent much of his life reflecting on the incredible power scientists had unlocked and its impact on the world.
Jack Nicholson
Get ready for a movie star! Jack Nicholson is one of the most famous actors ever, known for playing cool, sometimes mischievous characters in movies like *Batman* and *The Shining*. With a career spanning decades and tons of awards, he’s a true Hollywood legend!