In History, Today on April 1

The Watergeuzen (Sea Beggars), a group of Dutch rebels, captured the city of Brielle from the Spanish, marking a significant event in the Eighty Years' War.

The U.S. House of Representatives held its first full meeting in New York City, marking the beginning of its legislative functions under the new U.S. Constitution.

Adolf Hitler was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the Beer Hall Putsch, though he would serve less than a year.

The Nazi regime in Germany carried out a one-day boycott of Jewish-owned businesses, marking an early instance of state-sponsored anti-Semitism.

The Battle of Okinawa began during World War II, one of the largest amphibious assaults in the Pacific Theater, lasting until June 22, 1945.

Apple Inc. was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne in Cupertino, California, marking the beginning of one of the world's most influential technology companies.

Iran became an Islamic Republic following a national referendum, marking the end of the Pahlavi monarchy and the beginning of theocratic rule under Ayatollah Khomeini.

The Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.

Google launched Gmail, its free web-based email service, initially available by invitation only.

The Apple iPad was released in the United States, marking a significant moment in the evolution of tablet computing.

The European Union's ban on the sale of cosmetics tested on animals came into full effect, reinforcing the EU's commitment to animal welfare and ethical consumerism.

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) began releasing the Panama Papers, exposing offshore tax havens used by the world's elite.