In History, Today on April 12

The Fourth Crusade captured and sacked Constantinople, leading to significant changes in the Byzantine Empire and the establishment of the Latin Empire.

The Union Flag was adopted as the national flag of Great Britain, symbolizing the union of England and Scotland.

The American Civil War began with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in South Carolina.

U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt died of a cerebral hemorrhage in Warm Springs, Georgia, and Vice President Harry S. Truman was sworn in as the 33rd President of the United States.

Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to travel into space and orbit the Earth aboard Vostok 1.

The first launch of a Space Shuttle, Columbia, occurred, marking the beginning of the Space Shuttle program by NASA.

The Venezuelan military overthrows President Hugo Chávez in a coup d'état, leading to his temporary removal from power.

The first episode of the television series 'Mad Men' is filmed, marking the beginning of a critically acclaimed show that would influence television storytelling.

Captain Richard Phillips was rescued by the United States Navy after being held hostage by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean. The rescue operation involved Navy SEAL snipers.

An earthquake of magnitude 6.9 strikes the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai, China, causing significant destruction and loss of life.

The MV Sewol ferry capsized and sank off the coast of South Korea, resulting in the deaths of 304 passengers, most of whom were high school students. The disaster led to widespread criticism of the South Korean government's handling of the rescue operation.

Sudan's military announces the arrest of President Omar al-Bashir following months of protests against his 30-year rule.