Here is a list of important events that occurred on April 30:

Adolf Hitler commits suicide

Two days after getting married, Adolf Hitler and his wife Eva Braun commit suicide at the Führerbunker on April 30, 1945. At 1 am on April 30, General Wilhelm Keitel informed Hitler that Soviet troops were less than 500 metres from the bunker and that they would take it within 24 hours. Hitler himself refused to evacuate and escape elsewhere. Hitler, Eva Braun and a couple of other members of the bunker had lunch at 2:30 pm and the duo then retreated to Hitler’s study room after saying their farewells. An hour later, witnesses reported sound of a single gunshot but waited a few moments before entering. One witness reported a strong scent of almonds (Cyanide poisoning) as he entered the room and discovered Adolf Hitler’s dead body, blood oozing from his temple. Eva Braun’s body was discovered beside his. In accordance with Hitler’s orders, the bodies were quickly doused with petrol and burnt. The remains of the bodies were then buried immediately.

Pakistan Celebrates Yaum-e-Shuhda (Martyrs Day)

Pakistan celebrates Yaum-e-Shuhda (Martyrs Day) on 30 April to commemorate the sacrifices of those who laid down their lives in service of the nation. The day is marked to eulogise not only the recipients of gallantry awards but all those who embraced martyrdom in conflicts against India or in the war against terrorism.

George Washington becomes the first President of the United States of America

George Washington is inaugurated as the first President of the United States of America in New York on April 30, 1789 for a four-year term.

On the same day in 1803: The US pays $15 Million for the purchase of Louisiana territory from France, more than doubling the size of country.

Edict of Nantes is signed by King Henry IV of France

King Henry IV of France signs the Edict of Nantes on 30 April, 1598. The Edict granted rights to Calvinist Protestants with the aim of promoting civil unity, marking an end to the religious conflict that had plagued France for decades. The civil rights of protestants were assured in the edict and in doing so separated religious unity from the idea of civil unity. The edict paved the way for secularism and religious tolerance.

Mahmud of Ghazni passes away

Mahmud of Gazni dies on 30 April, 1030. During his reign, the small city of Ghazna became one of the most richest and powerful capital of a massive empire. The areas under his control encompassed Afghanistan, parts of Iran and Pakistan. Mahmud of Gazni is renowned for his plundering campaigns across the Indus river. He also raided the Somnath temple in 1025 and plundered 2 million dinars.

             The city of Saigon falls

The city of Saigon falls on April 30, 1975. The capture of Saigon occurred within one day of US troop withdrawal via helicopters. Saigon’s fall marked the end of the Vietnam War.

Bijon Setu massacre in India

Sixteen monks and a nun are killed and burnt near Kolkata, India on 30 April, 1982. The 17 people were beaten to death and burnt in broad daylight. No arrests over the incident were made.

Would you like to know what happened on 29th April?
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