Monthly Archives: April 2015

Grant asks Lee to surrender to avoid ‘any further effusion of blood’ 150 years ago this hour (Apr 7 1865)

1860s, American Civil War


Video: 'Ken Burns - The Civil War: Episode 8 - War Is All Hell (1865) | Ken Burns Documentary' (Apr. 4, 1865, 45:57)

(Friday, April 7, 1865, 5 p.m.; during the Appomattox Campaign of the American Civil War) — As Union forces under Gen. Ulysses Grant pursued the Confederate army under Gen. Robert E. Lee along the Appomattox River, Grant initiated a series of dispatches between between the two commanders: Continue reading Grant asks Lee to surrender to avoid ‘any further effusion of blood’ 150 years ago this hour (Apr 7 1865) →

The Beatles film pub cellar sequence for feature film 50 years ago today (Apr 7 1965)

1960s, Movies 1960s, Popular Music 1960s, The Beatles 1960s


Video: 'Scene From Help Beatles Movie'

(Wednesday, April 7, 1965) — The pub cellar sequence for The Beatles’ second feature film, Help!, was filmed today at Twickenham Film Studios in England. In the scene, Ringo Starr was confronted by a tiger, “Raja, the famous Bengal man-eater”.

Admiral Kantaro Suzuki becomes Japanese prime minister 70 years ago today (Apr 7 1945)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'The World At War: The Bomb 2/5' (Apr. 7, 1945, at 2:36)

(Saturday, April 7, 1945; during World War II) — Seven days into the Battle of Okinawa, the growing peace party of Japan secured the appointment of a new cabinet today led by Admiral Kantaro Suzuki following the resignation of Prime Minister Kuniaki Koiso.

Lincoln to Grant: ‘Let the thing be pressed’ 150 years ago today (Apr 7 1865)

1860s, American Civil War


Video: 'Ken Burns - The Civil War: Episode 8 - War Is All Hell (1865) | Ken Burns Documentary' (Apr. 7, 1865, 48:17)

(Friday, April 7, 1865; during the Appomattox Campaign of the American Civil War) — U.S. President Abraham Lincoln sent Gen. Ulysses Grant a telegram today, stating: “Gen. Sheridan says ‘If the thing is pressed I think that Lee will surrender.’ Let the thing be pressed.”

Japanese battleship Yamato sunk by Allied forces 70 years ago this hour (Apr 7 1945)

1940s, World War II


Video: '(2/5) Pacific Lost Evidence Okinawa World War II' (Yamato sunk at 6:23)

(Saturday, April 7, 1945, 12:41-2:23 p.m. JST; during the Battle of Okinawa, part of the Pacific Theatre of World War II) — American planes today intercepted and effectively destroyed a Japanese fleet, which included the battleship Yamato, that was headed to Okinawa on a suicide mission. Continue reading Japanese battleship Yamato sunk by Allied forces 70 years ago this hour (Apr 7 1945) →

The Beatles win Radio Caroline ‘first birthday’ award 50 years ago today (Apr 6 1965)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s, The Beatles 1960s


Video: 'Beatles Win Caroline Award (1965)'

(Tuesday, April 6, 1965) — Television talk show host Simon Dee presented The Beatles with a Bell Award from pirate station Radio Caroline today at Twickenham Film Studios in England during a shooting break for the group’s second feature film Help!.

The Beatles release ‘Beatles for Sale’ EP in Britain 50 years ago today (Apr 6 1965)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s, The Beatles 1960s


Video: 'Vinil Vintage - The Beatles - Compact Disc Ep. Collections' ('Beatles for Sale' EP at 3:23)

(Tuesday, April 6, 1965) — The Beatles today released Beatles for Sale, the band’s eighth official extended play release, was released today in Britain, featuring four songs from their fourth studio album of the same title.