This Day In History : April 30

1993 Switzerland

CERN Announces Free World Wide Web Protocols

On April 30, 1993, CERN announced that the World Wide Web protocols would remain free for anyone to use. This decision played a pivotal role in the rapid expansion and accessibility of the internet. By removing barriers to access, CERN's announcement fostered innovation and connectivity worldwide.

Also on This Day in History April 30

Discover what happened on April 30 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, April 30
  • 1904 George Robert Stibitz

    U.S. mathematician who was regarded by many as the "father of the modern digital computer."

  • 1893 Roy Chadwick

    British aeronautical engineer, who during WW I, designed the Avro 504 trainer.

  • 1777 Carl Friedrich Gauss

    German mathematician who transformed nearly all areas of mathematics, for which his talent showed from a very early age.

  • 1834 John Lubbock (Lord Avebury)

    English banker, politician, naturalist and archaeologist who coined the terms Neolithic and Paleolithic.

  • 1922 Ernst Ludwig Wynder

    American epidemiology and public health researcher who studied the health effects of smoking tobacco.

Deaths on This Day, April 30
  • 2011 Daniel Gray Quillen

    American mathematician who was awarded the Fields Medal in 1978 for contribution of geometric and topological techniques to the study of algebraic K-theory.

  • 1926 Bessie Coleman

    American aviator who was the first African-American to qualify for a pilot license.

  • 1942 Joseph Charles Arthur

    American botanist who discovered basic facts about the parasitic fungi known as 'rusts.'

  • 1891 Abram Lyle

    Scottish shipowner and sugar refiner, known for Lyle's Golden Syrup.

  • 1947 Almroth Wright

    English bacteriologist who developed an immunization against typhoid fever that protected British soldiers in WW I, saving lives from infection.

1897

Electron

In 1897, at the Royal Institution Friday Evening Discourse, Joseph John Thomson (1856-1940) first announced the existence of electrons (as they are now named).
1812

Louisiana Becomes the 18th U.S. State

On April 30, 1812, the Territory of Orleans was admitted to the United States as the state of Louisiana. This marked the inclusion of the first state from the Louisiana Purchase into the Union. Louisiana's admission expanded U.S. territory and influence.
2013

Apple Makes Largest Bond Offering by a Private Company

On April 30, 2013, Apple Inc. issued bonds worth $17 billion, marking the largest bond offering by a private company at the time. This move aimed to fund stock buybacks and dividends. The offering included various maturities, attracting significant investor interest.
2018

New species of water beetle from Malaysian Borneo’s Maliau Basin named after actor Leonardo DiCaprio

On April 30, 2018, a new species of water beetle from Malaysia's Maliau Basin was named in honor of actor Leonardo DiCaprio. The beetle, discovered in Borneo, was named to recognize DiCaprio's environmental advocacy. This tribute reflects his contributions to conservation efforts.
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