What Happened on September 15?
September 15 is International Day of Democracy — celebrating people's voice in government — on the same date Central American provinces declared independence in 1821, tanks first rolled into battle in 1916, and the RAF's defense marked Battle of Britain Day in 1940.
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1821 — Central American provinces declare independence from Spain
On September 15, 1821, leaders in Guatemala City declared independence from Spain for provinces that became Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Read the full story →
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1916 — Tanks are used in combat for the first time at the Somme
On September 15, 1916, British forces sent tanks into battle at Flers-Courcelette during the Battle of the Somme — the first tank combat in history. Read the full story →
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1935 — Nazi Germany enacts the Nuremberg Laws
On September 15, 1935, Nazi Germany announced the Nuremberg Laws, stripping Jewish people of citizenship rights and banning marriages with non-Jews. Read the full story →
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1940 — RAF victories mark Battle of Britain Day
On September 15, 1940, the Royal Air Force repelled major German air attacks — a turning point remembered as Battle of Britain Day. Read the full story →
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1971 — Activists launch the first Greenpeace voyage
On September 15, 1971, activists sailed from Vancouver toward Amchitka, Alaska, in a protest voyage that helped launch Greenpeace. Read the full story →
Famous birthdays
Agatha Christie (1890–1976) · Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (1984) · Tommy Lee Jones (1946) · Tom Hardy (1977)
Days & observances
International Day of Democracy · Hispanic Heritage Month begins · National Cheese Toast Day · Greenpeace Day