Discover what happened on September 5 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.

September 5

Discover what happened on September 5 with HISTORY&#8217;s summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.

What Happened on September 5 | HISTORY

Home

HISTORY

1836

1991

1774

1877

1914

1970

1969

1972

1975

1847

2006

1958

1957

America’s Founding Fathers decided that one elected civilian—the U.S. president—would lead the executive branch of the federal government, a governmental structure that has remained in place for more than 200 years.

U.S. Presidents

World War I pitted Germany, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire against Great Britain, the United States, France, Russia, Italy and Japan. New military technology resulted in unprecedented carnage. By the time the war was over and the Allied Powers claimed victory, more than 16 million people—soldiers and civilians alike—were dead.

World War I

Native American history spans an array of diverse groups and leaders, including Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse and Tecumseh, and events like the Trail of Tears, the French and Indian War and the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Native American History

The gay rights movement is the struggle for equality and marriage rights for gay, lesbian and transgender people. Milestones include the Stonewall Riots, the trial of Oscar Wilde and the assassination of Harvey Milk.

Gay Rights

The Vietnam War pitted communist North Vietnam and the Viet Cong against South Vietnam and the United States. The war ended when U.S. forces withdrew in 1973 and Vietnam unified under Communist control two years later.

Vietnam War

Sports and recreation are an integral part of human history, from the ancient Olympics to the Kentucky Derby, Jackie Robinson, Negro League Baseball, the Super Bowl and more.

Sports

The Revolutionary War waged by the American colonies against Britain influenced political ideas and revolutions around the globe, as a small fledgling nation won its freedom from the greatest military force of its time.

American Revolution

Videos

<a href="http://history.com/">HISTORY.com</a> works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including <a href="https://www.history.com/author/amanda-onion">Amanda Onion</a>, <a href="https://www.history.com/author/missy-sullivan">Missy Sullivan</a>, <a href="https://www.history.com/author/matt-mullen">Matt Mullen</a> and Christian Zapata.

History.com Editors

Art history tells the complex story of human civilization through art, literature and design. It ranges from prehistoric art of the Neolithic period through Renaissance masterpieces, Impressionism, Modernism, the Bauhaus and contemporary art.

Art, Literature and Film History

Though the 19th century saw the rise of populism, the labor movement and Jacksonian democracy, it also ushered in the Gilded Age, when men like Cornelius Vanderbilt and J. P. Morgan wielded vast control over politics and business.

This Day In History: September 5

Sam Houston elected as president of Texas

Also on This Day in History September | 5

AIDS activists unfurl a giant condom over Senator Jesse Helms’ home

This Day in History Video: What Happened on September 5

First Continental Congress convenes

Sioux military leader Crazy Horse is killed

French general gives order to attack at the Marne

U.S. forces launch last major American operation of the war

Lt. William Calley charged for My Lai massacre

Massacre begins at Munich Olympics

Gerald Ford survives first assassination attempt

Outlaw Jesse James is born in Missouri

Katie Couric makes historic network anchor debut

“Doctor Zhivago” is published in the U.S.

The New York Times gives “On the Road” a rave review

Also on This Day in History September | 5

Wake Up to This Day in History