What happened on June 1st?

Good morning everyone! I hope you’re enjoying your weekend so far. Yesterday’s newsletter brought some somber history, and so does today’s. I hope you recognize it’s just as important to study these dark moments as it is the fun stuff. 

The horrors of the holocaust are so heinous they almost seem too atrocious to believe. In the final stages of WW2, when Allied forces began discovering Nazi death camps, the inclination was to turn away from the pure evil on display. 

However, Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower had another perspective. He mandated liberating troops to take photos of these terrible places, and even made German civilians walk through them. 

“Get it all on record now - get the films - get the witnesses - because somewhere down the road of history some bastard will get up and say that this never happened,” he famously said.

On this particular day, June 1, rumors about what the Nazi’s had been up to became truth. The world has never been the same since.

Here’s everything that happened on June 1 throughout history:

📰1942: News of Holocaust Death Camp Killings Became Public

Reports of mass executions in Nazi death camps reached the Allied public, revealing the horrifying extent of the Holocaust during World War II. This revelation, which Allied commanders likely knew about starting in March 1942, was published in the Polish Socialist newspaper Liberty Brigade. 

It spoke of tens of thousands of Jews being gassed in Nazi death camps. However, much of this report was likely borrowed from an earlier report in the Biuletyn Informacyjny, another Polish newspaper, published in late April 1942.

This news highlighted the evil of the Third Reich and only increased the urgency felt by Allied leaders to stop them. However, it would still be almost three full years before Nazi death camps were liberated and the war ended.

⚔️1794: The Battle of the First of June

This naval battle saw the British Royal Navy, commanded by Admiral Lord Howe, defeat the French fleet in the Atlantic, securing a strategic victory during the French Revolutionary Wars. This battle, also known as the Glorious First of June, protected a vital grain convoy to famine-stricken France, disrupted French supply lines, and bolstered British naval dominance.

🚗1934: Nissan Motor Company Founded

Yoshisuke Aikawa established the company in Japan, initially named "Nihon Sangyo," focusing on trucks and passenger cars. Nissan's innovations and global expansion, including iconic models like the Datsun, made it a leading automobile manufacturer, significantly impacting the industry and contributing to Japan's post-war economic recovery.

🏴‍☠️1941: Crete Fell to German Forces

German paratroopers, led by General Kurt Student, captured the island from British, Greek, and New Zealand forces after fierce fighting, marking an important World War II victory. This battle demonstrated the effectiveness of airborne assaults, altered Allied defensive strategies, and resulted in heavy casualties. Read how this fits into the entire WW2 timeline.

🤝1990: George H.W. Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev Agreed to End Production of Chemical Weapons

President George H.W. Bush of the United States and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev reached an agreement to end the production of chemical weapons. This landmark agreement, known as the bilateral Chemical Weapons Accord, was a significant step towards reducing the threat of chemical warfare and promoting arms control during the final years of the Cold War.

🌟Born on This Day in History

1879: John B. Hood, Confederate General

Known for his aggressive tactics during the American Civil War, playing a significant role in several major battles including Gettysburg and Chickamauga.

1907: Sir Frank Whittle, British Inventor and Aviator

The pioneer of jet engine technology, he revolutionized aviation with his groundbreaking invention and laid the foundation for modern jet-powered aircraft.

1926: Marilyn Monroe, Actress

Iconic Hollywood star, famed for her roles in films like "Some Like It Hot," she captivated audiences with her timeless beauty and magnetic screen presence.

1937: Morgan Freeman, Actor

Celebrated for his performances in movies like "The Shawshank Redemption," he became an enduring figure in Hollywood, known for his powerful portrayals and distinctive voice.

💔Died on This Day in History

1868: James Buchanan, President of the United States

James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States, served from 1857 to 1861, preceding Abraham Lincoln. His presidency was dominated by the growing tensions between the North and South over the issue of slavery, ultimately failing to prevent the outbreak of the Civil War. Buchanan's administration is often criticized for its indecisiveness and inability to address the deepening divisions within the nation, contributing to his reputation as one of the least effective presidents in American history.

1968: Helen Keller, US Author and Educator

Inspirational author and advocate for the disabled, Helen left an enduring legacy through her remarkable achievements and tireless advocacy work.

I hope this edition of The History of Today has helped make you a bit smarter than you were yesterday. Enjoy your Saturday and we’ll talk again tomorrow. 

Matt