What happened on June 21st?

Good morning everyone! 

Ready to turn back the clock to a time when powdered wigs were all the rage? 

Let's jump to June 21, 1788, when the US Constitution was officially ratified. Today, this document is considered a model for governmental frameworks due to its longevity and flexibility. However, it faces new and unexpected challenges all the time. 

Keep reading to learn more about this and the other stuff that happened on this day in history:

📜U.S. Constitution Ratified (1788)

The ratification of the United States Constitution is an important moment in American history. This foundational document, which outlines the framework of the federal government, was adopted after New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it, meeting the required threshold. 

However, despite its ratification, the US Constitution was not universally embraced. It faced fierce opposition from Anti-Federalists who feared centralized power and pushed for the inclusion of a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties. Additionally, the ratification process was not smooth sailing. States such as Virginia and New York only ratified the Constitution after intense debates and compromises. Ultimately, the Constitution's ratification laid the foundation for the United States' federal system of government, shaping the nation's democratic principles.

The Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation, which had been in effect since the revolution (1776). The Articles placed a high value on the states’ autonomy and left the federal government with little authority, which stunted economic growth and made it hard to provide for defense. 

The Constitution, which was drafted and signed by delegates from the states in 1787, was a response to the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation and was designed to establish a stronger central government with a system of checks and balances among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Its ratification laid the groundwork for the United States' development into a democratic republic and has since been a model for other nations' constitutions around the world. 

Read more in Did Democracy Cause the Recession That Led to the Constitution?

⚔️Spain Declares War Against Great Britain (1779)

Spain entered America’s War of Independence to support their cause and reclaim territories previously lost to Great Britain, like Florida and Gibraltar. This strategic move drew Spain into the conflict alongside France and the American colonies. Spanish forces disrupted British supply lines and captured key locations such as West Florida, putting additional pressure on British forces. Spain's intervention crucially aided the American victory, regained Florida, and forced Britain to rethink its colonial ambitions.

🛡️The Battle of Vitoria Was Fought (1813)

During the Peninsular War, British, Portuguese, and Spanish forces, led by the Duke of Wellington, triumphed over the French near Vitoria in Spain. This decisive victory ended French control in Spain and marked a turning point against Napoleon. The Peninsular War (1807-1814) aimed to liberate the Iberian Peninsula from French occupation, and Vitoria's success weakened Napoleon's influence in Europe, contributing to his eventual downfall. 

🔧Cyrus McCormick Received a Patent (1834)

Cyrus McCormick received a patent for his mechanical reaper that revolutionized agriculture. The reaper significantly increased the efficiency of harvesting grain, allowing farmers to cut and gather crops much faster than with traditional hand methods. This innovation played a crucial role in the agricultural revolution of the 19th century, leading to increased productivity and contributing to the expansion of the American Midwest as a major agricultural region.

🎡The First Ferris Wheel Made Its Debut (1893)

The World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago introduced the world's first Ferris wheel, designed by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. This engineering marvel stood 264 feet tall and symbolized human innovation and technological progress. The Ferris wheel quickly became an iconic attraction, drawing millions of visitors and showcasing America's industrial prowess.

🌊Japanese Forces Were Defeated on Okinawa (1945)

Japanese forces were defeated on Okinawa, marking the end of one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. The Battle of Okinawa, which lasted from April 1 to June 21, was a crucial victory for the Allies and provided a strategic base for launching operations on mainland Japan. The battle involved fierce fighting, with significant casualties on both sides, including a large number of civilian deaths. Okinawa's capture brought the Allies closer to Japan, setting the stage for the eventual surrender of Japanese forces and the end of the war in the Pacific. Read about this important battle in The Battle of Okinawa.

⛪Paul VI Was Elected Pope (1963)

Giovanni Battista Montini ascended to the papacy as Pope Paul VI. His election came at a critical time during the Second Vatican Council, a period of substantial reform and modernization within the Catholic Church. Pope Paul VI played an important role in steering the Council's direction, implementing significant changes such as promoting ecumenism, revising liturgy, and addressing social issues. His leadership helped to reshape the Church's relationship with the modern world. 

🌟Born on This Day in History

1905: Jean-Paul Sartre, French Philosopher and Author

Jean-Paul Sartre was a renowned philosopher, playwright, novelist, and political activist. As a leading figure in existentialism and phenomenology, Sartre's works explored themes of freedom, responsibility, and the human condition. His major philosophical work, Being and Nothingness, delved into the nature of existence and consciousness. Sartre also gained acclaim for his literary works, including the novel Nausea and the play No Exit. In 1964, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, which he famously declined.

1979: Chris Pratt, Actor

Chris Pratt is a popular American actor known for his roles in both television and film. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Andy Dwyer on the hit TV show Parks and Recreation. Pratt's career skyrocketed with his leading roles in blockbuster films such as Guardians of the Galaxy, where he played Star-Lord, and Jurassic World, where he starred as Owen Grady.

1982: William, Prince of Wales

As the eldest son of King Charles III and the late Princess Diana, William is first in line to the British throne. Educated at Eton College and later at the University of St Andrews, where he met his future wife Catherine Middleton, Prince William has undertaken numerous royal duties and charitable activities. Known for his commitment to mental health advocacy and environmental conservation, he has become a prominent figure in modernizing the British monarchy while preparing for his future role as king.

1985: Lana Del Rey, Singer-Songwriter

Lana Del Rey is a celebrated singer-songwriter known for her cinematic music style and melancholic, nostalgic themes. She gained widespread recognition with her breakthrough single Video Games in 2011, followed by the critically acclaimed album Born to Die in 2012.

💔Died on This Day in History

1377: Edward III, King of England

Edward III, King of England, reigned from January 25, 1327, until his death on June 21, 1377. Ascending the throne after the deposition of his father, Edward II, Edward III is noted for his significant military successes and for initiating the Hundred Years' War against France. During his reign, the English longbowmen rose, and he won at the Battles of Crécy and Poitiers. During his rule the Black Death happened too, which drastically reduced the population of England. For more on English monarchs, check out our article on "The Kings and Queens of England: English Monarchs Timeline from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II."

1527: Niccolò Machiavelli, Italian Statesman and Writer

Niccolò Machiavelli is a renowned Italian statesman and writer, best known for his seminal work The Prince, written in 1513 but not published until 1532, which explores the pragmatic principles of political power and governance. Machiavelli's writings, including works on history, politics, and philosophy, have had a profound influence on political thought and continue to be studied and debated today.

1631: John Smith, British Explorer

John Smith, the British explorer and soldier, played a significant role in the early English colonization of North America and is best known for his leadership in the Jamestown colony in Virginia. Smith's efforts were instrumental in establishing and maintaining relations with the Native American tribes in the region, particularly his encounter with Pocahontas, a daughter of the Powhatan chief. His writings, including his accounts of his adventures and experiences in the New World, have provided valuable insights into the early history of English settlement in America.

1893: Leland Stanford, US Politician and Industrialist

Leland Stanford was an American politician, industrialist, and philanthropist who played an important role in the development of the American West, particularly through his involvement in the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad as one of the "Big Four" businessmen. Stanford also served as the Governor of California from 1862 to 1863 and later as a United States Senator. His lasting legacy includes the founding of Stanford University, which he established with his wife, Jane Stanford, as a memorial to their son, Leland Stanford Jr.

2001: Carroll O’Connor, Actor

Carroll O'Connor is best remembered for his iconic portrayal of Archie Bunker, a working-class patriarch, in the groundbreaking sitcom All in the Family. O'Connor's performance earned him widespread acclaim and multiple Emmy Awards.

Stay tuned for more fascinating insights and stories from history. Happy reading!

Thanks,

Matt