What happened on June 22nd?

Good morning!

As we move through the weekend and enjoy this Saturday, let's take a moment to look back at some significant events that happened on this day throughout history.

On this day, the French government signed an armistice with Germany, concluding the Battle of France. German forces swiftly overran French defenses, leading to the fall of Paris. The armistice divided France into an occupied zone and the Vichy regime, marking a major shift in World War II's European theater.

Read more about this event and others that happened on June 22nd!

✍️1940: French Government Signed an Armistice with Germany

The armistice ended the brutal Battle of France that took place in the early stages of World War II. German forces had rapidly advanced through the Ardennes, bypassing the heavily fortified Maginot Line and quickly overwhelming French defenses. 

This swift and decisive campaign led to the fall of Paris and the collapse of French military resistance. The armistice, signed on June 22nd in the Compiègne Forest, divided France into the German-occupied zone in the north and the Vichy regime in the south, which collaborated with the Nazis.

With France under Nazi control, Hitler had few opponents in Europe. He set his sights on Great Britain, guessing he could do the same to them as he had done to France. However, British resistance proved fierce, and by 1941 the US would join the war. This helped turn things around for the Allies, but at the time, the situation looked bleak for proponents of democracy in Europe and beyond.

⚔️168 BCE: Romans Won the Battle of Pydna

Roman forces defeated the Macedonian army at the Battle of Pydna, ending the Third Macedonian War and establishing Roman dominance in Greece. This victory dismantled the Macedonian phalanx and demonstrated the superiority of the Roman legions. It allowed Rome to expand its influence in the Hellenistic world, leading to the annexation of Macedonia as a Roman province. 

This battle was pivotal in Rome's transition from a regional power to a dominant empire. Read more about The Most Important Roman Wars and Battles: Civil and External.

⚓1611: Mutiny against Henry Hudson

During an expedition to find the Northwest Passage, explorer Henry Hudson faced a mutiny led by his desperate and starving crew. Hudson, an English sea captain known for exploring parts of the Arctic Ocean and northeastern North America, aimed to discover a shorter route to Asia. Frustrated by harsh conditions and Hudson's insistence on continuing the journey, the crew set Hudson, his teenage son, and seven loyal crew members adrift in a small boat in Hudson Bay. Their fate remains unknown, though it’s probably safe to say now that they died 😂

🔭1633: Galileo Was Forced to Recant his Support of the Copernican System

The Catholic Church's Inquisition compelled Galileo Galilei to recant his support for the heliocentric theory, which posited that the Earth orbits the Sun. Galileo, an Italian astronomer and physicist, had provided strong evidence for Copernicus's model through his observations using a telescope. This clash marked a significant conflict between science and the Church, as the Church held the geocentric view that the Earth was the center of the universe.

💵1775: Congress Issued Continental Currency

The Continental Congress began issuing paper currency known as Continental Currency to finance the American Revolutionary War. This was a crucial move to establish economic independence from Britain. Prior to this, the colonies relied on British currency, which restricted their financial autonomy. The introduction of Continental Currency allowed the fledgling nation to support its troops and war efforts without British interference. 

👑1815: Napoleon Abdicated as French Emperor for the Second Time

After his crushing defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon Bonaparte abdicated as Emperor of France for the second time. This event marked the definitive end of his rule. Napoleon's abdication followed a tumultuous period known as the Hundred Days, during which he returned from exile on Elba and briefly regained power. His final defeat at Waterloo by the Seventh Coalition, led by Britain and Prussia, forced him to surrender and go into exile on the remote island of Saint Helena.

🚀1941: Germany Launched Operation Barbarossa

Nazi Germany initiated the invasion of the Soviet Union. This massive military campaign aimed to conquer Soviet territories and secure resources for the German war effort. Just a year after the French capitulation to Germany, Hitler sought to expand his dominion eastward, believing that a swift victory would prevent a prolonged conflict. The invasion opened one of the largest and deadliest fronts in World War II, involving millions of troops and leading to immense casualties on both sides. Read about other important events in WWII in WW2 Timeline and Dates.

📜1944: FDR Signed G.I. Bill

The law offered extensive benefits to returning World War II veterans. Officially known as the Servicemen's Readjustment Act, this legislation provided educational support, housing loans, and unemployment benefits to help veterans reintegrate into civilian life. The G.I. Bill aimed to prevent economic instability and reward those who served, leading to a significant increase in college enrollments and home ownership. 

🎥1955: Lady and the Tramp Was Released in U.S. Theatres

Disney's beloved animated film made its debut in U.S. theaters. The heartwarming tale follows the adventures of a pampered cocker spaniel named Lady and a street-smart mutt named Tramp as they embark on a romantic journey filled with charming characters and memorable scenes.

🌑1978: Charon Was Discovered

Astronomer James Christy forever changed our understanding of the cosmos by detecting Charon, Pluto's largest moon. This discovery not only unveiled a crucial component of the Pluto-Charon system but also sparked a new wave of exploration into the outer edges of our solar system. Charon's revelation provided astronomers with invaluable insights into the dynamics and composition of distant celestial bodies, prompting further studies that continue to deepen our understanding of the universe.

🌟Born on This Day in History

1949: Meryl Streep, Actress

Meryl Streep is an iconic American actress known for her extraordinary talent and versatility. Over the course of her career, she has received numerous accolades, including three Academy Awards and a record-breaking number of nominations.

1936: Kris Kristofferson, Singer, Songwriter, and Actor

Kris Kristofferson is an American singer, songwriter, and actor renowned for his songwriting and performances. His influential career spans decades and includes timeless hits such as Me and Bobby McGee and Help Me Make It Through the Night.

💔Died on This Day in History

1969: Judy Garland, Singer and Actress

Judy Garland is a legendary American singer and actress renowned for her powerful vocals, captivating performances, and timeless roles in classic films such as The Wizard of Oz and Meet Me in St. Louis.

2008: George Carlin, Comedian

George Carlin was an influential American comedian known for his irreverent humor, sharp wit, and fearless social commentary. Carlin challenged societal norms and pushed the boundaries of comedy. Throughout his prolific career, he released numerous comedy albums, HBO specials, and authored several books.

Thanks for tuning in to this edition of the History of Today! Now it’s time to go off and enjoy the rest of your Saturday. 

I’ll be back tomorrow. 

Thanks,

Matt