What happened on June 28th?

Good morning!

It’s Friday! Some people’s favorite day of the week. But if you were alive in 1914, today would have been a scary one.

On this day in 1914, Gavrilo Princip fired the shot heard 'round the world, assassinating Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo. Little did Princip know, his actions would set off a chain of events that ignited World War I, reshaping the course of global history.

🕊️1914: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist, assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, Sophie, in Sarajevo. The assassination occurred during a visit meant to assert Austro-Hungarian authority over Bosnia. This event triggered a series of alliances and conflicts, leading Austria-Hungary to declare war on Serbia. This declaration set off a chain reaction involving major powers, sparking World War I. Read more in What Caused World War 1? Political, Imperialistic, and Nationalistic Factors.

✍️1919: Treaty of Versailles Signed

Exactly five years later, after millions of deaths and unprecedented destruction across Europe, world leaders signed the Treaty of Versailles at the Palace of Versailles, officially concluding World War I. The treaty imposed severe penalties on Germany: territorial losses, military restrictions, and substantial financial reparations. Intended to prevent future conflicts, these terms instead fueled economic hardship and deep resentment in Germany. This, plus the economic hardships that would hit Germany in the 1930s helped set the stage for the Second World War, something nearly everyone alive during the first conflict desperately wanted to asvoid. Read more in Tough Terms: The Treaty of Versailles.

👑1519: Charles V Elected Holy Roman Emperor

Charles, at 19, secured the Holy Roman Emperor title after his grandfather Maximilian I's death. Facing stiff competition from Francis I of France, Charles used bribes and political maneuvering to win over the prince-electors. He inherited a vast empire spanning Europe and the Americas, aiming to centralize power and defend Catholicism during the Protestant Reformation.

👸1838: Queen Victoria's Coronation

Nineteen-year-old Victoria ascended the British throne in a grand ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Following King William IV's death, her coronation marked the beginning of a 63-year reign. The event drew massive crowds and international attention, symbolizing stability and a new era.

🛠️1894: The U.S. Congress Declared the First Monday of September to be Labor Day

This decision followed the Pullman Strike, a nationwide railroad strike that highlighted labor issues and workers' rights. President Grover Cleveland signed the holiday into law to honor the American labor movement and its contributions to the country. Labor Day became a federal holiday, celebrating the achievements and hard work of American workers while promoting fair labor practices and conditions.

🤝1940: Britain Recognizes Charles de Gaulle as Leader of Free French

Following the fall of France to Nazi Germany, Britain officially recognized General Charles de Gaulle as the leader of the Free French forces. De Gaulle, who had fled to Britain, called for continued resistance against the Axis powers. This recognition solidified his authority and enabled him to rally French forces and resources from colonies and supporters worldwide.

🚁1965: U.S. Forces Launch First Offensive in Vietnam

U.S. forces initiated Operation Starlite against the Viet Cong. This marked a significant escalation in the Vietnam War, as U.S. Marines targeted enemy positions near Chu Lai. The offensive aimed to disrupt Viet Cong operations and secure a strategic area. Read more about the Vietnam War and its legacies in Interchange: Legacies of the Vietnam War.

🛑1972: Nixon Announces End of Vietnam War Draft

This announcement came as part of Nixon's broader strategy of "Vietnamization," which aimed to gradually withdraw American troops and transfer combat responsibilities to South Vietnamese forces. The decision responded to growing domestic opposition to the war and significant anti-war protests. This move marked a turning point in the U.S. approach to the conflict, leading to the eventual withdrawal of American troops and the end of U.S. involvement in Vietnam.

🌈1969: Stonewall Riots Begin

Police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York City's Greenwich Village, sparking spontaneous and violent protests from the LGBTQ+ community. Frustrated by constant harassment and discrimination, patrons and neighborhood residents clashed with law enforcement, leading to six days of demonstrations and confrontations.

🌟Born on This Day in History

1547: Henry VIII, King of England 

Henry VIII, who ruled England from 1509 until his death in 1547, is famously known for his six marriages and his role in the English Reformation. During his reign significant religious and political upheavals happened, including the establishment of the Church of England after his split from Rome. Learn how Henry VIII died in How Did Henry VIII Die? The Injury That Costs a Life.

1577: Peter Paul Rubens, Flemish Artist 

Peter Paul Rubens was a prolific Flemish Baroque painter known for his rich, sensuous style. He produced a vast body of work, including religious and mythological scenes, portraits, and landscapes, and became one of the most influential artists of his time.

1712: Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Swiss-Born French Philosopher 

Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a Swiss-born philosopher, writer, and composer known for his ideas on education and political philosophy. His works, including The Social Contract and Emile, significantly influenced the Enlightenment and later political thought.

1971: Elon Musk, Entrepreneur 

Elon Musk is a South African-born entrepreneur known for founding SpaceX, Tesla, Inc., and co-founding PayPal. He is widely recognized for his ambitious vision to revolutionize transportation on Earth and beyond, aiming to make space travel accessible to private citizens and establish a sustainable future with electric vehicles.

💔Died on This Day in History

1836: James Madison, President of the United States 

James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, served from 1809 to 1817. He was a key architect of the U.S. Constitution, co-author of the Federalist Papers, and played a crucial role in shaping early American politics and foreign policy during his presidency.

1975: Rod Serling, Writer 

Rod Serling, known for creating and narrating the iconic television series The Twilight Zone, was a prolific writer and producer. His works often explored themes of science fiction, fantasy, and social commentary.

Thanks again for tuning in. Enjoy your weekend!

Matt