What happened on June 30th?

Happy Sunday everyone!

While a sleepy summer day for most of you, June 30 marks a key moment in modern history. On this day in 1520, Spanish forces retreated from the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán. Known as La Noche Triste, or The Night of Sorrows, this event marked a significant turning point in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, reshaping the course of history in the Americas.

Here’s everything that happened today across history:

1520: The Spanish Retreat from the Aztec Capital

In 1520, during the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, Hernán Cortés and his forces were forced to retreat from Tenochtitlán, the Aztec capital, in an event known as La Noche Triste (The Night of Sorrows). The retreat occurred after the death of the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II and a subsequent uprising by the Aztecs, which led to heavy losses for the Spanish and their allies as they fled the city under the cover of darkness.

However, while initially a major setback, this defeat did not deter Cortes and his fellow conquistadors in their efforts to conquer the Aztecs. They rallied themselves outside of the city and returned, eventually taking it and toppling the Aztec Empire. The fall of the Aztecs marked the beginning of Spanish colonial rule in the Americas, which would last for another 300 years and stretch from California in the north to Argentina in the South. Much of the social political landscape of these modern regions still reflect their Spanish heritage.

Read more in The Aztec Empire: The Rapid Rise and Fall of the Mexica.

🏞️ 1859: Blondin Crosses the Niagara Falls

Charles Blondin, a French acrobat and tightrope walker, first crossed Niagara Falls on a tightrope. He not only crossed once but repeatedly, each time introducing more daring stunts, such as cooking an omelet mid-crossing, which captivated and increased his fame among audiences in both America and Europe.

💎 1893: The Excelsior Diamond Is Discovered

 The Excelsior Diamond, found at the Jagersfontein Mine in South Africa, was not only notable for its size of 995 carats but also for its blue-white color and exceptional clarity. When it was eventually cut, it produced several high-quality gemstones, although none of the stones became as famous as other large diamonds like the Cullinan.

🔪 1934: Night of the Long Knives Takes Place in Nazi Germany

The Night of the Long Knives was an important event in Nazi Germany. Adolf Hitler targeted not only the leadership of the SA, including Ernst Röhm, but also other political adversaries, resulting in at least 85 deaths. This purge not only consolidated Hitler's control over the Nazi party but also appeased the German army, which had viewed the SA as a threat. Read more about Hitler and his plans in Beer Hall Putsch: Causes, Outcomes, and Hitler’s Rise to Power.

📖 1936: Margaret Mitchell Publishes Gone with the Wind

Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind quickly became a monumental success, offering readers a dramatic and romanticized view of the American South during and after the Civil War. The book’s portrayal of the struggles and resilience of its protagonist, Scarlett O'Hara, captured the public’s imagination, leading to its adaptation into a film in 1939, which won several Oscars and became one of the most celebrated films in Hollywood history.

☎️ 1937: The First Emergency Telephone Number Is Launched

The United Kingdom introduced the first emergency telephone number, 999, to quickly connect callers to emergency services. This system was introduced in response to a deadly fire in London that underscored the need for rapid emergency communication. The service initially covered a radius of 12 miles from Oxford Circus and enabled direct and swift connection to emergency services. Telephones have a long history. Read about it in The Complete History of Phones from the Last 500 Years.

♀️ 1966: The National Organization for Women Is Founded

The National Organization for Women (NOW) was founded by a group of activists, including Betty Friedan and Pauli Murray, aiming to create an advocate force for women's rights in the United States. Focused on issues such as workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and gender equality, NOW played an important role in shaping the feminist movement. 

🌟 Born on This Day in History

1819: William A. Wheeler, Vice President of United States

William A. Wheeler served as the 19th Vice President of the United States under President Rutherford B. Hayes, known for his integrity and efforts in civil service reform.

1917: Buddy Rich, Musician

Buddy Rich was a legendary jazz drummer renowned for his virtuosity, speed, and complex techniques. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers of all time.

1966: Mike Tyson, Boxer

Mike Tyson, a former heavyweight boxing champion, is known for his explosive power and controversial career. He became the youngest boxer to win a heavyweight title at the age of 20.

💔 Died on This Day in History

1520: Montezuma II, Aztec Emperor

Montezuma II was the ninth emperor of the Aztec Empire, ruling during the Spanish conquest. His capture and subsequent death marked a significant turning point in the fall of the Aztec civilization.

1537: Thomas Darcy, Lord Darcy, English Noble

Thomas Darcy, Lord Darcy, was an English nobleman and supporter of the Pilgrimage of Grace, a popular uprising against Henry VIII's religious reforms. He was executed for his involvement in the rebellion.

That’s all for this day folks! We’ll talk again tomorrow.

Thanks,

Matt