What happened on June 4th?

Welcome to our June 4th newsletter! As we reflect on history's twists and turns, today marks two significant events that shaped the course of our past. From the daring act of suffragette Emily Davison, who courageously stood against the tide by confronting King George's horse, to the end of the Dunkirk evacuation, where Allied resilience prevailed against all odds, there’s a lot that happened today. 

Here are all the key events:

✊ 1913: British Suffragette Emily Davison Entered the Racetrack

In 1913, British suffragette Emily Davison entered the racetrack during the Epsom Derby as part of a bold protest for women's suffrage. She stepped onto the track in front of King George V's horse, Anmer, in an attempt to draw attention to the suffragette cause. Davison was struck by the horse and sustained fatal injuries, dying four days later. Her dramatic and tragic act became a significant and symbolic moment in the struggle for women's voting rights in the United Kingdom.

📜 1919: The Passing of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Coincidentally on the anniversary of Davison’s protest in the UK, and following decades of activism and advocacy, the U.S. Senate finally passed the Nineteenth Amendment granting women the right to vote. This amendment, which still had to be approved by the states (completed by August 1920), said that the right to vote "shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex." This landmark achievement marked a major victory for the women's suffrage movement and expanded political participation for millions of American women.

✈️ 1940: Dunkirk Evacuation Ends

In 1940, the Dunkirk Evacuation, code-named Operation Dynamo, came to an end. This massive rescue operation, conducted by the British Royal Navy, civilian vessels, and other Allied forces, aimed to evacuate hundreds of thousands of British and Allied troops who were trapped by the German advance in the French port city of Dunkirk. Despite being initially considered a desperate retreat, the evacuation was ultimately a remarkable success, with over 330,000 troops rescued and brought back to Britain. The Dunkirk Evacuation bolstered British morale and became a symbol of resilience and determination during World War II. Read about other important events of WWII in WW2 Timeline and Dates.

🏰 1754: Fort Necessity Was Built

George Washington oversaw the construction of Fort Necessity, a rudimentary fortification that would become a flashpoint in the French and Indian War. The fort's strategic location and subsequent siege would shape Washington's military experience.

🎈 1783: Launching of the First Uncrewed Hot-Air Balloon

The Montgolfier brothers launched the first uncrewed hot-air balloon, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. This experiment ignited a passion for flight and laid the groundwork for future advancements in aeronautics. Learn more in The History of the Airplane

⚔️ 1796: Napoleon Bonaparte Commanded the Siege of Mantua

During his meteoric rise to power, a young Napoleon Bonaparte led French forces in a grueling siege of the Austrian-held fortress city of Mantua. The siege was a key part of his efforts to conquer northern Italy. Mantua, a heavily fortified city, was subjected to multiple assaults and blockades. Despite several Austrian attempts to relieve the city, Napoleon's strategic brilliance and persistence led to Mantua's surrender in February 1797, solidifying French control over northern Italy and boosting Napoleon's reputation as a formidable military leader. Read more about Napoleon in How Did Napoleon Die: Stomach Cancer, Poison, or Something Else?

🪖 1916: Brusilov Offensive Began

On the Eastern Front of World War I, the Russian Empire launched the Brusilov Offensive, a massive attack against Austro-Hungarian forces. This operation, despite initial successes, ultimately resulted in heavy casualties for both sides and failed to achieve its strategic objectives.

📜 1920: The Signing of the Treaty of Trianon

The signing of the Treaty of Trianon officially ended World War I between Hungary and the Allied Powers. The treaty resulted in significant territorial losses for Hungary, reducing its size by about two-thirds and dismantling the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Hungary lost control of vast territories to neighboring countries, leading to demographic shifts and economic challenges. The Treaty of Trianon reshaped the geopolitical landscape of Central Europe and left a lasting impact on Hungarian national identity.

🛒 1937: Introducing the World's First Shopping Carts

Sylvan Goldman introduced the first shopping carts at his Humpty Dumpty supermarket chain in Oklahoma City.  This revolutionized the retail industry, making it easier for customers to purchase more goods and boosting business sales.

⚓ 1942: Battle of Midway Began

In 1942, the Battle of Midway began, marking a key moment in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Fought between the United States and the Empire of Japan, the battle took place near the Midway Atoll. It was a decisive naval battle where American forces, despite being outnumbered and facing significant odds, managed to surprise the Japanese fleet and inflict heavy losses. The Battle of Midway shifted the momentum in favor of the Allies in the Pacific, crippling Japan's naval strength and ultimately changing the course of the war in the region. Learn how this fits into the entire WW2 timeline.

⚓ 1944: U.S. Navy Captured the U-505

The U.S. Navy captured the U-505, a German submarine, during World War II. The capture of U-505 was a significant intelligence coup for the Allies, as they were able to obtain valuable information regarding German naval codes, technology, and tactics. This capture provided crucial insights that aided the Allied efforts in the Battle of the Atlantic and contributed to the eventual defeat of the German U-boat threat. The U-505 is now a museum ship at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, serving as a reminder of this dramatic episode in naval history.

🇱🇦 1961: Kennedy and Khrushchev Agreed on Neutrality for Laos

President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev agreed to maintain Laos as a neutral country during the Cold War. This agreement, while fragile, temporarily eased tensions in Southeast Asia and averted a potential escalation of the conflict.

⚒️ 1972: Angela Davis Acquitted for Aiding Armed Takeover of a California Courthouse

Communist activist Angela Davis was acquitted of all charges in a highly publicized trial. Davis had been accused of aiding and abetting the armed takeover of a Marin County courthouse in California, which resulted in the deaths of four people. Her acquittal was seen as a victory by many in the civil rights and leftist movements, who viewed her as a symbol of resistance against racial and political oppression. The trial and subsequent acquittal catapulted Davis to international prominence as an activist and scholar, advocating for social justice, prison reform, and the rights of marginalized communities.

🇺🇲 1984: Bruce Springsteen Released "Born in the U.S.A."

Bruce Springsteen's album "Born in the U.S.A." was released to critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying his status as a rock icon. The album's title track, while often misinterpreted as a patriotic anthem, actually serves as a commentary on the struggles faced by Vietnam War veterans and the disillusionment of the American Dream. Read all about Bruce Springsteen and his work in Bruce Springsteen Bio: The Life, Career, and Legacy, and More.

🌟 Born on This Day in History

1738: George III, King of Great Britain

George III ascended to the throne in 1760 and reigned for nearly six decades, overseeing a period marked by significant events such as the American Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Read all about the English monarchs that came before and after him in The Kings and Queens of England: English Monarchs Timeline from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II.

1877: Heinrich Otto Wieland, German Chemist

Heinrich Otto Wieland won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1927 for his research on bile acids and related substances, contributing significantly to the understanding of organic chemistry.

1941: Linda Martell, Singer

Linda Martell, the American country and R&B singer, made history as the first African-American woman to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in 1969, paving the way for future generations of Black country artists.

1975: Angelina Jolie, Actress

Angelina Jolie is an acclaimed actress and humanitarian known for her roles in films like "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" and her advocacy work.

💔 Died on This Day in History

1039: Conrad II, Holy Roman Emperor

Conrad II, Holy Roman Emperor was a key figure in medieval Europe, known for his efforts to consolidate the Holy Roman Empire and expand its influence during his reign from 1027 until his death.

1798: Giacomo Casanova, Italian Adventurer

Giacomo Casanova, the legendary Italian adventurer, was famous for his escapades, romantic conquests, and memoirs, which detailed his extraordinary life and experiences in 18th-century Europe.

1941: William II, Emperor of Germany

William II, Emperor of Germany, passed away in exile in the Netherlands. He had abdicated the throne in 1918 following Germany's defeat in World War I and the collapse of the German Empire, spending the remainder of his life in relative obscurity.

1942: Reinhard Heydrich, German Nazi Official

Reinhard Heydrich, a high-ranking German Nazi official, was assassinated in Prague. Heydrich was a key figure in the Nazi regime, known for his role in orchestrating the Holocaust and implementing brutal policies of repression in occupied territories.

I appreciate you taking the time to check in on the history of today. I look forward to bringing you more fun stuff tomorrow. 

Thanks,

Matt