What happened on June 5?

It’s Wednesday, or “hump day,” as they call it. Here’s a little history to get you over it and heading towards the weekend. 

For many people, today is a day that burns bright in their memories. Just four years after the assassination of JFK, his brother, Robert, was also shot. His death came during an exceptionally tumultuous period of US history, defined by civil rights activism and unrest about the ongoing Vietnam War. Kennedy’s death, followed by President Lyndon Johnson’s announcement that he would not be running for reelection left the Democratic party reeling, contributed to widespread protests, and helped Richard Nixon win the 1968 election.

Here’s everything else that happened:

🕊️1968: Robert F. Kennedy Was Fatally Shot

Shortly after winning the California Democratic primary while campaigning for the presidency, Senator Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated. His murder, occurring during a period of social upheaval and following the recent assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., deeply affected the nation, intensifying the sense of loss and turmoil and significantly altering the political landscape of the United States.

📚1723: Social Philosopher and Political Economist Adam Smith Was Baptized

Baptized in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, he later attended the University of Glasgow and wrote "The Wealth of Nations" in 1776, introducing the concept of the "invisible hand" and laying the foundations for classical economics. His ideas on free markets, competition, and the division of labor continue to influence economic policies and theories today.

🏛️1849: The Abolishment of the Absolute Monarchy in Denmark

Denmark reimagined its political landscape by shifting from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one, formalized with the signing of the Danish Constitution. This transformation ushered in democratic reforms, greater citizen participation in government, and laid the groundwork for modern democracy.

🔥1870: Constantinople Burned

A catastrophic fire ravaged Constantinople, now Istanbul, destroying thousands of homes and significant structures, including historic Byzantine architecture, and highlighting the Ottoman Empire's need for modernization. Want to know more about Constantinople? Read Constantinople: The History and Importance of the Capital of the Eastern Roman Empire.

💰1933: FDR Took the United States Off the Gold Standard

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order, removing the U.S. from the gold standard to combat the Great Depression, allowing the government to print more money and stimulate economic growth. This shift stabilized the banking system, restored public confidence, and had lasting impacts on U.S. financial policy and the global economy.

🎖️1944: Allied Forces Entered Rome

During World War II, Rome was the first Axis capital to fall and signaled a turning point in the liberation of Europe from Nazi control. This victory weakened German forces in Italy, boosted Allied morale, and secured the Mediterranean for further advances into occupied Europe. Read about other important events of WWII in WW2 Timeline and Dates.

🌍1947: George C. Marshall Advanced the Idea of the Marshall Plan

The Secretary of State proposed the Marshall Plan to aid Europe's reconstruction after World War II, distributing over $12 billion to rebuild economies and prevent the spread of communism. This plan significantly boosted European recovery, strengthened U.S.-European relations, and fostered future cooperation and prosperity.

⚔️1967: Start of the Six-Day War

The war began when Israel launched preemptive strikes against Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, fearing an imminent attack. Israel's swift victory resulted in the capture of the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Golan Heights, dramatically altering the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape and leading to ongoing territorial disputes.

🦠1981: AIDS Was Reported for the First Time

The CDC reported the first cases of AIDS, a mysterious illness affecting young gay men in Los Angeles. This marked the start of a global health crisis caused by the HIV virus, which has since claimed millions of lives and led to extensive medical research, public health initiatives, and social activism.

🌟Born on This Day in History

1898: Federico García Lorca, Spanish Writer

Federico García Lorca is celebrated for his profound impact on Spanish literature, with works such as "Blood Wedding" and "The House of Bernarda Alba" remaining iconic.

1868: James Connolly, Irish Labour Leader and Revolutionary

A prominent figure in the Irish labor movement and a leader in the Easter Rising, he was instrumental in the fight for workers' rights and Irish independence.

1971: Mark Wahlberg, Actor and Producer

Known for his dynamic roles in film and television, he has starred in notable movies such as "Boogie Nights" and "The Fighter," and has also made a mark as a successful producer.

1973: Neil Patrick Harris, Actor

Famous for his roles in "Doogie Howser, M.D." and "How I Met Your Mother," he is also celebrated for his versatility in theater, film, and as a host of award shows.

💔Died on This Day in History

1316: Louis X, King of France

Louis X passed away under mysterious circumstances after a brief and turbulent reign. Known as Louis the Quarreler, his rule was marked by internal conflicts and efforts to strengthen royal authority, but his sudden death led to a succession crisis and further instability in the French monarchy.

1826: Carl Maria von Weber, German Composer and Musician

Carl Maria von Weber is renowned for his contributions to Romantic music and opera, including the famous opera "Der Freischütz."

1893: Mary Ann Shadd, Educator, Publisher, and Abolitionist

A trailblazing African American educator and publisher who was also an ardent abolitionist and the first black female newspaper publisher in North America died on this day.

2004: Ronald Reagan, President of the United States

Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, passed away at the age of 93. Reagan, a former actor and governor of California served two terms as president from 1981 to 1989 and was known for his conservative policies, efforts to end the Cold War, and influential communication style dubbed "The Great Communicator."

Wow. Talk about a jam-packed day of history. See you again tomorrow for some more.

Thanks,

Matt