What happened on June 7?

It’s Friday, and while this is always an important day of the week, Friday June 7 is an important one in the history of the world.  Most notably, it marks the culmination of the Battle of Midway in 1942. It was a decisive battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II where the United States Navy achieved a significant victory over the Japanese fleet ..

Here’s more on this and the rest of the stuff that happened today:

⚓1942: Battle of Midway Ended

The U.S. Navy achieved a decisive victory over the Japanese fleet in the Battle of Midway. By breaking Japanese naval codes and destroying four aircraft carriers, the U.S. significantly weakened Japan's naval power. Before this battle, Japan had been marching across the South Pacific, toppling nations and expanding their sphere of influence. The US, which had entered the war after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, managed to secure a victory at Midway and turned the tide of the war. From this point forward, the story of the war was of Japanese retreat and US advances. However, it would take three more years and two atomic bombs to force Japan to lay down arms.

🗺️1494: The Treaty of Tordesillas Was Signed 

The Treaty of Tordesillas was a landmark agreement between Spain and Portugal. This treaty, mediated by the Pope, divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe between the two Iberian powers along a meridian 370 leagues west of the Cape Verde islands. This division aimed to resolve disputes over newly explored territories and significantly influenced the patterns of global colonization and trade. It also demonstrates the idea that Europeans saw the “New World” (North and South America) as inherently theirs and ripe for the taking. Little concern was given for the people who had already been living on these lands for tens of thousands of years.

Read more in New Spain: Spanish Colonization and the Birth of an Empire

🛶1576: English Navigator Martin Frobisher Departed England

Frobisher set sail to find the Northwest Passage, an elusive sea route to Asia through the Arctic. His expedition aimed to establish a shorter trade route, marking the beginning of English exploration in the Arctic region.

📜1776: Lee Resolution Presented to Continental Congress

Richard Henry Lee proposed the resolution calling for the American colonies' independence from Britain. This act paved the way for the drafting and adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

📅1832: The Reform Act Came into Effect

This act reformed the British electoral system by expanding the electorate and redistributing seats in Parliament. It addressed widespread corruption and inequality, giving representation to industrial cities and eliminating "rotten boroughs." 

✊1893: Gandhi’s First Act of Civil Disobedience

In South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi defied racial segregation laws by refusing to move to a third-class carriage. This act of resistance marked the beginning of his nonviolent campaign, Satyagraha, against racial injustice, shaping his future civil rights strategies. Explore more in our Mahatma Gandhi: Life, Beliefs, and Death of a Famous Spiritual and Political Leader article.

🏔️1913: First Successful Ascent of Denali 

Hudson Stuck and his team, including Harry Karstens, Walter Harper, and Robert Tatum, reached the summit of Denali, North America's highest peak. Their achievement is a milestone in mountaineering and it expanded the understanding of the Alaskan wilderness.

🌟Born on This Day in History

1917: Dean Martin, Singer and Actor 

Dean Martin, the iconic singer, and actor, is known for his smooth crooning voice and charismatic persona. Martin rose to fame as part of the legendary Rat Pack and became a beloved figure in entertainment, captivating audiences with his performances in music, film, and television. 

1952: Liam Neeson, Actor

Known for his roles in "Schindler's List" and "Taken," he is celebrated for his versatile acting career.

1958: Prince, Singer, Songwriter, Musician, and Producer

Prince was a musical virtuoso whose innovative blend of funk, rock, and pop revolutionized the music industry. With his unparalleled talent as a singer, songwriter, musician, and producer, and hits like "Purple Rain" Prince left an indelible mark on the world of music.

1979: Anne McClain, Astronaut

Anne McClain is an accomplished astronaut whose career has taken her to the International Space Station (ISS). With her expertise as a pilot and engineer, McClain has contributed significantly to scientific research and exploration beyond Earth's atmosphere.

💔Died on This Day in History

1937: Jean Harlow, Actress

A Hollywood star of the 1930s, Jean Harlow was known for her roles in films like "Platinum Blonde" and "Dinner at Eight."

1329: Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland

Robert the Bruce was a national hero who led Scotland during the First War of Scottish Independence against England.

1932: William Williams Keen, Brain Surgeon 

A pioneer in neurosurgery, he made significant advances in brain surgery techniques.

1965: Judy Holliday, Actress 

Judy Holliday is a celebrated stage and screen actress, known for her Academy Award-winning performance in "Born Yesterday."

1980: Henry Miller, American Author 

An influential writer, best known for his controversial works like "Tropic of Cancer" and "Tropic of Capricorn."

2015: Christopher Lee, English Actor 

Renowned for his roles in "Dracula" and "The Lord of the Rings," with a career that spanned seven decades in film.

Now it’s time to gear up for the weekend. Armed with all this new history trivia, you’re ready to go show your friends and family how smart you are. 

Until tomorrow, 

Matt