First Use of Tanks in World War I
On September 15, 1916, the first tanks were used in the World War I Battle of the Somme.
Military
President Truman Announces Japan’s Surrender
After nearly six years of a world at war, the Japanese surrendered on August 14, 1945, effectively ending World War II.
Assassination of Franz Ferdinand
On June 28, 1914, Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife were assassinated by a Bosnia Serb nationalist, sparking World War I.
The First Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, slaves in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom by the Emancipation Proclamation (issued two years prior). The day the last American slaves were freed has become a holiday celebrated officially in 45 states.
Happy Birthday, Martha Washington!
America’s first First Lady was born Martha Dandridge on June 2, 1731 (by the Old Style calendar), on her parents’ Chestnut Grove Plantation near Williamsburg, Virginia.
Tennessee Becomes 16th State
On June 1, 1796, Tennessee was admitted as the 16th state in the Union.
Kentucky Becomes 15th State
On June 1, 1792, Kentucky was admitted as America’s 15th state.
Rhode Island Becomes 13th State
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First Successful Single-Rotor Helicopter Flight
On May 24, 1940, Igor Sikorsky successfully flew the first single-rotor helicopter.