June 12th has witnessed a series of significant events that have shaped the course of history across various eras and regions.
From pivotal battles and revolutionary inventions to landmark legal rulings and influential speeches, this day serves as a reminder of the diverse and impactful moments that have occurred over the centuries.
In this article, we explore 20 noteworthy events that took place on June 12th, highlighting their historical context and enduring legacy.
June 12th – On this Day in History
1381 – Richard II meets leaders of the Peasants’ Revolt on Blackheath
The Peasants’ Revolt, also known as Wat Tyler’s Rebellion, was a major uprising across large parts of England in 1381. The revolt was triggered by economic and social tensions exacerbated by the Black Death and high taxes.
On June 12, 1381, King Richard II, who was only 14 years old at the time, met with the leaders of the revolt, including Wat Tyler, at Blackheath. This meeting was a significant attempt by the young king to quell the rebellion.
Despite initial promises made to the rebels, the revolt was ultimately suppressed, and many leaders, including Tyler, were executed.
1418 – Paris is captured by the Burgundians
On June 12, 1418, during the Hundred Years’ War, Paris was captured by the Burgundians. The Burgundian faction, allied with the English, took control of the city from the Armagnacs, supporters of the French king Charles VI.
Also Read: June 11 Events in History
This capture was a key event in the internal conflicts of France, illustrating the deep divisions and civil strife within the country. The Burgundians’ control of Paris gave them significant power and influence, which they maintained until the eventual resurgence of the French royal forces later in the war.
The occupation also underscored the vulnerability of Paris and its importance as a political and strategic center.
1665 – England installs a municipal government in New York, formerly the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam
On June 12, 1665, following the English seizure of New Amsterdam from the Dutch, the English established a municipal government in the newly renamed New York.
This transition marked the formal beginning of English governance in the city, replacing Dutch administrative systems with English legal and political structures.
Also Read: June 13th – On this Day in History
The change was part of broader colonial ambitions and rivalries between European powers in North America. The establishment of English rule in New York laid the groundwork for the city’s future development and expansion as a major colonial, and eventually, a global metropolis.
1775 – First naval battle of the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Machias, results in the capture of a small British ship
The first naval battle of the American Revolutionary War took place on June 12, 1775, known as the Battle of Machias. In this engagement, American colonists, led by Jeremiah O’Brien and Benjamin Foster, successfully captured the British schooner Margaretta.
This victory was significant as it demonstrated the colonists’ resolve and capability to confront British naval power. The battle occurred in Machias, a port in what is now Maine, and was one of the earliest examples of American maritime resistance.
The successful capture of the British vessel boosted morale among the revolutionaries and set a precedent for future naval confrontations during the war.
1798 – French occupation of Malta ends after the Maltese uprising
On June 12, 1798, the French occupation of Malta ended following a Maltese uprising. The French had occupied Malta earlier that year as part of Napoleon Bonaparte’s campaign. However, their rule was unpopular, and the Maltese people, supported by British forces, rose up against the French garrison.
The successful expulsion of the French marked the beginning of British influence over the island, which lasted until Malta’s independence in 1964. This uprising was a pivotal moment in Malta’s history, demonstrating the islanders’ resistance to foreign domination and their strategic importance in the Mediterranean.
1817 – The earliest form of a bicycle, the dandy horse, is driven by Karl von Drais
On June 12, 1817, Karl von Drais, a German inventor, introduced the earliest form of a bicycle, known as the “dandy horse” or “Draisine.” This invention was a two-wheeled, steerable, human-propelled machine that was propelled by the rider pushing their feet against the ground.
The dandy horse was made entirely of wood and did not have pedals, gears, or chains like modern bicycles. It represented a significant step forward in personal transportation and paved the way for further developments in bicycle design.
Von Drais’s invention was met with both curiosity and skepticism, but it eventually led to the creation of the bicycle as we know it today.
1827 – Greek War of Independence: Battle of Phaleron, Greek rebels are defeated
On June 12, 1827, the Battle of Phaleron took place during the Greek War of Independence. Greek rebels fought against Ottoman forces in an attempt to gain independence from Ottoman rule. The battle occurred near Phaleron, a coastal area near Athens.
Unfortunately for the Greeks, the Ottomans emerged victorious, dealing a significant blow to the Greek struggle for independence.
Despite this setback, the war continued, and with support from various European powers, Greece eventually achieved independence in 1830. The Battle of Phaleron remains a notable event in the history of the Greek War of Independence, symbolizing the resilience and determination of the Greek people.
1849 – The gas mask is patented by Lewis Haslett
On June 12, 1898, the Philippines declared independence from Spain, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s history. Filipino revolutionary leader Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the nation’s independence in Kawit, Cavite, after more than 300 years of Spanish colonial rule. This declaration followed a series of uprisings and battles fought by Filipino revolutionaries against Spanish forces.
Although the declaration marked the end of Spanish control, the Philippines soon faced new challenges, as the United States took control of the islands following the Spanish-American War.
The struggle for full independence continued until July 4, 1946, when the Philippines finally achieved sovereignty. June 12 is celebrated annually as Independence Day in the Philippines, commemorating the nation’s enduring quest for freedom.
1898 – The Philippines gains independence from Spain
On June 12, 1898, the Philippines declared independence from Spain, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s history. Filipino revolutionary leader Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the nation’s independence in Kawit, Cavite, after more than 300 years of Spanish colonial rule.
This declaration followed a series of uprisings and battles fought by Filipino revolutionaries against Spanish forces. Although the declaration marked the end of Spanish control, the Philippines soon faced new challenges, as the United States took control of the islands following the Spanish-American War.
The struggle for full independence continued until July 4, 1946, when the Philippines finally achieved sovereignty. June 12 is celebrated annually as Independence Day in the Philippines, commemorating the nation’s enduring quest for freedom.
1935 – Senator Huey Long of Louisiana makes the longest speech in Senate history (15 hours)
On June 12, 1935, Senator Huey Long of Louisiana delivered the longest speech in Senate history, lasting over 15 hours. Known for his fiery rhetoric and populist policies, Long used the marathon speech to filibuster against a bill he opposed.
During his speech, he covered a wide range of topics, including his Share Our Wealth program, which aimed to redistribute wealth and address economic inequality. Long’s filibuster was a dramatic demonstration of his political style and his ability to command attention on the national stage.
His speech remains one of the most notable examples of the use of the filibuster in American legislative history. Long’s political career was cut short when he was assassinated in 1935, but his influence on American politics and social policies endures.
1939 – The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is dedicated in Cooperstown, New York
On June 12, 1939, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum was dedicated in Cooperstown, New York. This iconic institution was established to honor the greatest players, managers, umpires, and executives in the history of baseball.
The Hall of Fame’s inaugural class included legends such as Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson, and Walter Johnson. The museum serves not only as a shrine to these baseball greats but also as a repository of the sport’s rich history and cultural impact.
It attracts thousands of visitors each year, who come to see memorabilia, artifacts, and exhibits celebrating the game’s legacy.
1942 – Anne Frank receives a diary for her 13th birthday
On June 12, 1942, Anne Frank received a diary for her 13th birthday, which she would use to chronicle her experiences during World War II. Anne, a Jewish girl, and her family went into hiding in Amsterdam to escape Nazi persecution.
Her diary, which she named “Kitty,” provides a poignant and intimate account of the daily life, fears, and hopes of a young girl living in hiding. Anne’s writings offer a powerful and personal perspective on the horrors of the Holocaust.
After the war, her father, Otto Frank, the sole surviving family member, discovered the diary and arranged for its publication. “The Diary of a Young Girl” has since become one of the most important and widely read books about the Holocaust, preserving Anne’s legacy and the memory of those who suffered.
1963 – Civil rights leader Medgar Evers is assassinated in front of his home in Jackson, Mississippi
On June 12, 1963, civil rights leader Medgar Evers was assassinated in front of his home in Jackson, Mississippi. Evers, an African American activist, was the field secretary for the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) in Mississippi and played a crucial role in the civil rights movement.
He fought against segregation and worked to secure voting rights for African Americans. His murder by white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith was a tragic and galvanizing moment for the civil rights movement.
Evers’ death highlighted the extreme dangers faced by activists and intensified efforts to combat racial injustice in the United States. His legacy is remembered for his dedication to equality and his pivotal role in the struggle for civil rights.
1964 – Anti-apartheid activist and leader Nelson Mandela is sentenced to life in prison
On June 12, 1964, anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison in South Africa. Mandela, along with several other activists, was convicted of sabotage and other charges during the Rivonia Trial.
Mandela’s imprisonment at Robben Island became a global symbol of the struggle against apartheid, the system of racial segregation and discrimination enforced by the South African government. Despite spending 27 years in prison, Mandela continued to inspire the anti-apartheid movement both within South Africa and internationally.
His release in 1990 marked a turning point in South African history, leading to the dismantling of apartheid and the establishment of multiracial elections. In 1994, Mandela became South Africa’s first black president, symbolizing the triumph of justice and reconciliation.
1967 – The U.S. Supreme Court in Loving v. Virginia declares all U.S. state laws which prohibit interracial marriage to be unconstitutional
On June 12, 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered its landmark decision in Loving v. Virginia, declaring all state laws banning interracial marriage unconstitutional. The case was brought by Richard and Mildred Loving, a white man and a black woman, who had been sentenced to prison in Virginia for marrying each other.
The Court’s unanimous ruling struck down Virginia’s anti-miscegenation law and similar laws in 16 other states, affirming that marriage is a fundamental right and that restrictions based on race violate the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment.
This historic decision was a significant victory for civil rights and played a crucial role in dismantling institutional racism in the United States. It also set a precedent for future legal battles over marriage equality and civil liberties.
1971 – The New York Times begins publication of the Pentagon Papers
On June 12, 1971, The New York Times began publishing the Pentagon Papers, a classified Department of Defense study detailing the United States’ political and military involvement in Vietnam from 1945 to 1967.
The papers were leaked by Daniel Ellsberg, a former military analyst, and revealed that successive U.S. administrations had misled the public about the scope and scale of American actions in Vietnam. The publication of the Pentagon Papers had a profound impact on public opinion, increasing skepticism about the government’s honesty and fueling anti-war sentiment.
It also led to a major Supreme Court case, New York Times Co. v. United States, which upheld the freedom of the press against government efforts to prevent publication.
1978 – David Berkowitz, the “Son of Sam” killer, is sentenced to 25 years to life in prison
On June 12, 1978, David Berkowitz, infamously known as the “Son of Sam” killer, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for a series of shootings that terrorized New York City in the late 1970s. Berkowitz had confessed to killing six people and wounding several others in a spree that he claimed was motivated by orders from a demonic dog.
His capture ended one of the most intense manhunts in New York City’s history and brought relief to a city gripped by fear. Berkowitz’s case became one of the most notorious criminal cases in American history, highlighting issues of mental illness, media sensationalism, and the criminal justice system’s response to serial killings.
1987 – President Ronald Reagan challenges Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall
On June 12, 1987, U.S. President Ronald Reagan delivered a famous speech at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin, in which he challenged Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this wall.”
This iconic phrase was directed at the Berlin Wall, a symbol of the Cold War division between East and West Berlin, and by extension, the ideological divide between the communist East and the democratic West. Reagan’s speech was a bold call for increased openness and reform in the Soviet Union and a powerful statement of support for freedom and democracy.
The Berlin Wall would eventually fall in 1989, signaling the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era in international relations.
1991 – Boris Yeltsin is elected as the first president of the Russian Federation
On June 12, 1991, Boris Yeltsin was elected as the first president of the Russian Federation, marking a significant moment in the history of post-Soviet Russia. Yeltsin’s election came as the Soviet Union was dissolving, and he played a crucial role in the transition from a communist state to a democratic and market-oriented society.
His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms, as well as considerable turmoil, including an economic crisis and a violent conflict in Chechnya. Yeltsin’s leadership helped shape the trajectory of modern Russia, although his tenure also faced criticism for the difficulties and inequalities that arose during the transition period.