This day in history: 15 june

Europa

• Magna Carta Sealed (1215)
  On June 15, 1215, King John of England sealed the Magna Carta at Runnymede, near London. This charter is considered a foundational document in the history of democracy, as it limited the powers of the monarchy and established certain legal protections for subjects. Although initially intended to resolve a political crisis between the king and rebellious barons, the Magna Carta’s influence extended far beyond its time, inspiring later constitutional documents and principles of liberty and justice.
• Founding of UEFA (1954)
  The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the governing body for football (soccer) in Europe, was founded on June 15, 1954. UEFA now oversees major European football competitions, including the UEFA European Championship and the Champions League, and has 54 member associations.
• Spain’s First Free Elections After Franco (1977)
  On June 15, 1977, Spain held its first free general elections since 1936, marking a crucial step in the country’s transition from dictatorship under Francisco Franco to democracy. Adolfo Suárez became the first democratically elected Prime Minister in this new era.
• Battle of Kosovo (1389): The Ottoman Empire defeated a coalition of Serbs and Bosnians, a pivotal event in Balkan history.
• Battle of Soissons (923): King Robert I of France was killed, and King Charles the Simple was arrested, impacting the French monarchy.
• End of the Babenberg Dynasty (1246): The death of Duke Frederick II marked the end of the influential Babenberg dynasty in Austria.
• 1310, Venice: The Tiepolo conspiracy to seize power in the Republic of Venice was thwarted, leading to the creation of the Council of Ten, a powerful governing body in Venetian history.

America

• Founding Moments and Political Milestones
  1775: George Washington is appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, a pivotal moment in the American Revolution.
• 1836: Arkansas is admitted as the 25th U.S. state, expanding the union westward.
• 1846: The Oregon Treaty is signed with Great Britain, setting the 49th parallel as the northwest boundary and making Idaho, Oregon, and Washington undisputed U.S. territory.
• 1804: New Hampshire ratifies the Twelfth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, refining the process for electing the President and Vice President.
• Scientific and Technological Achievements
  1752: Benjamin Franklin is believed to have conducted his famous kite experiment, demonstrating the electrical nature of lightning.
• 1844: Charles Goodyear receives a patent for vulcanization, revolutionizing the rubber industry and paving the way for products like tires and shoe soles.
• 1916: President Woodrow Wilson signs a bill incorporating the Boy Scouts of America, granting it a federal charter.
• Civil Rights and Social Progress
  1877: Henry Ossian Flipper becomes the first African American graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, breaking racial barriers in the military.
• 1982: The U.S. Supreme Court rules that schools cannot discriminate based on citizenship, affirming the right to education for all children.
• Tragedies and Disasters
  1904: The SS General Slocum steamboat catches fire in New York City’s East River, resulting in over 1,000 deaths—one of the worst maritime disasters in U.S. history.
• First American Witchcraft Execution (1648): Margaret Jones is executed for witchcraft in Massachusetts, marking an early and dark chapter in colonial justice.
• Cultural and Natural Landmarks
  1934: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is established, preserving one of America’s most biodiverse natural areas.
• 1924: The Ford Motor Company manufactures its 10 millionth car, a Model T, symbolizing the rise of American industry and mobility.
• Juneteenth Connections
  While Juneteenth is officially celebrated on June 19, many organizations, such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture, hold Juneteenth Community Day events around June 15, commemorating the end of slavery and celebrating African American culture and history.

Asia

• 1908 – Calcutta Stock Exchange Opens (India): On June 15, 1908, the Calcutta Stock Exchange, one of Asia’s oldest stock exchanges, was established. It formalized stock broking in the region and became a key institution in India’s financial history.
• 1947 – Indian National Congress Accepts Partition Plan: The Indian National Congress accepted the British plan for the partition of India, paving the way for the creation of India and Pakistan as independent dominions.
• 2000 – North–South Joint Declaration (Korea): The leaders of North and South Korea signed the June 15th North–South Joint Declaration in 2000, marking the first-ever summit between the two sides and a major step toward reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula.
• 1991 – Mount Pinatubo Eruption (Philippines): On June 15, 1991, Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines erupted in one of the 20th century’s most violent volcanic events, causing about 800 deaths and significant global climatic effects.
• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Observed annually on June 15, this day raises awareness about the mistreatment and neglect of older adults, with events and campaigns held across Asia and globally.
• World Wind Day: Also on June 15, this day promotes wind energy as a sustainable resource, with activities and awareness campaigns throughout Asia.

Africa

• Bessie Coleman Becomes First Black Woman Pilot (1921)
  On June 15, 1921, Bessie Coleman became the first Black woman in the world to earn an international pilot’s license. While she was American-born, her achievement is celebrated across the African diaspora as a milestone in Black and African history.
• Richard A. Butler Patents the Train Alarm (1897)
  On this day in 1897, Richard A. Butler received a patent for his invention of a train alarm, contributing to the advancement of railway safety technology.
• Lucy Mvubelo’s Plea to the International Labor Organization (1973)
  On June 15, 1973, South African labor leader Lucy Mvubelo was scheduled to deliver her influential speech, “My plea to the International Labor Organization,” in Geneva, highlighting the struggles and rights of African workers on an international stage.
• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
  June 15 is observed as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, recognized across Africa and globally to raise awareness about the mistreatment and neglect of older adults.