This day in history: 17 june

Europa

• German Uprising of 1953
  On June 17, 1953, a significant popular uprising occurred in East Berlin and across the German Democratic Republic (GDR). This revolt began as a protest against increased work quotas but quickly escalated into widespread demands for free elections and the overthrow of the Socialist Unity Party (SED) government. The Soviet military intervened, violently suppressing the protests—over 125 people lost their lives, and about 13,000 were arrested. This event is commemorated annually in Germany, and until reunification in 1990, June 17 was celebrated as the Day of German Unity.
• Formation of the Kalmar Union (1397)
  On June 17, 1397, the Kalmar Union was established under the rule of Margaret I of Denmark. This political union brought together Denmark, Norway, and Sweden under a single monarch, shaping Scandinavian politics for over a century.
• Soviet Occupation of the Baltic States (1940)
  On June 17, 1940, the Soviet Union occupied Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This move led to the incorporation of these Baltic states into the USSR, a pivotal moment in Eastern European history during World War II.
• 1300: Turku Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Finland, was consecrated in Turku (Åbo).
• 1462: Vlad the Impaler attempted to assassinate Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in the famous “Night Attack at Târgoviște,” forcing the Sultan to retreat from Wallachia (present-day Romania).
• 1794: The Anglo-Corsican Kingdom was founded, marking a brief period when Corsica was under British protection.
• 1579: Sir Francis Drake claimed “Nova Albion” (modern California) for England, though this event is more relevant to global exploration history.

America

• Battle of Bunker Hill (1775)
  On June 17, 1775, the Battle of Bunker Hill took place during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. Although technically a British victory, the heavy casualties inflicted by colonial forces demonstrated the Americans’ resolve and marked a turning point in the conflict. The battle occurred primarily on Breed’s Hill near Boston, and notable figures such as Peter Salem, an African American soldier, played key roles.
• Statue of Liberty Arrives in New York (1885)
  On June 17, 1885, the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France symbolizing freedom and democracy, arrived in New York Harbor. The statue would become an iconic symbol of the United States and a welcoming sight for millions of immigrants.
• Watergate Break-in (1972)
  On June 17, 1972, five men were arrested while breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. This event triggered the Watergate scandal, ultimately leading to President Richard Nixon’s resignation.
• O.J. Simpson Charged with Murder (1994)
  On June 17, 1994, former football star O.J. Simpson was charged with the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. The ensuing car chase and trial captivated the nation.
• 1928: Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic (as a passenger and log keeper).
• 1930: The Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act, imposing high tariffs on imports, was signed into law.
• 1950: The first successful human kidney transplant was performed in Chicago.
• 1963: The U.S. Supreme Court banned required Bible reading and recitation of the Lord’s Prayer in public schools.
• 1877: The Battle of White Bird Canyon, where the Nez Perce defeated the U.S. Cavalry in Idaho, occurred.

Asia

• 1900 – Boxer Rebellion: On June 17, 1900, during the Boxer Rebellion, allied Western and Japanese forces captured the Taku Forts near Tianjin, a strategic victory that opened the way to Beijing for foreign troops.
• 1967 – First Chinese Hydrogen Bomb Test: China successfully tested its first thermonuclear (hydrogen) bomb on this day, becoming the fourth country in the world to possess such a weapon.
• 1631 – Death of Mumtaz Mahal: Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, died on June 17, 1631. Her death inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most famous monuments.
• 1961 – India’s First Jet Aircraft Flight: The HF-24 Marut, India’s first indigenous jet fighter, had its maiden flight on June 17, 1961.
• 1857 – Treaty of Shimoda: The Treaty of Shimoda, establishing diplomatic and trade relations between Japan and the United States, was concluded on June 17, 1857.
• 1971 – Okinawa Reversion Agreement: The agreement returning Okinawa from U.S. to Japanese sovereignty was signed simultaneously in Washington, D.C., and Tokyo on this day in 1971.
• The GOSTOP incident in Osaka (1933), the 2 millionth phone subscription in Shibuya (1955), and the retirement of judo champion Yasuhiro Yamashita (1985) all occurred on June 17 in Japan.

Africa

• Boipatong Massacre (South Africa, 1992)
  On the night of June 17, 1992, the Boipatong massacre took place in the township of Boipatong, South Africa. Armed men from the KwaMadala Hostel, supporters of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), attacked residents, resulting in the deaths of 45 people and injuries to many others. The massacre occurred during a tense period of political negotiations in South Africa and led the African National Congress (ANC) to temporarily withdraw from the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) talks. The incident drew international condemnation and was later referenced in United Nations Security Council Resolution 765.
• Soweto Uprising – Second Day (South Africa, 1976)
  June 17, 1976, marked the second day of the Soweto Uprising, a pivotal event in the struggle against apartheid. Following the initial student protests on June 16, which were met with violent police repression, the unrest intensified on June 17. Heavily armed police (about 1,500 officers) and army units were deployed across Soweto, using live ammunition against demonstrators. The violence escalated, with higher casualties than the previous day, and widespread destruction of government buildings and infrastructure. The unrest spread to other townships, and solidarity marches were held in places like Thembisa and Kagiso. This period marked a crisis for the apartheid government and heightened international calls for sanctions against South Africa.
• African Literature: Publication of “Things Fall Apart” (Nigeria, 1958)
  On June 17, 1958, Chinua Achebe’s landmark novel Things Fall Apart was published. This work became a foundational piece of African literature, influencing generations of writers and readers across the continent and beyond.
• World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
  June 17 is also recognized as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, an international observance that is significant for many African nations facing environmental challenges.