Europa
- The Battle of Waterloo (1815)
On June 18, 1815, the Battle of Waterloo took place in Belgium. This pivotal conflict saw Napoleon Bonaparte suffer a decisive defeat at the hands of the Duke of Wellington, leading British forces, and Field Marshal Gebhard von Blücher, leading the Prussian army. The defeat ended the Napoleonic era and marked a turning point in European history, concluding over two decades of conflict sparked by the French Revolution and Napoleon’s ambitions for continental dominance. - The Appeal of 18 June (1940)
On June 18, 1940, General Charles de Gaulle delivered his famous “Appeal of 18 June” (L’Appel du 18 juin) from London, broadcast by the BBC. This speech called on the French people to resist Nazi Germany following the fall of France, marking the symbolic beginning of the French Resistance during World War II. Although initially heard by only a small fraction of the French population, the speech became a foundational moment in French collective memory and is commemorated annually in France as a national day of remembrance. - 1429: Battle of Patay
French forces led by Joan of Arc defeated the English at Patay, a turning point in the Hundred Years’ War that boosted French morale and helped pave the way for Charles VII’s coronation. - 1633: Charles I Crowned King of Scots
Charles I was crowned King of Scots at St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh, further intertwining the histories of England and Scotland.
America
- The War of 1812 Begins (1812)
On June 18, 1812, U.S. President James Madison signed the declaration of war against Great Britain, officially beginning the War of 1812. The conflict was triggered by issues such as British interference with American shipping, the impressment of American sailors into the British navy, and British support for Native American resistance to American expansion. This war lasted until 1815 and had significant impacts on the development of the United States. - British Army Abandons Philadelphia (1778)
During the American Revolutionary War, on June 18, 1778, the British Army evacuated Philadelphia, which they had occupied for several months. This withdrawal allowed American forces to re-enter the city and marked a turning point in the war. - First American Woman in Space (1983)
On June 18, 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman to travel into space, flying aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. Her historic flight was a milestone for NASA and women in science and engineering. - SALT II Treaty Signed (1979)
On June 18, 1979, U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev signed the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks II (SALT II) treaty. This agreement aimed to limit the nuclear arsenals of both superpowers during the Cold War, though it was never formally ratified by the U.S. Senate. - 1856: The Republican Party opened its first national convention in Philadelphia.
- 1864: During the Civil War, General Ulysses S. Grant settled into the siege of Petersburg, Virginia, after realizing the city could not be taken by assault.
- 1928: Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly as a passenger across the Atlantic Ocean, marking a significant achievement in aviation history.
Asia
- 618: Founding of the Tang Dynasty
On June 18, 618, Li Yuan became Emperor Gaozu of Tang, marking the beginning of the Tang dynasty. This dynasty would rule China for nearly three centuries and is considered one of the most prosperous and culturally significant eras in Chinese history. - 1900: Boxer Rebellion Escalation
On June 18, 1900, during the Boxer Rebellion, Empress Dowager Cixi ordered all foreigners in China to be killed, including diplomats and their families. This marked a dramatic escalation in the anti-foreigner violence of the uprising. - 618 Shopping Festival (Modern Era)
June 18 is now one of China’s largest shopping festivals, known as “618,” led by JD.com. The festival, running from June 1 to June 18, features major discounts and is a key event for both domestic and international brands targeting Chinese consumers. - 1858: Death of Rani Lakshmibai (Jhansi ki Rani)
On June 18, 1858, Rani Lakshmibai, a prominent leader in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, died in battle against British forces. Her courage and leadership made her an enduring symbol of resistance in Indian history. - Goa Revolution Day
June 18 is celebrated as Goa Revolution Day, commemorating the movement that ultimately led to the liberation of Goa from Portuguese colonial rule. While the actual liberation occurred in December 1961, June 18 marks a pivotal moment in the struggle. - 1956: Hindu Succession Act Passed
The Hindu Succession Act, which reformed inheritance laws for Hindus in India, was passed on June 18, 1956.
Africa
- Soweto Uprising Aftermath (1976, South Africa)
On June 18, 1976, the third day of the Soweto Uprising, South Africa remained in turmoil. The uprising, which began on June 16 as a protest by black students against the compulsory use of Afrikaans in schools, had spread to other townships beyond Soweto. By June 18, violence and unrest continued: fires blazed in multiple townships, administrative buildings and beer halls were set alight, and buses and cars were burned. Police intensified their crackdown, using armored vehicles and live ammunition, resulting in further fatalities. The events of these days profoundly changed the socio-political landscape of South Africa, fueling resistance against apartheid and drawing international attention to the regime’s brutality. - Constitution Day in Seychelles
June 18 is celebrated as Constitution Day in Seychelles. This national holiday marks the adoption of the country’s constitution and is a day of national pride and reflection for Seychellois citizens. - African Inventions: The Reversible Child Carriage
On June 18, 1899, William H. Richardson, an African American inventor, received a patent for the reversible baby carriage (child carriage). While Richardson was part of the African diaspora in the United States, his invention is often celebrated in African and African diaspora history as a symbol of Black innovation. - International Day for Countering Hate Speech
June 18 is observed internationally, including across Africa, as the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, promoting tolerance and the fight against discrimination. - Sustainable Gastronomy Day
June 18 is also recognized as Sustainable Gastronomy Day, highlighting the importance of sustainable food practices. This day is marked in several African countries, reflecting the continent’s rich culinary diversity and traditions. - Astronomical Events
On June 18, 2023, a new moon occurred, an event noted in astronomical calendars and sometimes observed in African cultural contexts.
This day in history: 18 june