Europa
- Battle of the Frigidus (394 AD)
On September 6, 394, the Christian Roman Emperor Theodosius I achieved a decisive victory at the Battle of the Frigidus, defeating and killing the pagan usurper Eugenius and his Frankish general Arbogast. This battle was significant for consolidating Christian rule within the Roman Empire and marking the decline of pagan influence in Europe. - First Circumnavigation of the Globe (1522)
On this day in 1522, the Spanish ship Victoria, part of Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition, returned to Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain. This marked the completion of the first circumnavigation of the world, a milestone in European exploration and maritime history. - Siege of Candia Ends (1669)
The long-running siege of Candia (modern Heraklion, Crete) ended on September 6, 1669, with the Venetian fortress surrendering to the Ottoman Empire. This event concluded one of the longest sieges in European history and marked the end of Venetian rule in Crete. - World War II: German Occupation of Kraków (1939)
On September 6, 1939, during the early days of World War II, the German army occupied Kraków, Poland. This was a key moment in the German invasion of Poland, which triggered the broader European conflict. On the same day, the Battles of Borowa Góra and Różan ended in German victories, and the Polish Post Office in Danzig surrendered after a prolonged defense. - 1620: The Pilgrims set sail from Plymouth, England, on the Mayflower, beginning their journey to the New World—a significant step in the history of European emigration and colonization.
- Notable Births: September 6 also marks the birthday of prominent Europeans such as Dutch politician Geert Wilders (born 1963).
America
- Assassination Attempt on President William McKinley (1901)
On September 6, 1901, U.S. President William McKinley was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz while attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. McKinley succumbed to his wounds eight days later, making this one of the most significant presidential assassinations in American history. - First Continental Congress Convenes (1774)
The First Continental Congress, a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the American Revolution, convened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 6, 1774. Delegates from twelve of the thirteen American colonies gathered to address grievances against British rule and to coordinate a colonial response. - Pilgrims Depart for America (1620)
On this day in 1620 (Old Style date; September 16 New Style), the Pilgrims set sail from Plymouth, England, aboard the Mayflower, embarking on their historic voyage to North America and laying the foundation for future European settlement. - Puritans Settle Salem (1628)
In 1628, Puritans established a settlement at Salem, which would become a key part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and play an important role in early colonial American history. - Battle of Groton Heights (1781)
The Battle of Groton Heights occurred on September 6, 1781, during the American Revolutionary War. The British forces achieved a victory, which resulted in significant casualties and the burning of the town of New London, Connecticut. - First Woman Legally Votes in the U.S. (1870)
Louisa Ann Swain of Laramie, Wyoming, became the first woman in the United States to cast a vote legally since 1807, marking a milestone in the history of women’s suffrage in America. - In 1962, the United States government began Exercise Spade Fork, a nuclear readiness drill.
Asia
- Indo-Pakistani War of 1965: Defence Day in Pakistan
On September 6, 1965, the Indo-Pakistani War escalated dramatically when Indian forces crossed the international border and attacked West Pakistan at several points, including Lahore. This day is commemorated in Pakistan as Defence Day, honoring the military’s defense of the country during the conflict. - Open Door Policy in China (1899)
On September 6, 1899, the first of two diplomatic notes that would become known as the Open Door Policy was issued by the United States. This policy aimed to ensure equal trading rights for all nations in China and to preserve China’s territorial integrity, significantly impacting Chinese foreign relations in the late Qing dynasty. - Hijackings by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (1970)
On September 6, 1970, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) hijacked four airplanes departing from European airports, with two being diverted to Dawson’s Field in Jordan. This event, known as “Black September,” marked a turning point in Middle Eastern and international aviation security. - Suai Church Massacre in East Timor (1999)
On September 6, 1999, more than 200 people seeking refuge in a church in Suai, East Timor, were killed by pro-Indonesian militia following the results of the independence referendum. This massacre drew international condemnation and highlighted the violence surrounding East Timor’s path to independence. - Japanese Surrender in Southwest Asia (1945)
On September 6, 1945, Japanese forces in southwest Asia formally surrendered aboard the British aircraft carrier HMS Glory at Rabaul, marking the end of Japanese military presence in the region after World War II. - Birth of Susumu Tonegawa (1939)
On this day, Nobel Prize-winning Japanese neuroscientist Susumu Tonegawa was born, recognized for his groundbreaking work in immunology. - 2007: The People’s Republic of China blocked Wikipedia again, reportedly in advance of the Communist Party Congress.
- 2018: The Supreme Court of India decriminalized consensual homosexual acts among adults, marking a significant step for LGBTQ rights in Asia.
Africa
- Swaziland Gains Independence (1968)
On September 6, 1968, Swaziland (now Eswatini) gained independence from British colonial rule. The southern African nation had been a British protectorate since 1902, and King Sobhuza II continued to reign after independence until his death in 1982. His son, King Mswati III, is the current monarch. - Desmond Tutu Becomes Archbishop of Cape Town (September 7, 1986): While not on September 6, the following day marked a major milestone in South African history when Desmond Tutu became the first Black Archbishop of Cape Town, symbolizing progress in the fight against apartheid.
- Key Moments in African Independence: The 1960s saw a wave of independence movements across the continent, with many African countries gaining sovereignty from European colonial powers. Swaziland’s independence on September 6, 1968, is part of this broader historical context.
This day in history: 6 september