Europa
- The most significant event in European history on June 6 is the D-Day landings of 1944. On this day, Allied forces—comprising American, British, Canadian, and other troops—launched the largest amphibious invasion in history against Nazi-occupied France. Codenamed Operation Overlord, the invasion began with over 5,000 ships and landing craft, more than 150,000 troops, and 11,000 aircraft crossing the English Channel to land on five beaches in Normandy: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. The operation was meticulously planned and marked the start of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control. By the end of June 6, the Allies had established a crucial foothold on the continent, which ultimately led to the defeat of Nazi Germany within a year.
- 1513 – Battle of Novara: During the Italian Wars, Swiss troops defeated the French, forcing them to abandon Milan and restoring Duke Massimiliano Sforza.
- 1523 – Sweden’s National Day: Gustav Vasa was elected King of Sweden, marking the symbolic end of the Kalmar Union and establishing June 6 as Sweden’s national day.
- 1654 – Abdication of Queen Christina of Sweden: Queen Christina abdicated her throne in favor of her cousin Charles Gustav and converted to Catholicism.
America
- D-Day and the American Role (1944)
On June 6, 1944, American forces played a leading role in the D-Day landings, the largest amphibious invasion in history, as part of Operation Overlord. Under the command of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, U.S. troops landed on Utah and Omaha beaches in Normandy, France, alongside British and Canadian forces. The invasion marked a turning point in World War II and was a defining moment for the United States’ military and home front, with immense mobilization and sacrifice. - Susan B. Anthony Fined for Voting (1872)
On June 6, 1872, pioneering feminist Susan B. Anthony was fined for voting in a presidential election in Rochester, New York. She and a group of women voted illegally to challenge the exclusion of women from the vote. Anthony was arrested, tried, and fined $100, which she refused to pay. Her activism was pivotal in the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote in 1920. - Novarupta Eruption in Alaska (1912)
On June 6, 1912, the Novarupta volcano in Alaska began erupting. This was the largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century, dramatically altering the landscape and impacting global weather patterns. - Battle of Belleau Wood (1918)
On June 6, 1918, during World War I, the U.S. Marine Corps suffered its worst single day’s casualties at the Battle of Belleau Wood in France. This battle became a defining moment for the Marines and is remembered for their valor and sacrifice. - 1889: The Great Seattle Fire destroyed all of downtown Seattle.
- 1892: The Chicago “L” elevated rail system began operation.
- 1932: The Revenue Act raised taxes in the U.S., increasing the top income tax rate from 25% to 63%.
- 1978: California voters approved Proposition 13, significantly limiting property tax rates in the state.
Asia
- 1674: Coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
On June 6, 1674, Shivaji was crowned as the king of the Maratha Empire at Raigad Fort, a pivotal moment in Indian history that marked the rise of Maratha power in western India. - 1981: Bihar Train Disaster
A catastrophic train accident occurred in Bihar when a passenger train derailed and plunged into the Bagmati River. The official death toll was 268, with over 300 missing, but estimates suggest the actual number of fatalities may have been closer to 1,000, making it one of the deadliest railway disasters in history. - 1984: Operation Blue Star Ends
The Indian Army concluded Operation Blue Star on June 6, 1984, by removing militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his followers from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab. This operation had significant political and social repercussions in India. - 2004: Tamil Recognized as a Classical Language
On this day, Tamil was officially established as a “classical language” by the President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, in a joint sitting of the Indian Parliament. - 1829: Birth of Honinbo Shusaku (Japan)
Honinbo Shusaku, a legendary Japanese Go player from the Edo period, was born on June 6, 1829.
Africa
- World War II: North African Campaign
The North African campaign was a significant theater of World War II involving many African countries, especially in North Africa (Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco). However, there is no major battle or turning point recorded specifically on June 6 in this campaign. Most key battles and operations occurred on other dates in 1940–1943. - The search results do not yield a specific African national holiday, independence day, or major political event that occurred on June 6 in any African country.
- The Zanzibar Revolution, the Anglo-Zulu War, and other significant African events happened on different dates.
- Global Context: D-Day
While June 6, 1944 (D-Day), was a pivotal moment in Europe, it indirectly affected Africa, as North African ports and airfields had been used by Allied troops earlier in the war to launch operations into Europe. However, the direct events of D-Day took place in France, not Africa.
This day in history: 6 june