Europa
- World War II: The Fall of France (1940)
On June 22, 1940, one of the most significant events in European history took place: France signed an armistice agreement with Nazi Germany. This agreement resulted in the German occupation of the northern half of France and the entire Atlantic coastline. The southern part of France came under the control of a collaborationist regime based in Vichy. The armistice was signed at Compiègne, in the same railway carriage where the 1918 armistice had ended World War I, a symbolic move orchestrated by Adolf Hitler. - World War II: Operation Bagration (1944)
On June 22, 1944, the Soviet Union launched Operation Bagration, a massive offensive against German forces in Belarus. This operation marked a turning point on the Eastern Front, leading to the destruction of the German Army Group Centre and hastening the collapse of Nazi defenses in Eastern Europe. - 1611: Mutiny Against Henry Hudson
English explorer Henry Hudson, after attempting to find a northern route from Europe to Asia, was set adrift by mutineers in Hudson Bay along with his son and seven others. This event marked the tragic end of Hudson’s final expedition. - Battle of Pydna (168 BC)
Although not in the modern era, June 22 also marks the date of the Battle of Pydna, where Roman forces decisively defeated the Macedonians under King Perseus. This battle ended the Macedonian monarchy and allowed Rome to annex Macedonia, significantly shaping the future of Europe.
America
- Battle of Okinawa Ends (1945)
On June 22, 1945, the Battle of Okinawa concluded with an American flag-raising ceremony. This marked a decisive victory for U.S. forces in the Pacific Theater of World War II, paving the way for the eventual surrender of Japan two months later. - Pledge of Allegiance Adopted (1942)
The U.S. Congress formally adopted the Pledge of Allegiance on June 22, 1942, establishing it as an official patriotic oath recited in schools and at public events across the country. - Servicemen’s Readjustment Act (G.I. Bill) Signed (1944)
On June 22, 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, commonly known as the G.I. Bill. This landmark legislation provided returning World War II veterans with benefits such as funding for education, unemployment insurance, and housing loans, profoundly shaping postwar American society. - Hammond Circus Train Wreck (1918)
A tragic train accident occurred near Hammond, Indiana, on June 22, 1918, when a circus train wreck killed 86 people and injured 127. It remains one of the deadliest train disasters in U.S. history. - Cuyahoga River Fire (1969)
On June 22, 1969, the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio, caught fire due to severe industrial pollution. The event drew national attention to environmental issues and helped spur the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Water Act.
Asia
- Battle of Raphia (217 BC)
On June 22, 217 BC, the Battle of Raphia took place near modern-day Rafah, between the forces of Ptolemy IV Philopator of Egypt and Antiochus III the Great of the Seleucid Kingdom. This was a significant Hellenistic battle fought over control of Coele-Syria, with Ptolemy IV emerging victorious. - Foundation of Jakarta (1527)
On June 22, 1527, Fatahillah, a military commander from the Sultanate of Demak, expelled Portuguese forces from Sunda Kelapa. This event is regarded as the foundation of Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital city, and is celebrated as Jakarta’s official anniversary. - Treaty on Basic Relations Between Japan and South Korea (1965)
On June 22, 1965, Japan and the Republic of Korea signed the Treaty on Basic Relations, normalizing diplomatic ties between the two countries after decades of tension stemming from Japan’s colonial rule over Korea. - Buddhist Uprising Crushed in Vietnam (1966)
On June 22, 1966, Vietnamese Buddhist activist leader Thích Trí Quang was arrested as the military junta led by Nguyễn Cao Kỳ suppressed the Buddhist Uprising, a period of civil unrest in South Vietnam. - On June 22, 1948, King George VI formally relinquished the title “Emperor of India,” marking a symbolic end to British colonial rule in India, though actual independence had been achieved the previous year.
- On June 22, 1966, Vietnamese Buddhist leader Thích Trí Quang was arrested as the government cracked down on Buddhist activists during the Buddhist Uprising.
Africa
- World Rainforest Day
June 22 is celebrated as World Rainforest Day, highlighting the importance of Africa’s rainforests, such as the Congo Basin, in global biodiversity and climate regulation. - World Camel Day
June 22 is also observed as World Camel Day, recognizing the significance of camels in African cultures and economies, particularly in arid regions and events like the Maralal Camel Derby in Kenya. - World Mango Day
Mango Day is celebrated on June 22, acknowledging the fruit’s cultural and economic importance in many African countries. - National Arts Festival in South Africa
The National Arts Festival, one of Africa’s largest and most prominent cultural events, often begins on June 22 in South Africa, showcasing local and international art, music, and performance. - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum Opened (1956)
On June 22, 1956, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum (formerly King George VI Art Gallery) opened in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The museum is a significant institution for South African art and culture. - African Invention: Postmarking and Cancelling Machine (1897)
On June 22, 1897, William Barry, an African inventor, received a patent for his postmarking and cancelling machine, contributing to advancements in postal technology.
This day in history: 22 june