This day in history: 29 june

Anti-Serb Riots in Sarajevo (1914)
On June 29, 1914, the day after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, Sarajevo experienced violent anti-Serb riots. The governor of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Oskar Potiorek, declared a state of siege as mobs attacked Serbian homes, businesses, and churches. Law enforcement did little to intervene, and order was only restored after the bodies of the Archduke and his wife were transported out of the city. This unrest was a direct consequence of the assassination, which would soon lead to the outbreak of World War I.
Destruction of the Globe Theatre, London (1613)
On June 29, 1613, London’s original Globe Theatre, closely associated with William Shakespeare, was destroyed by fire. The blaze started during a performance of Henry VIII when a stage cannon ignited the thatched roof. The theatre was consumed by flames within an hour.

First Transpacific Flight (1927)
On June 29, 1927, U.S. Army aviators Lester Maitland and Albert Hegenberger completed the first nonstop transpacific flight, landing their “Bird of Paradise” in Hawaii after departing from Oakland, California. This historic 25-hour, 50-minute flight marked a milestone in aviation history.
Establishment of the U.S. National Forest Service (1891)
June 29, 1891, is recognized as the start of the United States National Forest Service, paving the way for the conservation and management of America’s public forests.
U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Capital Punishment (1972)
On June 29, 1972, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled (5-4) that capital punishment, as administered, violated the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. This decision temporarily halted the death penalty in the United States, sparing the lives of 600 people on death row at the time. The ban was later lifted in 1976.
Apple Releases the First iPhone (2007)
On June 29, 2007, Apple released the first iPhone, revolutionizing the smartphone industry and changing the way people communicate and access information.

On June 29, 1987, South Korea’s pro-democracy movement reached a turning point with the “June 29 Declaration.” After weeks of mass protests demanding democratic reforms, Roh Tae-woo, the government’s designated successor, announced concessions including direct presidential elections and the release of political prisoners. This declaration marked the end of authoritarian rule and the birth of the Sixth Republic, ushering in modern democracy in South Korea.
Death of Chaitanya Maha Prabhu (1553): The influential Vaishnav saint passed away on June 29, 1553, in Puri.
Coronation of Mir Zafar (1757): Mir Zafar was installed as the Nawab of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, a pivotal event in Indian history following the Battle of Plassey.
Death of Michael Madhusudan Dutt (1873): The renowned Bengali poet and dramatist died on this date.
National Statistics Day: Celebrated annually on June 29 to honor the birth anniversary of statistician Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, recognizing his contributions to statistics and planning in India.
Vishwanathan Anand’s Chess Victory (1997): Indian Grandmaster Vishwanathan Anand won the Frankfurt Chess Classic title on June 29, 1997.
Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI Milestone (2007): On June 29, 2007, Sachin Tendulkar became the first cricketer to score 15,000 runs in One Day Internationals.

Seychelles Independence (1976)
On June 29, 1976, Seychelles gained its independence from the United Kingdom, becoming a sovereign nation and the least populated country in Africa. This day is celebrated annually as Seychelles Independence Day, marked by national festivities and public celebrations.
Samuel Ajayi Crowther: First African Bishop (1864)
On June 29, 1864, Samuel Ajayi Crowther was consecrated as the first African Anglican bishop. Crowther, a former enslaved person from Nigeria, became a prominent linguist and missionary, playing a key role in translating the Bible into Yoruba and promoting education in West Africa.
International Day of the Tropics
June 29 is observed as the International Day of the Tropics, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by tropical regions around the world, including much of Africa.