1070
Culture
Roquefort Cheese First Mentioned
According to legend, Roquefort cheese was first documented in the village of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon in southern France. The distinctive blue-veined cheese became one of France's most famous exports.
On This Day in History
1783
Invention
Montgolfier Brothers Demonstrate Hot Air Balloon
Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Etienne Montgolfier publicly demonstrated their hot air balloon in Annonay, France. The unmanned flight reached an altitude of about 6,000 feet.
1919
Civil Rights
19th Amendment Passed by Congress
The U.S. Congress passed the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. It was sent to the states for ratification, which was completed in August 1920.
1940
War & Conflict
Dunkirk Evacuation Ends
The Dunkirk evacuation was completed, having rescued approximately 338,000 Allied troops from the beaches of northern France. Churchill warned that 'wars are not won by evacuations.'
1942
War & Conflict
Battle of Midway Begins
The pivotal Battle of Midway began when Japanese forces attacked the U.S. naval base on Midway Atoll. The American victory was the turning point of the Pacific War.
1989
Civil Rights
Tiananmen Square Massacre
Chinese military forces opened fire on pro-democracy protesters in and around Tiananmen Square in Beijing. The iconic image of a lone man blocking tanks became a symbol of resistance worldwide.
2010
Space
SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches Successfully
SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket for the first time from Cape Canaveral. The success established SpaceX as a major player in the commercial space industry.