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09 June Today in History
Battle of Frankenhausen
The Battle of Frankenhausen was the final and decisive conflict in the German Peasants' War. On this day, the combined forces of the Holy Roman Empire, led by Philip I, Landgrave of Hesse, and Duke George of Saxony, crushed the rebel peasant army led by Thomas Müntzer near Frankenhausen in Thuringia.
Congress of Vienna Ends
The Congress of Vienna, a conference of ambassadors of European states, aimed to redraw the continent's political map after the defeat of Napoleonic France the previous spring. It ended on June 9, 1815. Germany played a significant role in the Congress, which set the balance of power for the next century.
Introduction of the Deutsche Mark
On June 9, 1948, the Deutsche Mark was introduced in the Bizone (a combination of the American and British occupation zones in Germany) as a response to the Soviet Union blocking the Western Allies' railway, road, and canal access to the sectors of Berlin under Western control. This is a significant event, marking the beginning of the economic reform in post-war Western Germany.
Birth of Margot Käßmann, Lutheran Theologian and German Bishop
Margot Käßmann, a prominent figure in the Evangelical Church of Germany (EKD), was born on this day. She served as the Landesbischof (state bishop) of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Hanover and as the chair of the EKD, becoming the first woman to hold these positions.
Death of Karl-Eduard von Schnitzler
Karl-Eduard von Schnitzler, a significant figure in East German broadcasting known for his program "Der schwarze Kanal," died on this day. His program was one of the main propaganda tools used by the East German government during the Cold War.
The Kett's Rebellion Begins
Kett's Rebellion started on 9 June 1549 in Wymondham, Norfolk, England. The rebellion, led by Robert Kett, was a revolt in response to the enclosure of land. It ended on 27 August 1549 but is noted for its impact on the Tudor period.
The Congress of Vienna Ends
Notably, on this day, the UK was part of the final act of the Congress of Vienna. The congress redrew the map of Europe after the defeat of Napoleon. The UK, represented by Viscount Castlereagh and the Duke of Wellington, played a major role in the diplomatic conversations.
The Birth of Fred W. Hoyle
Fred Hoyle, an English astronomer noted primarily for the theory of stellar nucleosynthesis, was born on June 9, 1900. Apart from his work in astrophysics, he also wrote science fiction, including several books co-written with his son Geoffrey Hoyle.
The First Hovercraft is Launched
The SR-N1, the first full-sized hovercraft, was launched on 9 June 1959 in the UK. Designed by Sir Christopher Cockerell, it was a revolutionary piece of technology that changed the landscape of transport.
The UK Votes to Stay in the European Community
On 9 June 1975, the UK held a referendum on whether to remain in the European Community, which later became the European Union. The vote was overwhelmingly in favor of staying, with a 67% majority, marking a significant moment in the UK's relationship with Europe.
The Gaspee Affair
In one of the significant events leading up to the American Revolution, a group of American colonists attacked and burned the British revenue schooner HMS Gaspee off the coast of Rhode Island on this day. The British had been enforcing unpopular trade regulations, and the colonists' attack on the Gaspee was a direct challenge to British authority.
500 Mormons leave Iowa City and head west for Salt Lake City
The Mormons' migration westward was a significant event in American religious and cultural history. On this day, a group of 500 Mormons departed Iowa City, Iowa, with plans to settle in what is now Salt Lake City, Utah.
U.S. Naval Blockade of Southern Ports Begins
In the early stages of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a blockade of the Confederate states' ports, effectively isolating them from international trade. The blockade, which began on June 9, marked a significant escalation in the Union's efforts to suppress the rebellion and was a key part of the Union's ultimate victory.
Flint-Worcester Tornadoes Strike
A series of deadly tornadoes struck the United States on this day, causing significant damage and loss of life in Flint, Michigan, and Worcester, Massachusetts. The Worcester tornado was the deadliest tornado in New England history, and the Flint tornado was one of the deadliest in Michigan history.
Secretariat Wins Triple Crown
The legendary racehorse Secretariat became the first horse in 25 years to win the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, consisting of the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. Secretariat set new race records in all three events, some of which still stand today. His victory is widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements in the history of sports.
Congress of Vienna Ends
The Congress of Vienna, in which the major European powers redrew the continent's political map after the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte, came to an end. France was represented by Talleyrand during this meeting, and France's borders were returned to their positions in 1790.
The Fall of Paris to Nazis
The German Army entered and occupied Paris, marking a major turning point in World War II. This event signaled the defeat of France, and led to the establishment of the Vichy government, which collaborated with Nazi Germany.
Normandy Invasion Continues
The Battle of Normandy continued after the successful D-Day invasion by Allied forces on June 6. This was a significant battle that played a crucial role in liberating France from German occupation.
Charles de Gaulle Becomes Prime Minister
Charles de Gaulle, a key figure in the French resistance against Nazi occupation during World War II, became the Prime Minister of France for the second time during the crisis of the Fourth Republic. He established the Fifth Republic and served as its first President.
Death of Alexandre Tansman
Alexandre Tansman, the renowned French composer and virtuoso pianist of Polish origin, died in Paris. He was one of the most celebrated French composers of his time, and his works contributed greatly to the world of classical music.