On This Day in History
This database is a source for anniversaries of world interest, searchable by day or keyword, built up by Graphic News over many year for the On This Day series of graphics.
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24 Jun
1953
Jacqueline Bouvier announced her engagement to rising U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy. The wedding on September 12, 1953, was a major social event attended by an estimated 700 guestsJacqueline Bouvier announced her engagement to rising U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy. The wedding on September 12, 1953, was a major social event attended by an estimated 700 guests
64 years ago
24 Jun
1948
The Soviet Union imposed a blockade on the three Western-held sectors of Berlin, cutting off all rail and road routes going through Soviet-controlled territory in Germany and…The Soviet Union imposed a blockade on the three Western-held sectors of Berlin, cutting off all rail and road routes going through Soviet-controlled territory in Germany and preventing crucial supplies of food and other provisions from reaching the city
69 years ago
24 Jun
1947
An American pilot reported seeing strange objects in the sky that resembled “saucers skipping across the water”. This incident led to the first use of the term “flying…An American pilot reported seeing strange objects in the sky that resembled “saucers skipping across the water”. This incident led to the first use of the term “flying saucers”
70 years ago
24 Jun
1941
German troops advanced into Russian territory, capturing Vilna, Kaunas and Brest-LitovskGerman troops advanced into Russian territory, capturing Vilna, Kaunas and Brest-Litovsk
76 years ago
24 Jun
1940
France signed an armistice with Italy in World War TwoFrance signed an armistice with Italy in World War Two
77 years ago
24 Jun
1940
Japan formally asked Britain to close the Burma RoadJapan formally asked Britain to close the Burma Road
77 years ago
24 Jun
1930
French film director Claude Chabrol born. Best known for his successful thrillers including 'Que la Bete Meure' and 'La Ceremonie'French film director Claude Chabrol born. Best known for his successful thrillers including 'Que la Bete Meure' and 'La Ceremonie'
87 years ago
24 Jun
1916
The First Battle of the Somme began. It lasted five months and the death toll of over one million was for the sake of an allied advance of 125 square milesThe First Battle of the Somme began. It lasted five months and the death toll of over one million was for the sake of an allied advance of 125 square miles
101 years ago
24 Jun
1908
Grover Cleveland, twice U.S. president (1885-89 and 1893-97), diedGrover Cleveland, twice U.S. president (1885-89 and 1893-97), died
109 years ago
24 Jun
1904
U.S. bandleader Phil Harris born; he also achieved stardom providing voices for Disney cartoons notably 'The Jungle Book'U.S. bandleader Phil Harris born; he also achieved stardom providing voices for Disney cartoons notably 'The Jungle Book'
113 years ago
24 Jun
1901
The first exhibition by the 19-year-old Pablo Picasso opened in Paris to high critical acclaimThe first exhibition by the 19-year-old Pablo Picasso opened in Paris to high critical acclaim
116 years ago
24 Jun
1895
Boxer Jack Dempsey, world heavyweight champion from 1919-26, was born in Manassa, ColoradoBoxer Jack Dempsey, world heavyweight champion from 1919-26, was born in Manassa, Colorado
122 years ago
24 Jun
1866
In the Seven Weeks War, the Austrians scored a notable victory over the Italians in the second Battle of CustozzaIn the Seven Weeks War, the Austrians scored a notable victory over the Italians in the second Battle of Custozza
151 years ago
24 Jun
1859
Napoleon III defeated the Austrians at the Battle of Solferino in Lombardy. The suffering of the wounded inspired Henri Dunant, who organised relief for thousands of injured…Napoleon III defeated the Austrians at the Battle of Solferino in Lombardy. The suffering of the wounded inspired Henri Dunant, who organised relief for thousands of injured combatants, to found the Red Cross movement
158 years ago
24 Jun
1850
Horatio Herbert Kitchener, British conqueror of Sudan, born. Appointed Secretary of War, he undertook the organisation of the British army for World War OneHoratio Herbert Kitchener, British conqueror of Sudan, born. Appointed Secretary of War, he undertook the organisation of the British army for World War One
167 years ago
24 Jun
1812
Napoleon, heading his Grand Armee, began his invasion of RussiaNapoleon, heading his Grand Armee, began his invasion of Russia
205 years ago
24 Jun
1793
The Constitution of Year One of the Republic was approved during the French RevolutionThe Constitution of Year One of the Republic was approved during the French Revolution
224 years ago
24 Jun
1717
The Grand Lodge of English Freemasons was formedThe Grand Lodge of English Freemasons was formed
300 years ago
24 Jun
1532
Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, favourite courtier of Elizabeth I of England, was bornRobert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, favourite courtier of Elizabeth I of England, was born
485 years ago
24 Jun
1519
Italian noblewoman Lucrezia Borgia, a member of the most infamous family of the Italian Renaissance, diedItalian noblewoman Lucrezia Borgia, a member of the most infamous family of the Italian Renaissance, died
498 years ago
24 Jun
1509
Henry VIII was crowned King of England, becoming the second monarch from the House of TudorHenry VIII was crowned King of England, becoming the second monarch from the House of Tudor
508 years ago
24 Jun
1497
The first recorded discovery of North America took place as explorer John Cabot, on a voyage for England, sighted land, probably in present-day CanadaThe first recorded discovery of North America took place as explorer John Cabot, on a voyage for England, sighted land, probably in present-day Canada
520 years ago
24 Jun
1340
The British fleet destroyed the French at Sluys during the Hundred Years warThe British fleet destroyed the French at Sluys during the Hundred Years war
677 years ago
24 Jun
1314
Robert the Bruce of Scotland inflicted a crushing defeat against superior English forces under King Edward II at the Battle of BannockburnRobert the Bruce of Scotland inflicted a crushing defeat against superior English forces under King Edward II at the Battle of Bannockburn
703 years ago
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