Welcome to another bright day in June. There’s always something or the other happening around the world. The world, being so large, has witnessed infinite inventions, innovations, achievements, and other milestones in the past. You can do something amazing today, and maybe it is something that we write about in Today in History in the coming years. We, at Brag Social, try to keep you updated with all the happenings of the past and present. Let’s read about the historical milestones of June 21. So, here is June 21 – Tennis Court Oath and more…
- 1756: Nearly 150 British soldiers are imprisoned in the ‘Black Hole’ cell of Calcutta.
Since Europeans were the remaining defenders of Calcutta and the East India Company had surrendered, Holwell and other Europeans were placed in the company’s lockup overnight. The small room with two windows was known as the Black Hole. Out of 146 people, only 23 survived, whereas, these numbers have been questioned numerous times in the past.
- 1789: Tennis Court Oath (for a new constitution) in France made at Versailles
On this day, the members of the French Third Estate took the Tennis Court Oath with which they agreed not to disband until a new French constitution had been adopted. This meeting was conducted in defiance of King Louis XVI’s order to disperse.
- 1793: Eli Whitney applies for a cotton gin patent
Earlier, there was no law about granting patents. The Patent Act of 1793 gave the secretary of state the power to issue a patent to the general public. After applying for the patent, she finally got the patent next year.
- 1837: 18-year-old Victoria is crowned Queen of England
After the death of William IV, Victoria became Queen of the United Kingdom. She turned 18 on May 24, 1837 and became the Queen in less than a month. She was fifth in the line of succession for the British crown.
- 1840: Samuel Morse patents his telegraphy signals
Samuel F. B. Morse was granted patent for his dot-dash telegraphy signals. It was stated as an improvement in the mode of communicating information by signals by the application of electromagnetism.
- 1895: 1st female PhD from an American University
The title of the first female to earn a doctorate degree from an American University was earned by Caroline Willard Baldwin (in Science) at Cornell University. This was a great milestone in women’s higher level education.
- 1901: Charlotte M. Manye of South Africa became the first native African to graduate from an American University
Born on April 7, 1871, Charlotte Makgomo (née Mannya) Maxeke was a social and political activist from South Africa. She was the first black woman to graduate with a university degree in South Africa with a B.sc from Wilberforce University Ohio in 1901, as well as the first black African woman to graduate from an American university.
- 1910: Mexican President Porfirio Diaz proclaims martial law and arrested hundreds
Porfirio Diaz was a Mexican general and politician who served for 31 years as the President of Mexico, which accounts for 7 terms. The Mexican Revolution lasted roughly from 1910 to 1920. It was a major armed struggle that transformed the Mexican government and culture completely. Its outbreak was the result of the failure of the 31-year old long regime of Porfirio to find a managed succession to presidential succession.
- 1987: 1st Rugby World Cup Final, Eden Park, Auckland
This was the first Rugby World Cup played. The final was played between the hosts – New Zealand and France. The result: New Zealand fly-half Grant Fox lands 4 penalties, a conversion and drop goal as the All Blacks beat France, 29-9
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