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On This Day

June 03

YEAR 2025

Reconstitution of the Academy of the Distrustful in the Sala Dalmases of the Historical Archive of the City of Barcelona in Barcelona.

Reconstitution of the Academy of the Distrustful in the Sala Dalmases of the Historical Archive of the City of Barcelona in Barcelona.

YEAR 2019

Khartoum massacre: In Sudan, over 100 people are killed when security forces accompanied by Janjaweed militiamen storm and open fire on a sit-in prote...

Khartoum massacre: In Sudan, over 100 people are killed when security forces accompanied by Janjaweed militiamen storm and open fire on a sit-in protest.

YEAR 2013

At least 119 people are killed in a fire at a poultry farm in Jilin Province in northeastern China.

At least 119 people are killed in a fire at a poultry farm in Jilin Province in northeastern China.

YEAR 2013

The trial of United States Army private Chelsea Manning for leaking classified material to WikiLeaks begins in Fort Meade, Maryland.

The trial of United States Army private Chelsea Manning for leaking classified material to WikiLeaks begins in Fort Meade, Maryland.

YEAR 2012

A plane carrying 153 people crashes in a residential neighborhood in Lagos, Nigeria, killing everyone on board plus six people on the ground.

A plane carrying 153 people crashes in a residential neighborhood in Lagos, Nigeria, killing everyone on board plus six people on the ground.

YEAR 2012

The pageant for the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II takes place on the River Thames.

The pageant for the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II takes place on the River Thames.

YEAR 2006

The union of Serbia and Montenegro comes to an end with Montenegro's formal declaration of independence.

The union of Serbia and Montenegro comes to an end with Montenegro's formal declaration of independence.

YEAR 1998

After suffering a mechanical failure, a high speed train derails at Eschede, Germany, killing 101 people.

After suffering a mechanical failure, a high speed train derails at Eschede, Germany, killing 101 people.

YEAR 1992

Australian Aboriginal land rights are recognised in Mabo v Queensland (No 2), a case brought by Torres Strait Islander Eddie Mabo which led to the Nat...

Australian Aboriginal land rights are recognised in Mabo v Queensland (No 2), a case brought by Torres Strait Islander Eddie Mabo which led to the Native Title Act 1993 overturning the long-held colonial assumption of terra nullius.

YEAR 1991

Mount Unzen erupts in Kyūshū, Japan, killing 43 people, all of them either researchers or journalists.

Mount Unzen erupts in Kyūshū, Japan, killing 43 people, all of them either researchers or journalists.

YEAR 1989

The government of China sends troops to force protesters out of Tiananmen Square after seven weeks of occupation.

The government of China sends troops to force protesters out of Tiananmen Square after seven weeks of occupation.

YEAR 1984

Operation Blue Star, a military offensive, is launched by the Indian government at Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, the holiest shrin...

Operation Blue Star, a military offensive, is launched by the Indian government at Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, the holiest shrine for Sikhs, in Amritsar. The operation continues until June 6, with casualties, most of them civili...

YEAR 1982

The Israeli ambassador to the United Kingdom, Shlomo Argov, is shot on a London street; he survives but is left paralysed.

The Israeli ambassador to the United Kingdom, Shlomo Argov, is shot on a London street; he survives but is left paralysed.

YEAR 1980

The 1980 Grand Island tornado outbreak hits Nebraska, United States, causing five deaths and $300 million (equivalent to $1172 million in 2025) worth...

The 1980 Grand Island tornado outbreak hits Nebraska, United States, causing five deaths and $300 million (equivalent to $1172 million in 2025) worth of damage.

YEAR 1979

A blowout at the Ixtoc I oil well in the southern Gulf of Mexico causes at least 3,000,000 barrels (480,000 m3) of oil to be spilled into the waters,...

A blowout at the Ixtoc I oil well in the southern Gulf of Mexico causes at least 3,000,000 barrels (480,000 m3) of oil to be spilled into the waters, the second-worst accidental oil spill ever recorded.

YEAR 1973

A Soviet supersonic Tupolev Tu-144 crashes near Goussainville, France, killing 14, the first crash of a supersonic passenger aircraft.

A Soviet supersonic Tupolev Tu-144 crashes near Goussainville, France, killing 14, the first crash of a supersonic passenger aircraft.

YEAR 1969

Melbourne–Evans collision: off the coast of South Vietnam, the Australian aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne cuts the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Frank E. Ev...

Melbourne–Evans collision: off the coast of South Vietnam, the Australian aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne cuts the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Frank E. Evans in half; resulting in 74 deaths.

YEAR 1965

The launch of Gemini 4, the first multi-day space mission by a NASA crew. Ed White, a crew member, performs the first American spacewalk.

The launch of Gemini 4, the first multi-day space mission by a NASA crew. Ed White, a crew member, performs the first American spacewalk.

YEAR 1963

Soldiers of the South Vietnamese Army attack protesting Buddhists in Huế with liquid chemicals from tear-gas grenades, causing 67 people to be hospita...

Soldiers of the South Vietnamese Army attack protesting Buddhists in Huế with liquid chemicals from tear-gas grenades, causing 67 people to be hospitalized for blistering of the skin and respiratory ailments.

YEAR 1962

At Paris Orly Airport, Air France Flight 007 overruns the runway and explodes when the crew attempts to abort takeoff, killing 130.

At Paris Orly Airport, Air France Flight 007 overruns the runway and explodes when the crew attempts to abort takeoff, killing 130.

YEAR 1950

Herzog and Lachenal of the French Annapurna expedition become the first climbers to reach the summit of an 8,000-metre peak.

Herzog and Lachenal of the French Annapurna expedition become the first climbers to reach the summit of an 8,000-metre peak.

YEAR 1943

In Los Angeles, California, white U.S. Navy sailors and Marines attack Latino youths in the five-day Zoot Suit Riots.

In Los Angeles, California, white U.S. Navy sailors and Marines attack Latino youths in the five-day Zoot Suit Riots.

YEAR 1942

World War II: Japan begins the Aleutian Islands Campaign by bombing Unalaska Island.

World War II: Japan begins the Aleutian Islands Campaign by bombing Unalaska Island.

YEAR 1941

World War II: The Wehrmacht razes the Greek village of Kandanos to the ground and murders 180 of its inhabitants.

World War II: The Wehrmacht razes the Greek village of Kandanos to the ground and murders 180 of its inhabitants.

YEAR 1940

Franz Rademacher proposes plans to make Madagascar the "Jewish homeland", an idea that had first been considered by 19th century journalist Theodor He...

Franz Rademacher proposes plans to make Madagascar the "Jewish homeland", an idea that had first been considered by 19th century journalist Theodor Herzl.

YEAR 1940

World War II: During the Battle of France, the Luftwaffe bombs Paris.

World War II: During the Battle of France, the Luftwaffe bombs Paris.

YEAR 1937

The Duke of Windsor marries Wallis Simpson.

The Duke of Windsor marries Wallis Simpson.

YEAR 1935

One thousand unemployed Canadian workers board freight cars in Vancouver, beginning a protest trek to Ottawa.

One thousand unemployed Canadian workers board freight cars in Vancouver, beginning a protest trek to Ottawa.

YEAR 1916

The National Defense Act is signed into law, increasing the size of the United States National Guard by 450,000 men.

The National Defense Act is signed into law, increasing the size of the United States National Guard by 450,000 men.

YEAR 1892

Liverpool F.C. is founded by John Houlding.

Liverpool F.C. is founded by John Houlding.

YEAR 1889

The first long-distance electric power transmission line in the United States is completed, running 14 miles (23 km) between a generator at Willamette...

The first long-distance electric power transmission line in the United States is completed, running 14 miles (23 km) between a generator at Willamette Falls and downtown Portland, Oregon.

YEAR 1885

In the last military engagement fought on Canadian soil, the Cree leader, Big Bear, escapes the North-West Mounted Police.

In the last military engagement fought on Canadian soil, the Cree leader, Big Bear, escapes the North-West Mounted Police.

YEAR 1864

American Civil War: Union forces under Ulysses S. Grant sustain heavy casualties attacking Confederate troops under Robert E. Lee at the Battle of Col...

American Civil War: Union forces under Ulysses S. Grant sustain heavy casualties attacking Confederate troops under Robert E. Lee at the Battle of Cold Harbor in Hanover County, Virginia.

YEAR 1863

American Civil War: Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia begin marching to invade the North for a second time, starting the Gettysburg camp...

American Civil War: Robert E. Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia begin marching to invade the North for a second time, starting the Gettysburg campaign.

YEAR 1861

American Civil War: Battle of Philippi (also called the Philippi Races): Union forces rout Confederate troops in Barbour County, Virginia, now West Vi...

American Civil War: Battle of Philippi (also called the Philippi Races): Union forces rout Confederate troops in Barbour County, Virginia, now West Virginia.

YEAR 1844

The last pair of great auks is killed.

The last pair of great auks is killed.

YEAR 1839

In Humen, China, Lin Zexu destroys 1.2 million kilograms of opium confiscated from British merchants, providing Britain with a casus belli to open hos...

In Humen, China, Lin Zexu destroys 1.2 million kilograms of opium confiscated from British merchants, providing Britain with a casus belli to open hostilities, resulting in the First Opium War.

YEAR 1781

Jack Jouett begins his midnight ride to warn Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia legislature of an impending British raid.

Jack Jouett begins his midnight ride to warn Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia legislature of an impending British raid.

YEAR 1700

Foundation of the Academy of the Distrustful in the library room of the Palau Dalmases in Barcelona.

Foundation of the Academy of the Distrustful in the library room of the Palau Dalmases in Barcelona.

YEAR 1665

James Stuart, Duke of York (later to become King James II of England), defeats the Dutch fleet off the coast of Lowestoft.

James Stuart, Duke of York (later to become King James II of England), defeats the Dutch fleet off the coast of Lowestoft.

YEAR 1658

Pope Alexander VII appoints François de Laval vicar apostolic in New France.

Pope Alexander VII appoints François de Laval vicar apostolic in New France.

YEAR 1621

The Dutch West India Company receives a charter for New Netherland.

The Dutch West India Company receives a charter for New Netherland.

YEAR 1608

Samuel de Champlain lands at Tadoussac, Quebec, in the course of his third voyage to New France, and begins erecting fortifications.

Samuel de Champlain lands at Tadoussac, Quebec, in the course of his third voyage to New France, and begins erecting fortifications.

YEAR 1602

An English naval force defeats a fleet of Spanish galleys, and captures a large Portuguese carrack at the Battle of Sesimbra Bay.

An English naval force defeats a fleet of Spanish galleys, and captures a large Portuguese carrack at the Battle of Sesimbra Bay.

YEAR 1539

Hernando de Soto claims Florida for Spain.

Hernando de Soto claims Florida for Spain.

YEAR 1326

The Treaty of Novgorod delineates borders between Russia and Norway in Finnmark.

The Treaty of Novgorod delineates borders between Russia and Norway in Finnmark.

YEAR 1140

The French scholar Peter Abelard is found guilty of heresy.

The French scholar Peter Abelard is found guilty of heresy.

YEAR 1098

After a five-month siege during the First Crusade, the Crusaders seize Antioch.

After a five-month siege during the First Crusade, the Crusaders seize Antioch.

YEAR 713

The Byzantine emperor Philippicus is blinded, deposed and sent into exile by conspirators of the Opsikion army in Thrace. He is succeeded by Anastasio...

The Byzantine emperor Philippicus is blinded, deposed and sent into exile by conspirators of the Opsikion army in Thrace. He is succeeded by Anastasios II, who begins the reorganization of the Byzantine army.

YEAR 350

The Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, proclaims himself Roman emperor, entering Rome at the head of a group of gladiators.

The Roman usurper Nepotianus, of the Constantinian dynasty, proclaims himself Roman emperor, entering Rome at the head of a group of gladiators.