A solar eclipse, a protest that turned deadly and the birth of a King. These are just some of the notable events that have taken place on previous June 4ths.
Today headlines are dominated by election results in India, new Israeli airstrikes, and the start of the Hunter Biden trial. To find out what has dominated headlines on this day in history, keep reading.
781 BC: The Oldest Chinese Recording of a Solar Eclipse
During the Zhou dynasty, the Chinese recorded their first solar eclipse. The eclipse was documented in the _Shijing _- an ancient poetry anthology compiled by Confucius.
Though the date of the eclipse recorded remains debated, many historians believe it occurred on June 4, 781 BC – exactly 2,804 years ago from today. However, other historians and astronomers have proposed November 30, 735 BC as a possible date.
1738: A King is Born
On this day in 1738, George III was born in Norfolk House, London to his father Frederick, Prince of Wales, and mother, Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha. Born two months prematurely, George was not expected to survive, but ultimately grew into a healthy child and lived until the age of 81.
After the death of his father in 1951, George became the heir apparent of his father, King George II. Following George II’s death in 1760, the younger George became King at 22-years-old. Reigning for 59 years and 96 days, until his death in 1820, George III became the longest serving monarch in British history. Since then, his record has been beaten by both Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II.
1913: Emily Davison Dies in Attempt to Gain Women’s Right to Vote
111 years ago today, one of history’s most influential suffragettes staged a protest that would lead to her death four days later. On June 4 1913, Davison traveled from Epsom, Surrey to attend the Derby horse race, where she ran in front of the King’s horse.
Many believe that Davison was hoping to pin one of the suffragette flags she had with her on the King’s horse. The horse, which would have been traveling at around 35 miles-per-hour knocked Davison unconscious, as well as the rider of the king’s horse, Herbert Jones. While Jones would recover, and go on to pay his respect to Davison, Davison never regained consciousness and died on June 8th.
1917: Americans Begin Registering For World War One Draft
On this day 107 years ago, Americans began registering for the draft to join the World War I effort. Under the Selective Service Act of 1917, which had been passed the previous month, all men aged between 21 and 30 were required to sign up.
America joined the war effort after British intelligence intercepted the Zimmermann Telegram. The telegram made public a German offer to help Mexico regain territory they had lost in the Mexican-American war. In September 1918, conscription would be expanded to all men in the U.S. aged between 18 and 45.
1941: World War One Instigator, and Last German Emperor, Dies
Kaiser Wilhelm II – the last German emperor, whose aggressive political strategy proved instrumental in initiating World War One – died on 4 June 1941. Wilhelm’s erraticism sparked fear on the international stage. Additionally, his tendency to delegate responsibilities paved the way for a de facto military dictatorship to take control of Germany in the Summer of 1916.
After an embarrassing defeat on the Western Front in 1918, an uprising known as the November Revolution began, and would see Wilhelm forced to abdicate. The former Emperor would go on to seek exile in the Netherlands, where he remained until his death in 1941.
1951: Janet Leigh Marries Tony Curtis
Janet Leigh, the actress known for her parts in “Psycho”, “Little Women” and “The Manchurian Candidate” married fellow actor Tony Curtis on June 4th 1951. Curtis, who is recognised for his roles in “Smell of Success” and “The Boston Strangler”, would remain married to Leigh for another eleven years, but would get remarried five more times before his death in 2010.
During their marriage, the couple would have two children – Kelly Curtis and Jamie Lee Curtis. Both children would go on to enjoy their own successful acting careers. Following his divorce, Tony would go on to have four more children with two different women.
1989: Tiananmen Square Protests Reach A Deadly Head
35 years ago, one of the most famous demonstrations in 20th century history reached a head. Student-led protests in Beijing calling for wide-ranging political and economic reform, led the Chinese Government to declare martial law on the night of 3 June and deploy troops to Tiananmen Square.
On June 3rd and 4th, tanks and armed troops advanced and opened fire on peaceful protestors. A day later, on June 5th, an unidentified man stood down the tanks, leading to one of the most iconic photos of all time.
1997: Tragedy Strikes as Jeff Buckley’s Body is Found
On this day in 1997, the body of one of the 20th century’s most beloved musicians was discovered – confirming that a singular talent had been taken from this world far too soon. Six days after disappearing in the Wolf River Harbour, the singer-songwriter’s body was spotted by passengers on the American Queen riverboat.
Buckley, 30, died while swimming fully dressed in the slack water channel of the Mississippi River, while singing “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin. Pulled under the water, Buckley never returned alive. In the 27 years since his passing, Buckley’s only studio album, “Grace”, has enthralled new audiences and been acclaimed by critics as one of the best albums of all time.
2018: Trump Declares Right to Pardon Himself
A day rarely went by during the Trump presidency where the former businessman didn’t Tweet something newsworthy. June 4 2018 was no different, with Trump declaring that he had the “absolute right” to pardon himself.
While Trump’s tweet was in reference to the then-ongoing Russia investigation, his claim has gained new relevance in the wake of his recent guilty conviction for falsifying business records. Legal experts disagree as to whether the Constitution would allow Trump to take this action if he were to become President again next year.
