June 12 in History

Significant events that happened on this day.

Historical Events

2019

Hong Kong witnessed the largest protest in its history as 2 million people marched against an extradition bill

Major

Nearly one in four Hong Kong residents took to the streets to oppose legislation that would allow extradition to mainland China. The peaceful march sa...

2009

The U.S. officially switched all television broadcasts from analog to digital signals

After multiple delays, the FCC finally pulled the plug on analog TV broadcasting, requiring Americans to have digital converters or cable to watch tel...

1991

Russians elected Boris Yeltsin as their first democratically chosen leader in over a thousand years

Major

Yeltsin won the presidency of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic in the first direct presidential election in Russian history. He defeat...

1987

President Reagan challenged Soviet leader Gorbachev to 'tear down this wall' at the Brandenburg Gate

Major

In one of the most famous Cold War speeches, Reagan stood at the Berlin Wall and directly challenged Gorbachev to demolish it as a symbol of freedom....

1979

Bryan Allen completed the first human-powered flight across the English Channel

Riding the Gossamer Albatross, a lightweight aircraft powered only by pedaling, cyclist Bryan Allen flew 22 miles from England to France in 2 hours an...

1967

The Supreme Court struck down state laws banning interracial marriage in Loving v. Virginia

Major

The Court unanimously ruled that Virginia's Racial Integrity Act of 1924 was unconstitutional, finally legalizing interracial marriage nationwide. The...

1939

The Baseball Hall of Fame officially opened in Cooperstown, New York

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum opened its doors with the induction of its first class of legends including Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, and Honu...

1924

George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States, was born in Milton, Massachusetts

Major

George Herbert Walker Bush was born into a wealthy political family and would go on to serve as Vice President under Reagan before becoming President...

1920

The U.S. Republican Party became the first major party to support women's suffrage in its platform

At the Republican National Convention in Chicago, the party officially endorsed women's right to vote just months before the 19th Amendment was ratifi...

1898

The Philippines declared independence from Spain after over 300 years of colonial rule

Major

General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippine independence in Kawit, Cavite, marking the end of Spanish colonial control. The declaration was read fr...

1776

Virginia adopted its Declaration of Rights, directly influencing the U.S. Bill of Rights

Major

George Mason's Virginia Declaration of Rights was adopted, becoming the first constitutional document to guarantee individual liberties. It proclaimed...

1665

England installed its first turnpike tollgate on the Great North Road

The first tollgate in England was erected in Wadesmill, Hertfordshire, marking the beginning of the turnpike era. Travelers had to pay to use the road...