Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 70, The armies of Titus attack the walls of Jerusalem after a six-month siege. Three days later they breach the walls, which enables the army to destroy the Second Temple. In -100 BC, Julius Caesar, Roman politician and general (died 44 BC) was born. In 1335, Pope Benedict XII issues the papal bull Fulgens sicut stella matutina to reform the Cistercian Order. In 1789, In response to the dismissal of the French finance minister Jacques Necker, the radical journalist Camille Desmoulins gives a speech which results in the storming of the Bastille two days later. In 1799, Ranjit Singh conquers Lahore and becomes Maharaja of the Punjab (Sikh Empire). In 1801, British ships inflict heavy damage on Spanish and French ships in the Second Battle of Algeciras. In 1812, The American Army of the Northwest briefly occupies the Upper Canadian settlement at what is now at Windsor, Ontario. In 1913, The Second Revolution breaks out against the Beiyang government, as Li Liejun proclaims Jiangxi independent from the Republic of China. In 1920, Pierre Berton, Canadian journalist and author (died 2004) was born. In 1950, Gilles Meloche, Canadian ice hockey player and coach was born. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.