Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 981, Xue Juzheng, Chinese scholar-official and historian passed away. In 1806, At the insistence of Napoleon, Bavaria, Baden, Württemberg and thirteen minor principalities leave the Holy Roman Empire and form the Confederation of the Rhine. In 1855, Ned Hanlan, Canadian rower, academic, and businessman (died 1908) was born. In 1920, The Soviet-Lithuanian Peace Treaty is signed, by which Soviet Russia recognizes the independence of Lithuania. In 1931, Geeto Mongol, Canadian-American wrestler and trainer (died 2013) was born. In 1975, São Tomé and Príncipe declare independence from Portugal. In 1997, François Furet, French historian and author (born 1927) passed away. In 2001, Space Shuttle program: Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched on mission STS-104, carrying the Quest Joint Airlock to the International Space Station. In 2006, The 2006 Lebanon War begins. In 2015, Cheng Siwei, Chinese engineer, economist, and politician (born 1935) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.