Today in News History

On June 23, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1305, A peace treaty between the Flemish and the French is signed at Athis-sur-Orge. In 1532, Henry VIII of England and Francis I of France sign the "Treaty of Closer Amity With France" (also known as the Pommeraye treaty), pledging mutual aid against Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. In 1683, Étienne Fourmont, French orientalist and sinologist (died 1745) was born. In 1750, Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu, French geologist and academic (died 1801) was born. In 1763, Joséphine de Beauharnais, French wife of Napoleon I (died 1814) was born. In 1919, Estonian War of Independence: The decisive defeat of the Baltische Landeswehr in the Battle of Cēsis; this date is celebrated as Victory Day in Estonia. In 1941, The Lithuanian Activist Front declares independence from the Soviet Union and forms the Provisional Government of Lithuania; it lasts only briefly as the Nazis will occupy Lithuania a few weeks later. In 1956, The French National Assembly takes the first step in creating the French Community by passing the Loi Cadre, transferring a number of powers from Paris to elected territorial governments in French West Africa. In 1972, Zinedine Zidane, French footballer and manager was born. In 2016, The United Kingdom votes in a referendum to leave the European Union, by 52% to 48%. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.