Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1346, Charles IV, Count of Luxembourg and King of Bohemia, is elected King of the Romans. In 1662, Maximilian II Emanuel, Elector of Bavaria (died 1726) was born. In 1796, The United States takes possession of Detroit from Great Britain under terms of the Jay Treaty. In 1906, Herbert Wehner, German politician, Minister of Intra-German Relations (died 1990) was born. In 1912, William F. Walsh, American captain and politician, 48th Mayor of Syracuse (died 2011) was born. In 1919, The eight-hour day and free Sunday become law for workers in the Netherlands. In 1920, In the East Prussian plebiscite the local populace decides to remain with Weimar Germany. In 1960, Congo Crisis: The State of Katanga breaks away from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 1960, France legislates for the independence of Dahomey (later Benin), Upper Volta (later Burkina Faso) and Niger. In 1990, Oka Crisis: First Nations land dispute in Quebec begins. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.