Today in News History

On June 18, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 656, Ali becomes Caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate. In 741, Leo III the Isaurian, Byzantine emperor (born 685) passed away. In 1391, Tokhtamysh-Timur war: Battle of the Kondurcha River: Timur defeats Tokhtamysh of the Golden Horde in present-day southeast Russia. In 1812, The United States declaration of war upon the United Kingdom is signed by President James Madison, beginning the War of 1812. In 1940, Appeal of 18 June by Charles de Gaulle. In 1946, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, a Socialist, calls for a Direct Action Day against the Portuguese in Goa. In 1948, Britain, France and the United States announce that on June 21, the Deutsche Mark will be introduced in western Germany and West Berlin. Over the next six days, Communists increasingly restrict access to Berlin. In 1965, Vietnam War: The United States Air Force uses B-52 bombers to attack guerrilla fighters in South Vietnam. In 1979, SALT II is signed by the United States and the Soviet Union. In 1984, A major clash between about 5,000 police and a similar number of striking miners takes place at Orgreave, South Yorkshire, during the 1984-85 UK miners' strike. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.