Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1789, Jacques Necker is dismissed as France's Finance Minister sparking the Storming of the Bastille. In 1864, American Civil War: Battle of Fort Stevens; Confederate forces attempt to invade Washington, D.C. 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 1921, The Red Army captures Mongolia from the White Army and establishes the Mongolian People's Republic. In 1930, Ezra Vogel, American sociologist (died 2020) was born. In 1960, Congo Crisis: The State of Katanga breaks away from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 1962, Project Apollo: At a press conference, NASA announces lunar orbit rendezvous as the means to land astronauts on the Moon, and return them to Earth. In 1969, Ned Boulting, British sports journalist and television presenter was born. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.