Today in News History

On July 12, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1493, Hartmann Schedel's Nuremberg Chronicle, one of the best-documented early printed books, is published. In 1776, Captain James Cook begins his third voyage. In 1920, The Soviet-Lithuanian Peace Treaty is signed, by which Soviet Russia recognizes the independence of Lithuania. In 1927, Harley Hotchkiss, Canadian businessman (died 2011) was born. In 1943, World War II: Battle of Kursk: German and Soviet forces engage in the Battle of Prokhorovka, one of the largest armored engagements of all time. In 1961, ČSA Flight 511 crashes at Casablanca-Anfa Airport in Morocco, killing 72. In 1975, São Tomé and Príncipe declare independence from Portugal. In 1979, The island nation of Kiribati becomes independent from the United Kingdom. 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. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.