Today in News History

On June 22, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1807, In the Chesapeake-Leopard affair, the British warship HMS Leopard attacks and boards the American frigate USS Chesapeake. In 1812, France declares war on Russia, starting Napoleon's invasion. In 1839, Cherokee leaders Major Ridge, John Ridge, and Elias Boudinot are assassinated for signing the Treaty of New Echota, which had resulted in the Trail of Tears. In 1893, The Royal Navy battleship HMS Camperdown accidentally rams the British Mediterranean Fleet flagship HMS Victoria which sinks taking 358 crew with her, including the fleet's commander, Vice-Admiral Sir George Tryon. In 1911, George V and Mary of Teck are crowned King and Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. In 1940, World War II: France is forced to sign the Second Compiègne armistice with Germany, in the same railroad car in which the Germans signed the Armistice in 1918. In 1950, John Perdue, former West Virginia State Treasurer was born. In 1984, Virgin Atlantic launches with its first flight from London to Newark. In 2000, Wuhan Airlines Flight 343 is struck by lightning and crashes into Wuhan's Hanyang District, killing 49 people. In 2012, A Turkish Air Force McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighter plane is shot down by the Syrian Armed Forces, killing both of the plane's pilots and worsening already-strained relations between Turkey and Syria. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.