As a historian, I have learned that, in fact, not everyone who reaches back into history can survive it. And it is not only reaching back that endangers us; sometimes history itself reaches inexorably forward for us with its shadowy claws.’ — Elizabeth Kostova
List of historical events
1. The Kiel Canal was opened by German Emperor Wilhelm II
On this day in history in 1895 The Kiel Canal was opened by German Emperor Wilhelm II. The 98 km (61 mi) long canal in Northern Germany is one of the world’s busiest artificial waterways. It connects the North Sea with the Baltic Sea.
2. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini became Pope Paul VI
On this day in history in 1963 Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini became Pope Paul VI. The Italian pontiff is known for completing the Second Vatican Council, addressing the Roman Catholic Church’s relationship with the modern world.
3. The body of Josef Mengele was identified
On this day in history in 1985 The body of Josef Mengele was identified.
An international team of scientists confirmed that the skeletal remains found in a cemetery in Embu, Brazil are those of the Nazi war criminal. Mengele was a physician in the Auschwitz concentration camp and conducted horrific experiments on some of the inmates.
Read also: June 20th this day in history
4. SpaceShipOne completed the world’s first manned private spaceflight
On this day in history in 2004 SpaceShipOne completed the world’s first manned private spaceflight. The privately funded spaceplane reached an altitude of just over 100 kilometers (62 miles). Mike Melvill was the pilot and only occupant.
5. Greenland assumed self-rule
On this day in history in 2009 Greenland assumed self-rule
The island had been administered by Denmark (earlier Denmark-Norway) for centuries. The Self-Government Act grants Greenland full responsibility for its inner affairs, while Denmark retains control of foreign policy.
