“History is not the past but a map of the past, drawn from a particular point of view, to be useful to the modern traveller.” Henry Glassie, US historian
1. The Giro d’Italia cycle race was held for the first time
On this day in history in 1909 The Giro d’Italia cycle race was held for the first time. The Giro is considered one of the world’s most important cycle races. Luigi Ganna won the first edition, which went from Milan to Naples and back.
2. Igor Sikorsky piloted his VS-300 helicopter’s maiden flight
On this day in history in 1940 Igor Sikorsky piloted his VS-300 helicopter’s maiden flight. The helicopter was the first successful model to use the single vertical tail rotor that most helicopters feature today.
3. The first Formula One World Championship season kicked off
On this day in history in 1950 The first Formula One World Championship season kicked off. Giuseppe Farina won the first FIA World Championship of Drivers for the Alfa Romeo team.
4. Pope John Paul II survived an assassination attempt
On this day in history in 1981 Pope John Paul II survived an assassination attempt. A Turkish right-wing extremist Mehmet Ali Ağca fired two shots at John Paul II on St. Peter’s Square. The Pope was seriously wounded but survived thanks to a 5-hour operation and went on to visit his attacker in prison.
5. Thousands of students began a hunger strike on Tiananmen Square in Beijing
On this day in history in 1989 Thousands of students began a hunger strike on Tiananmen Square in Beijing. The non-violent occupation of the square was part of anti-corruption and pro-democracy demonstrations. Some 3000 unarmed civilians were killed when the army cracked down on the protesters on June 3-4, 1989.
