Today in History: U.S. passes the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote

The following is a chronological list of notable events that occurred on June 4 throughout history:

1. 1783 – First public hot air balloon demonstration

On June 4, 1783, the Montgolfier brothers, Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne, conducted the first public demonstration of a hot air balloon in Annonay, France. This event marked a significant milestone in aviation history.

2. 1917 – First Pulitzer Prizes awarded

The inaugural Pulitzer Prizes were awarded on June 4, 1917, recognizing excellence in journalism and the arts.

3. 1919 – U.S. Congress passes the 19th Amendment

On June 4, 1919, the U.S. Congress approved the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote.

4. 1940 – Dunkirk evacuation concludes

The evacuation of Allied forces from Dunkirk, France, concluded on June 4, 1940, with over 338,000 troops rescued during Operation Dynamo in World War II.

5. 1942 – Battle of Midway begins

The Battle of Midway commenced on June 4, 1942, leading to a decisive victory for the United States over Japan and marking a turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II.

6. 1944 – U.S. Navy captures German submarine U-505

On June 4, 1944, the U.S. Navy captured the German submarine U-505 off the coast of West Africa, marking the first time a U.S. Navy vessel had captured an enemy ship at sea since the 19th century.

7. 1970 – Tonga gains independence

The Kingdom of Tonga achieved independence from British protection on June 4, 1970, becoming a sovereign nation under King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV.

8. 1984 – Bruce Springsteen releases “Born in the U.S.A.”

American musician Bruce Springsteen released his album “Born in the U.S.A.” on June 4, 1984, which became one of his defining works and a significant cultural moment.

9. 1989 – Tiananmen Square massacre

On June 4, 1989, Chinese troops violently suppressed pro-democracy demonstrations in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, resulting in the deaths of hundreds, possibly thousands, of protesters.

10. 1989 – Poland holds first partially free elections

Poland conducted its first partially free parliamentary elections since World War II on June 4, 1989, leading to a landslide victory for the Solidarity movement and signaling the decline of communist rule in Eastern Europe.