The month of May is over, and now June has arrived. It’s incredible how fast the year is flying by. In honor of the new month, here is a short list of major world events that have happened in the month of June (in no particular order):

1.) D.Day – June 6, 1944

The famed invasion of Normandy by the Allied troops. Part of Operation Overlord, D-Day helped the Allied forces push forward into France and establish a new front on their way to liberate Paris. Many historians consider D-Day the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany.  It was the largest and most successful amphibious assault in history and to this day, many accounts and depictions are created in film, television, print and art. Definitely an important world event.

2.) Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria – June 28, 1914

Often referred to as “The shot heard ’round the world,” many blame the assassination as the cause of World War I. A Serbian nationalist, Gavrilo Princip, was the assassin. In the aftermath, Austria’s demands from Serbia caused Serbia to activate its alliance with Russia, who in turn, had an alliance with the UK and France, known as the Triple Entente. Austria, in retaliation, activated their alliances with Germany and Italy. The Great War was born. The aftermath of WWI also lead indirectly to WWII, as well as the birth of the Soviet Union. This world event changed the world forever.

3.) Henry Ford test drives the Ford Quadricycle – June 4, 1896

Such a small world event leading to big thing. This small vehicle was the predecessor to all vehicles on the road today. Its top speed was 20 mph and used a gasoline engine. This little invention helped propel Ford to early automotive dominance. After he left the Henry Ford Company (later known as Cadillac), Ford established the Ford Motor Company in 1903. His Model T automobile revolutionized traveling, as people started living in the suburbs because of the car. He also made it affordable for the majority of Americans, due to the invention of the assembly line.

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