![Today in History 22 June 2024](https://b.blackcampus.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GridArt_20240622_072959076-1024x1024.jpg)
1633: The Catholic Church forces Galileo Galilei to renounce his heliocentric world view. The Holy Office concluded that the Italian scientist, by stating that the Sun, not the Earth, is the center of the Universe, was “vehemently suspect of heresy”. Galileo spent the rest of his life under house arrest. (Vatican apologizes in Oct 1992 for how it handled the case).
![](https://b.blackcampus.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Galileo-Galilei.jpg)
1765: On this day, the British Parliament passed the Stamp Act, which placed taxes on various printed papers in the colonies; highly unpopular, the legislation was particularly contentious in America.
1832: German author and philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who was considered the greatest German literary figure of the modern era, died in Weimar, Saxe-Weimar.
![](https://b.blackcampus.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Johann-Wolfgang-von-Goethe.jpg)
1941: Germany invades the Soviet Union
The initially successful attack soon proved a disaster for the Germans as wintry conditions and fierce Soviet resistance caused massive losses and ultimately forced them to retreat.
1945: The Arab League, a regional organization of Arab states in the Middle East, was organized in Cairo by Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Transjordan (now Jordan), Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.
![](https://b.blackcampus.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-Arab-League.png)
1945: Okinawa falls to U.S. troops
The Battle of Okinawa marked a decisive defeat for Japan during World War II as the archipelago represented the last line of defense for mainland Japan. The country surrendered two months after the end of the battle when two atomic bombs were dropped on the mainland.
1963: “Little” Stevie Wonder aged 13 releases his first single “Fingertips” (the first live non-studio recording to go to No. 1 on Billboard).
![](https://b.blackcampus.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Stevie-Wonder-aged-13.jpg)
1986: Diego Maradona coins the phrase “Hand of God” The Argentinian football star had scored a goal with his hand during the FIFA World Cup quarter-final against England. The referee allowed the goal, the Argentinian team were later crowned world champions. After the game, Maradona said that the goal was scored “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God”. It was the first match between the two countries since the Falklands War in 1982.
![](https://b.blackcampus.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Diego-Maradona.jpg)
1990: Checkpoint Charlie is dismantled. The crossing point on the sector border between East Berlin and West Berlin had become obsolete with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Today, the former checkpoint, including the famous sign stating “You are leaving the American sector”, is a tourist attraction.
1993: The National Electoral Commission (NEC) in Nigeria goes to the Court of Appeal to challenge the interim injunction by the Abuja High Court.
1995: John Major resigned as head of Britain’s Conservative Party, but said that he would stay on as prime minister while he fought for re-election. He said he had been under attack for three years and told his critics to ‘put up or shut up’.
![](https://b.blackcampus.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/John-Major.jpg)
2002: Tanzania government finds itself embroiled in controversy when it announces plans to buy a second private jet for President Benjamin Mpaka, costing £15m million, as reported by the Nyasa Times, This comes at a time when Tanzania is simultaneously seeking £270 million in aid from the U.K.
![](https://b.blackcampus.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/President-Benjamin-Mpaka.jpeg)
BIRTHS ON THIS DAY: June 22
1953: Cyndi Lauper, 71 Years
Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and activist who was born on 22 June 1953. Her career has spanned over 40 years.
![](https://b.blackcampus.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cyndi-Lauper.jpg)
1921: Joseph Hanson Kwabena Nketia (Born: 22 June 1921 – 13 March 2019)
Ghanaian composer and musical scholar, in Mampong, Gold Coast. His work as an ethnomusicologist has become the standard for teaching and studying, as well as composing, African music. He died at the age of 97.
![](https://b.blackcampus.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Joseph-Hanson-Kwabena-Nketia.jpg)
1923: Prince Solomon Aiseokhuoba Igbinoghodua Akenzua (22 June 1923 – 2016)
Oba of the Edo people, in Benin City, British Nigeria. As Erediauwa, he was crowned Oba of Benin on March 23, 1979, and reigned until he died in 2016. The media-friendly king raised the profile of traditional Nigerian royalty by activity promoting Benin culture, and negotiating between feuding politicians. He died at the age of 92.
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