This Day in History is DUE’s daily dose of trivia for all the history buffs out there. So sit back and take a ride of all the fascinating things that happened today!
People are trapped in history and history is trapped in people, and hence, every day has been a significant one in the foibles of history. Now, let’s take a tour of “This Day in History – 10th June.”
1692: Salem’s first execution
It was on this ill-fated day when the first execution of the infamous Salem witch trials took place. Bridget Bishop was the first person to be executed for alleged witchcraft. Nineteen were hanged and a man was pressed to death. Around 150 people were incriminated based on suspicions in Salem and nearby villages. Most of the trials were based on spectral evidence and suspicious testimonies.
1847: The Chicago Tribune begins publication
One of the leading daily American newspapers, The Chicago Tribune was published for the first time on this day. It was founded by James Kelly, John E. Wheeler and Joseph K.C. Forrest but ownership changed several times in the next years. About 400 copies were printed for the first edition, which consisted of only four pages.
1929: Edward O. Wilson’s birth
Edward Osborne Wilson, an American biologist was born on this day in Alabama, U.S. He was recognized as the world’s leading authority on ants. He was also the leading proponent of sociobiology. Edward had to give away his interest in ornithology owing to a childhood injury and the onset of partial deafness.
1940: Italy wages war on France and Britain
It was on this day when Italy declared war on France and Britain. But it was only after ten days when the troops were mobilized in France. On this occasion, Hitler opined that “First they were too cowardly to take part. Now they are in a hurry so that they can share in the spoils”.
1986: India wins the first match at Lords
It was on this day when the Indian cricket team led by Kapil Dev won its first test match at the Lords, England by five wickets. The credit for this astonishing five-wicket win goes to Kapil Dev and Ravi Shastri for their performance on the final day of the match.
