On this day: June 9
June 9, 68 AD: Roman Emperor Nero Commits Suicide
On this day in 68 AD, Roman Emperor Nero committed suicide after being declared a public enemy by the Senate. Nero, known for his extravagant lifestyle and brutal reign, faced increasing opposition from the Roman people and military. Fearing capture and execution, Nero took his own life, marking the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.
June 9, 1815: Battle of La Belle Alliance
The Battle of La Belle Alliance, also known as the Battle of Waterloo, took place on June 9, 1815. It was the final battle of the Napoleonic Wars and saw the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte by the Duke of Wellington and Field Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher. The battle marked the end of Napoleon’s reign and his subsequent exile to the island of Saint Helena.
June 9, 1954: McCarthy Hearings Begin
On June 9, 1954, the infamous McCarthy hearings began in the United States. Senator Joseph McCarthy led a series of hearings investigating alleged communist infiltration in the government and Hollywood. The hearings became a symbol of political witch hunts and led to the downfall of McCarthy’s career.
June 9, 1973: Secretariat Wins the Triple Crown
On this day in 1973, the legendary racehorse Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes, becoming the first horse in 25 years to win the Triple Crown. Secretariat’s record-breaking victory in the Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths solidified his place in horse racing history as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
June 9, 1989: Tiananmen Square Protests
The Tiananmen Square protests began on June 9, 1989, in Beijing, China. Students and pro-democracy activists gathered in Tiananmen Square to demand political reform and greater freedoms. The protests were met with a violent crackdown by the Chinese government, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries. The Tiananmen Square protests remain a defining moment in modern Chinese history.
June 9, 2016: Muhammad Ali Passes Away
On June 9, 2016, boxing legend Muhammad Ali passed away at the age of 74. Ali, known for his charismatic personality and boxing prowess, was a three-time heavyweight champion and one of the most iconic figures in sports history. His passing was mourned by people around the world, as they remembered his contributions to the sport of boxing and his activism outside of the ring.
