In History, Today on June 17

The European Union agreed to grant Ukraine and Moldova candidate status, marking a significant step in their potential accession to the EU.

Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday in the United States, commemorating the end of slavery in the country.

Protests in Hong Kong continued against the controversial extradition bill, which would allow suspects to be sent to mainland China for trial, sparking broader demands for democratic reforms.

The collision between the USS Fitzgerald, a United States Navy destroyer, and the ACX Crystal, a Philippine-flagged container ship, occurred off the coast of Japan, resulting in the deaths of seven U.S. sailors and significant damage to the destroyer.

A mass shooting occurred at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, resulting in the deaths of nine African American churchgoers. The attack was racially motivated and led to widespread discussions on race relations in the United States.

The European Union agreed to offer Greece a second bailout in an effort to prevent the country from defaulting on its debt and to stabilize the Eurozone.

President Barack Obama signs a presidential memorandum allowing hospital visits and medical decision-making rights for same-sex couples, an important step towards the legalization of same-sex marriage and equal rights in the United States.

The United States Supreme Court ruled in the case of Boumediene v. Bush that detainees at Guantanamo Bay have the right to challenge their detention in U.S. courts, a landmark decision on the rights of detainees.

The G8 summit began in Évian-les-Bains, France, focusing on global economic issues and international security.

The first public demonstration of the Segway PT (Personal Transporter) took place, showcasing a new mode of personal transportation that would later influence urban mobility.

Following a televised low-speed car chase, O.J. Simpson is arrested for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.

The Watergate scandal begins with the arrest of five men for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters.

The U.S. Supreme Court rules in Abington School District v. Schempp that school-sponsored Bible reading in public schools is unconstitutional.

The East German uprising occurs as workers protest against the government, leading to Soviet military intervention.

A United Air Lines DC-6 crash-landed in the mountains near Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, killing 43 of the 49 people on board.

Iceland declares independence from Denmark and becomes a republic.

The RMS Lancastria is sunk by German bombers near Saint-Nazaire, France, during World War II, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives.

President Herbert Hoover signs the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act into law, raising U.S. tariffs on over 20,000 imported goods.

Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean as a passenger.

The Statue of Liberty arrives in New York Harbor from France.

The Battle of the Rosebud was fought between the United States Army and a coalition of Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne warriors. Led by Crazy Horse, the Native American forces successfully prevented General George Crook from joining forces with General Custer's Seventh Cavalry at Little Bighorn.

The Treaty of London guarantees Belgian neutrality and independence, recognizing Belgium as a kingdom independent from the Netherlands.

During the French Revolution, the Third Estate declares itself the National Assembly.

The Battle of Bunker Hill is fought during the American Revolutionary War.

French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet reach the confluence of the Mississippi River and the Wisconsin River and become the first Europeans to discover the upper Mississippi.

Mumtaz Mahal dies during childbirth, prompting her husband, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, to commission the Taj Mahal.

Sir Francis Drake claims a land he calls Nova Albion (modern California) for England.

Vlad the Impaler attempts to assassinate Mehmed II, leading to the Night Attack at Târgoviște.

Union of Kalmar was established, uniting the kingdoms of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway under a single monarch.

Pope Adeodatus II was consecrated as the head of the Catholic Church, beginning his papacy. Adeodatus II's tenure is noted for its peace during troubled times and rebuilding efforts.

The Battle of the Camel took place near Basra, Iraq. This battle was a significant conflict during the First Fitna, the first Islamic civil war, which was fought between forces loyal to Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph, and those supporting Aisha, the widow of the Prophet Muhammad, along with companions Talha and Zubair.