In History, Today on June 18

Iran held its presidential election, resulting in the election of Ebrahim Raisi. Raisi, the head of Iran's judiciary, won by a significant margin in an election marked by low voter turnout and the disqualification of many reformist and moderate candidates.

President Donald Trump directs the Pentagon to begin the process of establishing a Space Force as the sixth branch of the U.S. Armed Forces to ensure American dominance in space.

Pope Francis released his second encyclical, 'Laudato si',' which focused on environmental issues and climate change.

The United Nations declared the start of the International Year of Family Farming to highlight the role of family farming in eradicating hunger and poverty.

The G8 summit was held in Lough Erne, Northern Ireland, focusing on issues such as tax evasion, trade, and transparency.

The G-20 summit took place in Los Cabos, Mexico, where world leaders discussed the global economy, financial markets, and sustainable development.

The United Nations Security Council imposed a fourth round of sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.

NASA launched the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) to the Moon. The mission aimed to map the lunar surface and search for water ice.

The 2005 UEFA Women's Championship concludes with Germany defeating Norway 3-1 in the final, securing their sixth title.

The first of two amendments for the Republic of China (Taiwan) is approved by the Legislative Yuan, allowing referendums on national sovereignty issues.

The 2000 Vermont Civil Union Law goes into effect, allowing same-sex couples to obtain civil unions, which grant them the same benefits, protections, and responsibilities under Vermont law as spouses in a marriage.

Sally Ride became the first American woman in space as a crew member on the Space Shuttle Challenger for mission STS-7. Her flight marked a significant milestone in the history of NASA and the role of women in space exploration.

The Strategic Arms Limitation Talks II (SALT II) agreement was signed between the United States and the Soviet Union, aiming to curb the manufacture of strategic nuclear weapons.

The Vietnam War escalated as the United States deployed its first major combat unit, 3,500 marines, to South Vietnam to participate in the Battle of Van Tuong.

A United States Air Force C-124 Globemaster II aircraft crashed near Tokyo, Japan, killing all 129 people aboard in what was at the time the worst aviation disaster in history.

William Joyce, known as 'Lord Haw-Haw,' was charged with treason for his wartime propaganda broadcasts for Nazi Germany. His trial and subsequent execution highlighted the complexities of nationality and allegiance during wartime.

Winston Churchill delivered his famous 'This was their finest hour' speech to the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, rallying British morale during the early days of World War II following the fall of France to Nazi Germany.

Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean as a passenger on the Fokker F.VII Friendship, piloted by Wilmer Stultz and Louis Gordon. This achievement helped to pave the way for her later solo transatlantic flight in 1932.

The first successful parachute jump from an aircraft is made by Tiny Broadwick.

The Empress Dowager Cixi of China orders all foreigners to be killed during the Boxer Rebellion.

Susan B. Anthony is fined $100 for voting in the United States presidential election of 1872.

Charles Darwin receives a paper from Alfred Russel Wallace that prompts the joint publication of both their theories on evolution by natural selection.

The village of Merrickville, initially Merrick's Mills, is incorporated in Ontario, Canada, enhancing its status amid its burgeoning industrial activity.

The Battle of Waterloo took place, where Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated by the Seventh Coalition, led by the Duke of Wellington and Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher. This battle marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars and led to Napoleon's final exile to Saint Helena.

The United States declared war on Great Britain, marking the beginning of the War of 1812. This conflict was fueled by issues such as trade restrictions due to Britain's ongoing war with France, the impressment of American sailors into the British Navy, and British support of Native American tribes against American expansion.

The action of 18 June 1799 took place during the French Revolutionary Wars when British Navy frigate HMS Sybille captured French frigate Forte near the island of Mauritius.

The Battle of Kolín took place during the Seven Years' War, where Austrian forces, commanded by Field Marshal Leopold Joseph von Daun, defeated the Prussian forces under King Frederick the Great.

Richard Martin, in the English Parliament, made a motion to examine the export of money bullion, reflecting concerns over England's economic policies.

The French army, led by Joan of Arc and Duke John II of Alençon, successfully captured the city of Beaugency during the Hundred Years' War.

The Parliament of Ireland met in Kilkenny for the first time. This assembly marked an important step in the Irish parliamentary system, highlighting more localized governance under the English rule.

The Rus'–Byzantine War of 860 begins with the Rus' attacking Constantinople.

Li Yuan, later known as Emperor Gaozu of Tang, declared himself emperor and established the Tang Dynasty in China, marking the beginning of one of China's most prosperous and culturally significant dynasties.