In History, Today on June 22

A large earthquake struck southeastern Afghanistan, causing extensive damage and resulting in over 1,000 fatalities and several thousand injuries. The affected regions included parts of Paktika and Khost provinces.

A massive blackout affected Argentina, Uruguay, and parts of Paraguay, leaving tens of millions of people without power for several hours.

The United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) leader Nigel Farage made a controversial speech in the European Parliament following the Brexit referendum.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Affordable Care Act in King v. Burwell, upholding federal subsidies for health insurance.

The Paraguayan Senate voted to impeach President Fernando Lugo, leading to his removal from office and a political crisis.

On June 22, 2011, Syria was suspended from the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership due to the government's violent crackdown on protestors during the Syrian Civil War. This was part of the international community's response to the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

The longest match in professional tennis history began at Wimbledon, between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut, lasting 11 hours and 5 minutes over three days.

A Washington Metro train collision occurred, resulting in nine fatalities and numerous injuries, marking the deadliest accident in the system's history.

Zimbabwe holds a presidential run-off election between Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai amidst widespread controversy and violence.

The SpaceShipOne becomes the first privately-funded spacecraft to achieve spaceflight, marking a significant milestone in private space exploration.

An earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale struck northwestern Iran, causing significant damage and loss of life.

The 'Hand of God' goal was scored by Diego Maradona during the FIFA World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and England, a controversial moment in sports history.

Charon, the largest moon of the dwarf planet Pluto, was discovered by astronomer James W. Christy at the United States Naval Observatory.

A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the Fukui Prefecture in Japan, causing significant damage and loss of life.

The Battle of Okinawa ended with an Allied victory. It was one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific War during World War II.

The Soviet Union launched Operation Bagration, a massive offensive against the German Army Group Centre, which resulted in a significant Soviet victory and the liberation of much of Belarus.

The Pledge of Allegiance was formally adopted by the United States Congress as the official national pledge.

Operation Barbarossa, the code name for Nazi Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union during World War II, was launched, marking a significant escalation in the war.

France signed an armistice with Nazi Germany at Compiègne, leading to the occupation of northern France and the establishment of the Vichy regime in the south.

During the Spanish-American War, the United States forces land in Cuba.

The June Days Uprising began in France, as working-class Parisians protested the closure of National Workshops, leading to a violent confrontation with the French government.

Napoleon Bonaparte abdicated for the second time after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, marking the end of the Hundred Days and leading to his exile to Saint Helena.

During the Peninsular War, the Battle of Vitoria took place, where Anglo-Portuguese and Spanish forces under the Duke of Wellington defeated the French army led by Joseph Bonaparte.

Following the Battle of Marengo, Napoleon enters Milan in triumph.

The Church Street School in Easthampton, England, is opened, marking the beginning of one of the earliest public schools.

The Olmütz University, modern-day Palacký University Olomouc, is reopened in Moravia (now Czech Republic) with the full rights of a university.

The Quebec Act is passed by the British Parliament, establishing procedures of governance in the Province of Quebec.

King Philip's War: Beginning of a war in which Native Americans, led by Metacom (King Philip), initiated attacks on Massachusetts villages.

Galileo Galilei was forced by the Roman Catholic Church to recant his heliocentric view of the universe, which stated that the Earth revolves around the Sun.

The Schmalkaldic League, a defensive alliance of Lutheran princes within the Holy Roman Empire, was formed to protect their religious and political interests against the Catholic Emperor Charles V.

Richard II was crowned King of England at the age of 10.

The naval Battle of La Rochelle took place during the Hundred Years' War, resulting in a decisive Castilian victory over the English fleet.

On this date, Emperor Henry IV embarked on a journey to Rome during the era of the Investiture Controversy, a conflict between the Papacy and Holy Roman Empire over the appointment of church officials. Henry's journey was part of his broader struggle with Pope Paschal II.

The First Council of Ephesus was convened by Emperor Theodosius II to address the Nestorian controversy, affirming the title of Theotokos for Mary and condemning Nestorius.

The Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate dies during his campaign against the Sassanid Empire; Jovian is proclaimed as his successor.

The Battle of Antioch took place, where Roman Emperor Macrinus was defeated by the forces of Elagabalus, leading to Macrinus' downfall and Elagabalus becoming emperor.