In History, Today on June 30

Cosmonaut Pyotr Dubrov and NASA astronaut Mark T. Vande Hei conducted a spacewalk to install new hardware and update modules on the International Space Station (ISS). This spacewalk was one of several planned to prepare and upgrade the ISS's systems.

U.S. President Donald Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to set foot in North Korea during a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This meeting was part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to address North Korea's nuclear program.

The United States and Cuba reopened embassies in each other's capitals, marking the restoration of diplomatic relations after more than 50 years of hostility.

Croatia became the 28th member of the European Union, marking a significant milestone in its post-Yugoslav history and integration into European structures.

Mohamed Morsi becomes President of Egypt, following the country's first democratic elections after the 2011 revolution.

A terrorist attack occurred at Glasgow Airport in Scotland when a Jeep Cherokee loaded with propane canisters was driven into the terminal. The attack was foiled, and the perpetrators were apprehended.

Spain legalized same-sex marriage, becoming the third country in the world to do so after the Netherlands and Belgium. The law granted same-sex couples the same legal rights as heterosexual couples.

Brazil won the FIFA World Cup, defeating Germany 2-0 in the final held in Yokohama, Japan. This victory marked Brazil's fifth World Cup title, the most by any nation.

The United Kingdom transferred sovereignty over Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China, ending 156 years of British colonial rule and marking a significant moment in the region's history.

The Royal Canadian Mint introduces the $1 coin, often called the 'Loonie,' in Canada.

The crew of the Soviet Soyuz 11 mission was tragically killed during re-entry after a successful mission to the Salyut 1 space station, marking the first human deaths in space.

The National Organization for Women (NOW) was founded in Washington, D.C., aiming to advocate for women's rights and equality in the United States.

A car carrying Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin collides with another vehicle, injuring him.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo gained independence from Belgium, marking the end of colonial rule and the beginning of a tumultuous period in the nation's history.

The first Chevrolet Corvette was manufactured and rolled off the assembly line in Flint, Michigan.

President Harry S. Truman ordered U.S. ground forces into Korea, marking a significant escalation in the Korean War following the North Korean invasion of South Korea.

The world's first emergency telephone number, 999, was introduced in the United Kingdom, allowing the public to quickly connect to police, fire, or ambulance services.

The novel 'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell was published, becoming one of the best-selling novels of all time and later adapted into an acclaimed film.

The Night of the Long Knives began in Nazi Germany, a purge in which Adolf Hitler ordered the execution of potential rivals within the Nazi Party, consolidating his power.

The Tunguska event occurred in Siberia, Russia, when a large explosion, believed to be caused by the airburst of a small comet or asteroid, flattened an estimated 2,000 square kilometers of forest.

Albert Einstein submitted his paper 'On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies' to the Annalen der Physik, introducing the theory of special relativity.

London Tower Bridge was officially opened by the Prince of Wales.

The 1860 Oxford evolution debate took place at the Oxford University Museum, focusing on Darwin's theory of evolution.

French acrobat Charles Blondin crossed Niagara Falls on a tightrope, a feat that captivated audiences and demonstrated the daring nature of 19th-century entertainment.

The Papal States lost control of Rome after the entry of French forces, restoring Pope Pius IX to power and ending the short-lived Roman Republic, which had been established the previous year following a republican revolution.

In France, during the Reign of Terror, artist Jacques-Louis David publicly unveiled his famous painting 'The Death of Marat'. The masterpiece depicted the assassination of Jean-Paul Marat, a radical journalist and politician, who was murdered by Charlotte Corday in 1793.

The Treaty of Föhrenwald was signed, marking the end of a longstanding dispute involving the Electorate of Bavaria. This treaty resolved territorial differences between Bavaria and the Habsburg Monarchy, contributing to more stable relations within the Holy Roman Empire.

The Spanish conquistadors, led by Hernán Cortés, experienced La Noche Triste (The Night of Sorrows) as they attempted to escape from Tenochtitlán, the Aztec capital, facing heavy resistance and suffering significant losses.

The remarkable achievement of Marco Polo's return home from his notable journey throughout Asia and his service at the court of Kublai Khan came to its initial climax. Polo is celebrated for documenting his extensive travels in 'Il Milione,' a work that would later provide Europeans with one of the first comprehensive looks at the culture and geography of the East.

Five Canterbury monks observing the Moon reported an unusual phenomenon, where they saw 'the upper horn [of the Moon] split in two.' This account is considered by some historians to be related to the Giordano Bruno impact event.

The Battle of Bakhamra takes place during the Abbasid Caliphate's civil war, known as the Alid Revolt.

Pope Marcellinus begins his papacy.