In History, Today on June 4

The World Health Organization (WHO) approved the Sinovac-CoronaVac COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, providing a new tool to help combat the pandemic, especially in countries with less access to vaccine options.

Guatemala's Fuego volcano erupts, resulting in the deaths of at least 190 people and causing widespread destruction.

The United Nations General Assembly elects Jordan, Lithuania, and Nigeria as non-permanent members of the Security Council.

The first successful flight of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket takes place, marking a significant milestone in private space exploration.

The Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 are commemorated by tens of thousands of people in Hong Kong, marking the 20th anniversary of the event.

Marvin Heemeyer, a disgruntled welder, goes on a rampage with a modified bulldozer in Granby, Colorado, causing significant property damage.

A 7.9 magnitude earthquake occurs in northern Afghanistan, causing widespread damage and reportedly killing at least 2,000 people.

Gyanendra is crowned King of Nepal following the royal massacre in which King Birendra and several members of the royal family were killed.

The Tiananmen Square Massacre occurs as Chinese troops and security police storm through Tiananmen Square in Beijing, killing and arresting thousands of pro-democracy protesters.

Tonghai earthquakes took place, causing significant destruction in the region.

The Battle of Midway begins, marking a turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II as the United States Navy decisively defeats the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Winston Churchill delivers his famous 'We shall fight on the beaches' speech to the House of Commons, rallying British resolve during World War II.

The U.S. Congress passed the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which guarantees women the right to vote. The amendment was subsequently sent to the states for ratification.

The first Pulitzer Prizes are awarded: Laura E. Richards, Maud Howe Elliott, and Florence Hall receive the first Pulitzer for biography, and Jean Jules Jusserand receives the first Pulitzer for history.

Emily Davison, a suffragette, runs out in front of King George V's horse, Anmer, at the Epsom Derby, suffering fatal injuries in her protest for women's suffrage.

Henry Ford completes his first successful test drive of the Ford Quadricycle, his first gasoline-powered automobile.

The Transcontinental Express arrives in San Francisco, California, via the First Transcontinental Railroad, completing the journey in 83 hours and 39 minutes from New York City.

Mexican General Mariano Arista mobilized his troops to break the American blockade at the Rio Grande during the Mexican-American War. This event was one of the youkey military actions that set the stage for hostilities leading to larger battles.

The Louisiana Territory was divided into the Missouri Territory and the Orleans Territory (which later became the state of Louisiana). This division was part of the United States' westward expansion following the Louisiana Purchase.

Captain George Vancouver claims Puget Sound for Great Britain during his exploration of the Pacific Northwest.

The Montgolfier brothers publicly demonstrate their hot air balloon in Annonay, France, marking a significant milestone in aviation history.

During the reign of Christian II, the last legal execution for heresy in Denmark took place, marking the end of the struggle between the Old and the New Faith.

King Charles VI of France grants a monopoly for the ripening of Roquefort cheese to the people of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon.

Anti-Jewish pogroms began in Seville, Spain, spreading throughout Spanish cities, marking one of the worst anti-Jewish attacks in medieval Spain.

The Treaty of Aberconwy was signed between Llywelyn ap Gruffudd of Wales and King Edward I of England.

Roquefort cheese is first mentioned in historical records, marking its origin in the caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, France.

A total solar eclipse was observed in China, and it was recorded in the historical text 'Zizhi Tongjian'. This event is significant as it demonstrates the advanced state of Chinese astronomy and record-keeping during the Tang Dynasty.