618day.year
Li Yuan becomes Emperor Gaozu of Tang, initiating three centuries of Tang dynasty rule over China.
In 618, Li Yuan proclaims himself Emperor Gaozu of Tang, founding the Tang dynasty and beginning three centuries of rule over China.
In 618, Li Yuan, a high-ranking Sui dynasty general, seized the opportunity amid widespread unrest and declared himself Emperor Gaozu of Tang. This marked the founding of the Tang dynasty, one of China's golden ages known for cultural flourishing and economic prosperity. Under Emperor Gaozu’s leadership, the new dynasty consolidated power through military campaigns and administrative reforms. The Tang dynasty expanded China’s borders deep into Central Asia and fostered the Silk Road trade. Gaozu established a merit-based bureaucracy that would influence Chinese governance for centuries. His reign set the stage for future Tang emperors to continue building a dynasty that lasted nearly 300 years.
618
Emperor Gaozu of Tang
Tang dynasty
656day.year
Ali becomes Caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate.
In 656, Ali, cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad, becomes the fourth Rashidun Caliph, leading the early Islamic community during a period of internal strife.
Ali ibn Abi Talib, a prominent companion of the Prophet Muhammad, was chosen as Caliph in 656 following the assassination of his predecessor. His accession deepened existing divisions within the Muslim community, contributing to the First Fitna, the first major civil war in Islamic history. Ali moved the capital to Kufa in present-day Iraq and sought to assert authority over rival factions. His reign was marked by battles against Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan and Aisha, leading to significant political and theological ramifications. Ali’s leadership and decisions during this period shaped Shia Islam, which regards him as the first rightful Imam. His caliphate laid the foundations for lasting religious and political legacies in the Muslim world.
656
Ali
1264day.year
The Parliament of Ireland meets at Castledermot in County Kildare, the first definitively known meeting of this Irish legislature.
In 1264, the Parliament of Ireland holds its first definitively recorded meeting at Castledermot, County Kildare.
On June 18, 1264, the Parliament of Ireland convened at Castledermot in County Kildare, marking the earliest known formal assembly of the Irish legislature. This gathering brought together Anglo-Norman lords, clergy, and representatives of the towns to advise the Lord Deputy and enact measures for governance. The assembly addressed issues such as taxation, land disputes, and judicial reforms under the authority of the English crown. Its proceedings reflected the evolving administrative structures imposed by the Anglo-Norman rulers in Ireland. Although not yet a fully representative parliament by modern standards, this meeting set a precedent for later parliamentary developments. Over the centuries, the Parliament of Ireland would grow in power and complexity before its eventual dissolution in the early 19th century.
1264
Parliament of Ireland
Castledermot
County Kildare
legislature
1265day.year
A draft Byzantine–Venetian treaty is concluded between Venetian envoys and Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos, but is not ratified by Doge Reniero Zeno.
In 1265, Venetian envoys agree a draft treaty with Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos, but Doge Reniero Zeno refuses ratification.
A Byzantine–Venetian treaty was drafted on June 18, 1265, as envoys from the Republic of Venice negotiated terms with Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos. The proposed agreement aimed to restore Venetian trading privileges in the Byzantine Empire in exchange for military and financial support. Despite reaching a consensus on key details, the treaty failed to gain formal approval when Doge Reniero Zeno withheld ratification. Political rivalries within the Venetian government and fears of Byzantine influence contributed to the stalemate. The breakdown of negotiations strained relations between Venice and Constantinople, delaying Venice’s commercial expansion in the eastern Mediterranean. This episode illustrates the complex diplomacy of medieval Italian and Byzantine politics.
1265
Byzantine–Venetian treaty
Michael VIII Palaiologos
Reniero Zeno
1633day.year
Charles I is crowned King of Scots at St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh.
In 1633, Charles I is crowned King of Scots in a ceremony at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.
On June 18, 1633, Charles I was formally crowned King of Scots at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, in a lavish ceremony attended by Scottish nobility and clergy. The coronation followed years of negotiations over religious and political concessions, as Charles sought to assert his authority in Scotland while respecting Presbyterian traditions. A richly decorated crown, or 'Great Crown of Scotland,' was placed upon his head, symbolizing the continuity of the Stuart monarchy. The event featured elaborate pageantry, including masques, lords of session, and representatives of the burghs. Tensions between the king and the Scottish church remained, however, foreshadowing future conflicts such as the Bishops' Wars. Despite these undercurrents, the coronation reinforced Charles's legitimacy and the union of the crowns under the Stuart dynasty.
1633
Charles I
St Giles' Cathedral
Edinburgh
1684day.year
The charter of the Massachusetts Bay Colony is revoked via a scire facias writ issued by an English court.
In 1684, an English court issued a scire facias writ revoking the charter of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
The royal charter of the Massachusetts Bay Colony was revoked on June 18, 1684, when an English court issued a scire facias writ against the colony’s governing document. The legal action arose from allegations that the colony had exceeded its charter powers and acted contrary to English laws, especially regarding trade restrictions. With the charter voided, Massachusetts lost its autonomous government and came under the direct control of the Crown. This revocation was part of the broader Restoration-era effort to tighten imperial oversight of North American colonies. Colonists protested the decision, arguing it threatened their civil liberties and self-governance. The loss of the charter paved the way for the later establishment of the Dominion of New England and fueled growing resentment that contributed to tensions leading up to the American Revolution.
1684
Massachusetts Bay Colony
scire facias
1887day.year
The Reinsurance Treaty between Germany and Russia is signed.
Germany and Russia sign the secret Reinsurance Treaty, pledging neutrality to preserve the European balance of power.
Concluded on June 18, 1887, the Reinsurance Treaty was the brainchild of Chancellor Otto von Bismarck and Russian Foreign Minister Nikolay Girs. Its purpose was to commit both empires to neutrality if either was attacked by a third party, with certain exceptions. The agreement aimed to isolate France diplomatically and prevent Germany from facing a war on two fronts. Its secret nature generated suspicion among other European powers and underscored the era's intricate alliance system. The pact lapsed in 1890 after Kaiser Wilhelm II declined to renew it, removing a key pillar of Bismarck's strategy. The treaty's collapse is often cited as a contributing factor to the alliance realignments that preceded World War I. Today, the Reinsurance Treaty remains a classic example of realpolitik diplomacy in the late 19th century.
1887
Reinsurance Treaty
1900day.year
Empress Dowager Cixi of China orders all foreigners killed, including foreign diplomats and their families.
Empress Dowager Cixi orders the execution of all foreigners in China, fueling the violence of the Boxer Rebellion.
Amid rising anti-foreign sentiment in China, Empress Dowager Cixi issued a deadly decree on June 18, 1900, ordering the execution of all foreigners and Chinese Christians. The edict targeted diplomats, missionaries, their families, and residents caught in the crossfire of the Boxer Rebellion. Its issuance emboldened the Boxer fighters to intensify the siege of foreign legations in Beijing. Supplies dwindled as the besieged defenders awaited relief by an international force. The demand for harsh measures provoked the Eight-Nation Alliance to send troops, culminating in the relief of the legations in August. The aftermath saw China forced to sign the Boxer Protocol, impose large indemnities, and grant further concessions to foreign powers. This drastic episode marked one of the most violent chapters in China's struggle with imperialism and modernization.
1900
Empress Dowager Cixi
diplomats
1940day.year
Appeal of 18 June by Charles de Gaulle.
Charles de Gaulle broadcasts his 'Appeal of 18 June,' urging French citizens to resist German occupation from exile in London.
On June 18, 1940, General Charles de Gaulle delivered a stirring radio address from the BBC studios in London known as the 'Appeal of 18 June.' At a moment when France faced imminent collapse under German invasion, he called on soldiers and civilians to continue the fight against Nazi Germany. De Gaulle's message, although heard by few at the time, established him as the leader of the Free French movement. He emphasized that the war was not over for France and urged compatriots to join him in Britain. The broadcast became a foundational myth for French resistance and a rallying cry for liberation. Over time, the appeal was replayed across liberated France, inspiring defiance and unity. It remains one of the most iconic speeches in French history.
1940
Appeal of 18 June
Charles de Gaulle
1940day.year
The "Finest Hour" speech is delivered by Winston Churchill.
Winston Churchill delivers his 'Finest Hour' speech, rallying Britain’s resolve during World War II.
On June 18, 1940, Prime Minister Winston Churchill addressed the House of Commons with what he called his 'Finest Hour' speech. Delivered in the wake of the Dunkirk evacuation and France's imminent surrender, Churchill sought to strengthen British morale. He warned of a looming Nazi invasion but affirmed that the British Empire would fight on alone if necessary. His stirring oratory framed the struggle as a test of national character and appealed to citizens’ courage and unity. The speech was broadcast to the public and helped solidify Churchill's reputation as a wartime leader. Historians credit the address with bolstering civilian spirit and sustaining resistance during Britain’s darkest hour. The phrase 'their finest hour' has since become synonymous with moments of supreme challenge.
"Finest Hour" speech
Winston Churchill
1945day.year
William Joyce ("Lord Haw-Haw") is charged with treason for his pro-German propaganda broadcasting during World War II.
Propagandist William Joyce, known as 'Lord Haw-Haw,' is charged with treason for his Nazi broadcasts to Britain.
On June 18, 1945, British authorities formally charged William Joyce with high treason for his propaganda broadcasts from Germany during World War II. Nicknamed Lord Haw-Haw, Joyce's English-language radio programs reached millions in Britain, urging surrender and undermining morale. Born in the United States and raised in Ireland, his claim to British nationality was central to the prosecution's case. During the trial, the court determined he had held a British passport and thus owed allegiance to the Crown. Joyce was convicted and sentenced to death, with the verdict affirmed by the House of Lords. His execution later that year served as a landmark ruling on the limits of free speech and citizenship. The trial of Lord Haw-Haw remains a significant episode in legal and broadcasting history.
1945
William Joyce
Lord Haw-Haw
treason
World War II
1946day.year
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, a Socialist, calls for a Direct Action Day against the Portuguese in Goa.
In 1946, Indian socialist leader Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia called for a Direct Action Day in Goa, mobilizing resistance against Portuguese colonial rule.
On June 18, 1946, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, a leading figure in the Indian socialist movement, called for a Direct Action Day in Goa to protest Portuguese colonial rule.
The appeal sought to unite workers, students, and political activists in nonviolent demonstrations across the territory.
Although Goan authorities responded with force, the call highlighted widespread discontent and growing momentum for liberation.
Lohia's initiative marked an early and significant challenge to European colonial powers after World War II.
This event underscored the rising influence of socialist ideas in India's struggle for full independence.
Although Direct Action Day did not immediately end Portuguese control, it laid groundwork for future campaigns that eventually led to Goa's annexation by India in 1961.
1946
Ram Manohar Lohia
Socialist
Direct Action Day
Goa