June 25

Events - Politics & Government

1530day.year

At the Diet of Augsburg the Augsburg Confession is presented to the Holy Roman Emperor by the Lutheran princes and Electors of Germany.

At the Diet of Augsburg in 1530, Lutheran princes present the Augsburg Confession to Emperor Charles V, codifying the beliefs of the Protestant Reformation.
The Diet of Augsburg was an imperial assembly called by Charles V to address growing religious tensions in the Holy Roman Empire. On June 25, 1530, fourteen princes and representatives of fourteen imperial cities delivered the Augsburg Confession, drafted by Philipp Melanchthon. This document outlined the core doctrines of Lutheranism in a clear, conciliatory tone intended for imperial authorities. It sought to demonstrate that Lutheran teachings aligned with the true faith of the early Church, while appealing for toleration and reform. Although Emperor Charles V rejected the Confession, it became the foundational statement of faith for Lutheran churches. The event marked a turning point in the Protestant Reformation and set the stage for decades of religious conflict.
1530 Diet of Augsburg Augsburg Confession Holy Roman Emperor Lutheran Electors
1741day.year

Maria Theresa is crowned Queen of Hungary.

Maria Theresa is crowned Queen of Hungary on June 25, 1741, strengthening her hold over the Habsburg dominions during the War of the Austrian Succession.
Following the death of her father, Emperor Charles VI, Maria Theresa faced challenges to her inheritance under Salic law. On June 25, 1741, she traveled to Pressburg to assume the crown of Hungary in a grand ceremony. The Hungarian Diet swore fealty to her, providing crucial military and political support against rivals including Frederick the Great of Prussia. Her coronation demonstrated her ability to rally her subjects and maintain the unity of the Habsburg realms. Throughout the War of the Austrian Succession, Hungary remained a steadfast ally, offering troops and resources. Maria Theresa’s reign ushered in significant administrative and educational reforms that shaped the Austrian state for decades.
1741 Maria Theresa Queen of Hungary
1788day.year

Virginia becomes the tenth state to ratify the United States Constitution.

Virginia ratifies the United States Constitution as the tenth state on June 25, 1788, bolstering support for the new federal government.
Virginia’s ratification convention, held in Richmond, featured prominent figures such as James Madison and George Washington advocating for the Constitution. On June 25, 1788, delegates voted to join the Union, influenced by promises to add a Bill of Rights. As one of the most populous states, Virginia’s approval was pivotal in achieving the required nine-state threshold for the new government’s launch. The state’s decision helped quell Anti-Federalist concerns by ensuring protections for individual liberties. Following ratification, Virginia became a leader in shaping early federal policy, with Madison drafting much of the Bill of Rights. The milestone cemented the Constitution’s legitimacy and set the stage for American nationhood.
1788 Virginia state United States Constitution
1910day.year

The United States Congress passes the Mann Act, which prohibits interstate transport of women or girls for "immoral purposes"; the ambiguous language would be used to selectively prosecute people for years to come.

The U.S. Congress passed the Mann Act in 1910, outlawing the interstate transport of women for immoral purposes under a broadly worded statute.
Also known as the White-Slave Traffic Act, it aimed to combat forced prostitution and human trafficking across state lines. Its vague language led to high-profile prosecutions, including those targeting entertainers and civil rights leaders. Critics argued that the law was used to punish consensual relationships and enforce moral standards selectively. The Act was amended several times to clarify its scope but remained controversial for decades. It highlights the complexities of legislating morality and the unintended consequences of broad legal definitions.
1910 United States Congress Mann Act
1935day.year

Colombia–Soviet Union relations are established.

Colombia and the Soviet Union formally established diplomatic relations in 1935, marking a significant development in inter-American foreign policy.
This diplomatic opening made Colombia the first Latin American country to recognize the Soviet government officially. The move reflected Colombia's desire to diversify international ties amid growing geopolitical tensions. Both nations opened embassies, paving the way for cultural exchanges, trade agreements, and political dialogue. The decision drew cautious reactions from the United States, concerned about Communist influence in its hemisphere. Relations were later severed in 1948, but the 1935 agreement set a precedent for future engagements between the two regions.
1935 Colombia–Soviet Union relations
1938day.year

Dr. Douglas Hyde is inaugurated as the first President of Ireland.

Dr. Douglas Hyde became the first President of Ireland in 1938, inaugurating the office as a nonpartisan head of state.
Elected by the new Irish Dáil under the 1937 Constitution, Hyde's presidency was largely ceremonial. A scholar of the Irish language and folklore, he had co-founded the Gaelic League to revive native culture. His inauguration at Dublin’s Pro-Cathedral drew dignitaries and symbolized Ireland's emergence as a sovereign republic. During his term, Hyde promoted cultural initiatives and maintained the presidency above political fray. His legacy endures in Ireland's commitment to preserving its Gaelic heritage.
1938 Douglas Hyde President of Ireland
1948day.year

The United States Congress passes the Displaced Persons Act to allow World War II refugees to immigrate to the United States above quota restrictions.

The US Congress approved the Displaced Persons Act to admit World War II refugees beyond existing quotas.
On June 25, 1948, the United States Congress passed the Displaced Persons Act. The law allowed over 400,000 European refugees displaced by World War II to immigrate to the US above normal quotas. It represented a major policy shift, acknowledging humanitarian obligations after the horrors of the Holocaust. Applicants were screened for health and security, and priority was given to those with American sponsors. The act helped reunite families, address labor shortages, and shaped modern US refugee policy.
1948 United States Congress Displaced Persons Act World War II refugees immigrate to the United States
1975day.year

Mozambique achieves independence from Portugal.

Mozambique declared independence from Portugal after a decade-long liberation struggle.
On June 25, 1975, Mozambique officially gained independence from Portuguese colonial rule. The FRELIMO liberation movement had fought a protracted guerrilla war against the Estado Novo regime. The Carnation Revolution in Portugal the previous year accelerated decolonization efforts across Africa. Samora Machel became the country’s first president and set out to rebuild after years of conflict. Independence marked the beginning of nation-building and Mozambique’s emergence on the world stage.
1975 Mozambique Portugal
1975day.year

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declares a state of internal emergency in India.

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of internal emergency in India, suspending civil liberties and press freedom.
On June 25, 1975, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi advised President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed to proclaim a state of internal emergency under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution. The emergency granted the government sweeping powers to curb civil liberties, impose censorship, and arrest political opponents without trial. Press freedom was severely restricted as newspapers were placed under strict editorial oversight and many were forced to shut down or self-censor. Elections were postponed and the central government took direct control over state administrations, centralizing power in New Delhi. The emergency period lasted until March 1977, during which thousands of opposition activists were jailed and dissent was stifled. This controversial chapter in Indian history remains a defining moment in debates over democracy and authoritarianism in the country.
Indira Gandhi state of internal emergency
1976day.year

Missouri Governor Kit Bond issues an executive order rescinding the Extermination Order, formally apologizing on behalf of the state of Missouri for the suffering it had caused to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Missouri Governor Kit Bond rescinded the 1838 Extermination Order, formally apologizing for the official persecution of Latter-day Saints in the state.
On June 25, 1976, Missouri Governor Christopher 'Kit' Bond issued an executive order rescinding the infamous 1838 Extermination Order against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The original order, signed by Governor Lilburn Boggs during the Mormon War, had declared that Mormons must be driven from the state or exterminated. By revoking it almost 140 years later, Bond offered a formal apology on behalf of Missouri for the suffering and injustice inflicted on church members. The gesture was widely welcomed by the Latter-day Saint community as a meaningful act of reconciliation and historical redress. The event helped improve relations between the state government and the church, fostering dialogue and understanding. It marked a rare instance of a government officially acknowledging and apologizing for a past act of oppression.
1976 Missouri Kit Bond Extermination Order the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
1993day.year

Kim Campbell is sworn in as the first female Prime Minister of Canada.

Kim Campbell made history as Canada's first female prime minister, assuming office on a wave of political change.
On June 25, 1993, Kim Campbell was sworn in as Canada's first woman to hold the office of Prime Minister. She succeeded Brian Mulroney as leader of the Progressive Conservative Party during a period of government transition. Campbell's appointment marked a significant milestone for gender equality in Canadian politics. Her tenure focused on economic reform, social policy, and strengthening Canada's international relationships. Despite the historic nature of her leadership, her time in office was brief and challenged by party divisions. Campbell's legacy endures as a pioneering figure inspiring women's political participation in Canada and beyond.
1993 Kim Campbell Prime Minister of Canada
1998day.year

In Clinton v. City of New York, the United States Supreme Court decides that the Line Item Veto Act of 1996 is unconstitutional.

The U.S. Supreme Court invalidates the 1996 Line Item Veto Act, ruling it unconstitutional.
On June 25, 1998, in Clinton v. City of New York, the United States Supreme Court ruled by a 6-3 decision that the Line Item Veto Act of 1996 violated the Presentment Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The case arose after President Clinton exercised the veto to reject individual spending provisions. The Court held that allowing the president to amend or repeal parts of duly enacted legislation upset the constitutional balance of powers. Justice Stevens wrote the majority opinion, emphasizing that the Act gave the executive branch legislative power. This landmark decision reaffirmed the separation of powers and clarified limits on presidential authority.
1998 Clinton v. City of New York United States Supreme Court Line Item Veto Act of 1996 unconstitutional