War, Votes, and a 'Hand of God'!
Welcome to June 22nd, a day packed with history that totally changed the game! Imagine a massive surprise attack that kicked off one of the biggest wars ever, and then, years later, people your age suddenly got the right to vote! Get ready for some seriously big moments that prove history is anything but boring.
Today we jump from the terrifying start of a massive World War II invasion to a huge political change lowering the voting age. Plus, we have a moment in sports so sneaky, the player called it divine intervention! These events show how quickly things can shift on just one day.
What Happened on This Day
Operation Barbarossa: Germany Invades the Soviet Union
Waking up to a surprise attack is never fun, but for the Soviet Union, it was massive! In the early hours of June 22, 1941, Nazi Germany launched 'Operation Barbarossa,' a huge invasion with over three million soldiers attacking across an 1,800-mile front. This single action dramatically changed the course of World War II, opening up the brutal Eastern Front. It was one of the largest military assaults in history—talk about a wake-up call!
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Diego Maradona Scores with a Sneaky Hand Goal
Imagine scoring the most important goal of your life, but you used your hand instead of your head! In the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals, Argentina’s superstar Diego Maradona did just that against England. He punched the ball into the net, but the referee didn't see it! Maradona later cheekily said it was scored 'a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.' Argentina won and later won the whole tournament!
Voting Age Drops to 18 in the USA
If you were 18 in 1970, you got a HUGE new right! President Richard Nixon signed the 26th Amendment into law, officially lowering the national voting age from 21 to 18. The big idea was: if you were old enough to be drafted to fight in a war, you should be old enough to vote for the leaders making those decisions. It was a major step for young people's power!
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The GI Bill Becomes Law for Veterans
Right in the middle of World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a truly amazing piece of law: the GI Bill of Rights. This bill was like a giant 'Thank You' gift from the country to its soldiers returning home. It helped millions of veterans go to college, buy homes, and get good jobs. It changed the lives of an entire generation and helped boost the American economy!
The U.S. Department of Justice is Created
Imagine trying to keep track of all the laws and catching the bad guys across a huge country—it’s a lot of work! On this day in 1870, the U.S. Congress created the Department of Justice (DOJ). This department is basically the government's top legal team, making sure the laws are followed fairly and fighting crime. It's the boss of all federal prosecutors, making sure justice is served nationwide.
Fun Facts About June 22
- In 1978, scientists discovered Charon, the largest moon orbiting Pluto, on this day!
- Some say the ring doughnut was supposedly invented by Hanson Gregory on June 22, 1847!
- In 1942, the U.S. Congress officially adopted the Pledge of Allegiance on June 22nd.
- In 1593, Christian troops won a big battle against the Ottomans at Sisak on this day.
A Look Back in Time
June 22nd often sees big turning points! In 1941, the invasion of the Soviet Union meant that World War II went from being primarily a Western conflict to a massive global struggle, plunging millions into a long, devastating fight. Later in the century, 1970 marked a shift in youth power with the 26th Amendment, reflecting changing social attitudes about responsibility and adulthood. Historically, this date is right near the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, a time often marked by seasonal changes, major harvests, or, as seen in 1941, a major military offensive before winter sets in.
Born on This Day
Meryl Streep
This legendary American actress is famous for playing tons of different characters so well, she has won more acting awards than almost anyone! From powerful historical figures to funny moms, she can do it all. She’s practically the queen of the big screen!
Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi is a super famous singer known for her amazing, soaring voice and totally unique, colorful style! With hit songs like 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun,' she brought a fun, independent spirit to music in the 1980s. She always encouraged everyone to be exactly who they want to be.
Billy Wilder
Billy Wilder was a super-smart director and writer who made some of the most famous movies ever, like 'Some Like It Hot' and 'Sunset Boulevard.' He was a master at blending drama and comedy, making films that were clever, funny, and sometimes a little bit sneaky!
Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Anne was an amazing aviator and writer, famous for flying with her famous pilot husband, Charles Lindbergh. She was a great explorer in the sky and later on paper, writing beautiful books about nature and life, like 'Gift from the Sea.'