Olympics Kick Off & World Records Broken!
Welcome to June 23rd, a day packed with the start of awesome things! We're talking about the birth of the modern Olympic Games, a wild race around the entire planet, and the final moments of a major American conflict. Get ready to travel through time with us and see how these moments shaped the world!
Did you know that on this day, the International Olympic Committee was formed to bring back the epic sporting events of ancient Greece? Plus, just two years later, the last Confederate general officially surrendered, bringing the fighting to a close. History is full of surprises, even in the middle of summer!
What Happened on This Day
Last Confederate Army Surrenders in Civil War
Even though the main war was mostly over, the very last major Confederate army officially surrendered on this day! Cherokee Chief and Brigadier General Stand Watie finally laid down his arms in the Oklahoma Territory. Imagine being the very last person to finish a huge task—that’s what he did for the Confederate forces. It was a quiet but super important end to a long, tough fight in American history.
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Frederick Douglass Nominated for President
Check out this incredible moment! On June 23, the famous abolitionist and orator, Frederick Douglass, received one vote for President of the United States at the Republican Convention. Although he didn't win, this was a HUGE deal. It showed just how much impact an African American leader could have on the national stage, even in the 1880s. Talk about breaking barriers!
Modern Olympics Get Their Official Start
Forget ancient Greece for a sec! On June 23, 1894, at the Sorbonne University in Paris, a group of excited thinkers—led by Baron Pierre de Coubertin—officially founded the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This was the moment they put the plan in motion to restart the Olympic Games for the modern world! They wanted to bring people together through fair sports competition. That’s why June 23rd is now celebrated as International Olympic Day!
First Around-the-World Flight Takes Off!
Imagine strapping into a single-engine plane for a trip that covers the entire globe! On this day, American aviators Wiley Post and Harold Gatty took off on their epic attempt to circumnavigate the world. They didn't just fly; they broke the record, completing the journey in just over eight days! It was an incredible feat of navigation and guts, proving planes could really cross vast distances.
Sonic the Hedgehog Speeds onto the Scene
Zoom! The world of video games got a whole lot faster on June 23, 1991, with the release of *Sonic the Hedgehog*! This speedy blue blur was created to be the ultimate rival to Nintendo’s Mario. Sonic’s incredible speed and attitude became instantly famous, leading to a massive franchise that’s still going strong today. It’s a great example of how a cool new character can change an entire industry!
Fun Facts About June 23
- The IOC was founded at the Sorbonne University in Paris, France.
- Wiley Post and Harold Gatty completed their global flight in just over 8 days!
- Sonic the Hedgehog was designed to be faster than Mario!
- General Stand Watie was a Cherokee Chief when he surrendered his troops.
A Look Back in Time
June 23 often falls in the heart of summer, a time of high activity in history! In 1865, the US was still dealing with the aftermath of the Civil War, trying to put the country back together. Meanwhile, the 1894 Olympic founding shows a worldwide push toward peace and healthy competition after a long period of internal conflict in many nations. The early 20th century saw a massive leap in technology, perfectly highlighted by the record-breaking flight in 1931, showing how fast the world was shrinking thanks to inventors.
Born on This Day
Alan Turing
This brilliant English mathematician is often called the 'father of theoretical computer science' and artificial intelligence! During WWII, he was a key codebreaker who helped crack the secret Enigma codes, speeding up the end of the war. His work laid the foundation for every computer you see today.
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Edward VIII
Edward VIII was a King of the United Kingdom for less than a year! He famously gave up his throne so he could marry Wallis Simpson, an American woman. Kings and Queens usually have to marry people who fit very specific royal rules, but Edward chose love over the crown.
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Frances McDormand
Frances McDormand is a super talented American actress famous for playing strong, unique characters in films like *Fargo* and *Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri*. She has won many major acting awards, proving that sometimes the most interesting characters are the ones that stand out from the crowd!
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane is a legendary French soccer (football) player and coach from Algeria. Known for his incredible skill, amazing ball control, and powerful goals, he helped lead France to victory in the 1998 FIFA World Cup. He's a true sports hero famous for his graceful moves on the field.