Washington, United States. Several significant political, cultural and international events have taken place on June 30 across different years, including major turning points in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.
Political developments
In 1934, during Germany’s “Night of the Long Knives”, Adolf Hitler purged political rivals, including stormtrooper leader Ernst Roehm and Kurt von Schleicher.
In 1936, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia appeared before the League of Nations to appeal for help after Italy invaded his country.
In 1960, the Republic of Congo achieved independence from Belgium.
In 1997, Britain handed Hong Kong back to China at the stroke of midnight.
Cultural and literary milestones
In 1936, American novelist Margaret Mitchell published “Gone With the Wind”.
In 1974, Soviet ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov defected to the West while touring Canada with the Bolshoi Ballet.
Hostage release and deaths
In 1985, 39 Americans who had been held hostage on a TWA airliner for 17 days were released in Beirut.
In 2001, Chet Atkins, the country guitarist who helped pioneer the “Nashville Sound” of pop-flavoured, string-laden country music, died at the age of 77.
Sport
In 2002, Brazil’s national soccer team won the World Cup in Germany.
