3 June in history

6 events that happened on 3 June, from 1621 to 1989.

  1. ✦ Anniversary of the day

    1621 CE 405 years ago

    Dutch West India Company receives its charter

    The States General granted the company a trade monopoly in the Americas and West Africa. It founded New Netherland, seized part of Brazil and became a major Atlantic slave trader.

    Dutch EmpireDutch West India CompanyBrazil

  2. 1839 CE 187 years ago

    Lin Zexu begins destroying confiscated opium at Humen

    The Chinese commissioner had over a thousand tonnes of British-traded opium mixed with lime and salt and flushed into the sea. Britain's response led to the First Opium War.

    Qing EmpireFirst Opium War

  3. 1940 CE 86 years ago

    Luftwaffe bombs Paris

    In Operation Paula, German aircraft struck airfields and factories around Paris, killing some 250 people. Eleven days later German troops entered the city.

    Paris

  4. 1942 CE 84 years ago

    Battle of Midway opens with US air attacks

    Bombers from Midway Atoll attacked the approaching Japanese invasion force. The next day US carrier aircraft sank four Japanese carriers, turning the tide of the Pacific war.

    Empire of JapanBattle of Midway

  5. 1989 CE 37 years ago

    Chinese troops move on Tiananmen Square

    On the night of 3 to 4 June, the army forced its way into central Beijing, firing on crowds. Hundreds, possibly thousands, were killed, ending seven weeks of pro-democracy protest.

    Beijing

  6. 1989 CE 37 years ago

    Ayatollah Khomeini dies in Tehran

    Ruhollah Khomeini, leader of the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the Islamic Republic's first Supreme Leader, died aged 86. Ali Khamenei succeeded him the next day.

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