This Day in History: June 1

4000 BC Approximate domestication of the horse in the Eurasian steppes near Dereivka, central Ukraine (hypothesis only)

It is believed that horses were first domesticated in the Eurasian steppes near Dereivka, central Ukraine, around 4000 BC. This hypothesis is based on archaeological evidence, such as horse bones found at ancient sites, as well as linguistic and genetic studies.

1215 Peking [Beijing], then a city of over one million, under control of Jurchen ruler Emperor Xuanzong of Jin, is captured and looted for a month by the Mongols under Genghis Khan

The Mongol Empire, led by Genghis Khan, captured and looted the city of Peking (now Beijing) in 1215. At the time, Peking was a thriving city with over one million inhabitants and was under the control of the Jurchen ruler Emperor Xuanzong of Jin. The capture of Peking was a significant victory for the Mongols and helped to establish their dominance in East Asia.

1676 Battle of Öland: allied Danish-Dutch forces defeat the Swedish navy in the Baltic Sea, during the Scanian War (1675–79)

The Battle of Öland was fought between allied Danish-Dutch forces and the Swedish navy during the Scanian War in 1676. The battle took place in the Baltic Sea near the Swedish island of Öland and resulted in a decisive victory for the Danish-Dutch alliance. The battle was a significant event in the Scanian War and helped to shift the balance of power in the region.

1831 The British explorer James Clark Ross discovers the North Magnetic Pole

In 1831, the British explorer James Clark Ross discovered the North Magnetic Pole, which is the point where the Earth's magnetic field points directly downwards. The North Magnetic Pole is located in the vicinity of the Geographic North Pole and is an important navigational landmark for sailors and explorers.

1945 The first group of Berlin women start clearing the rubble of World War II

In 1945, at the end of World War II, the first group of Berlin women started clearing the rubble left from the war. These women, known as the Trümmerfrauen, played an important role in the reconstruction of Germany's economy by working hard to remove the debris and rebuild the city. They are now considered a symbol of a new beginning after the devastation of the war.

1974 The Heimlich maneuver is published

The Heimlich maneuver, a technique using abdominal thrusts to stop choking, was first published by American physician Henry Heimlich in 1974. The maneuver has since become widely known and is credited with saving countless lives around the world.

1979 Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) ends 90 years of white rule

In 1979, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) ended 90 years of white rule and achieved sovereignty from the United Kingdom. The country had been under the control of white settlers since the late 1800s, and the end of white rule marked a significant milestone in the country's history.

1964 Kenya becomes a republic with Jomo Kenyatta as its 1st President

In 1964, Kenya gained its independence from British colonial rule and became a republic with Jomo Kenyatta as its first President. Kenyatta was a prominent nationalist leader and had been instrumental in the fight for independence.

The establishment of the republic marked a significant moment in Kenya's history as it signaled the country's move towards self-governance and sovereignty. The new government faced numerous challenges, including the need to build a strong and stable political system and to address issues of inequality and poverty.