On June 15th:

1215 King John Puts His Seal on Magna Carta

On June 15, 1215, King John of England placed his royal seal on the Magna Carta at Runnymede, near Windsor. This document, forced upon him by his rebellious barons, limited the power of the monarchy, establishing the principle that the king was not above the law. The Magna Carta is often regarded as a fundamental step towards constitutional governance, influencing the development of common law and civil liberties not only in Britain but also in other parts of the world, including the United States.

1877 First African American Graduate of West Point

Henry Ossian Flipper became the first African American to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point on June 15, 1877. Despite facing severe discrimination and social isolation during his time at the academy, Flipper persevered and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. His achievement marked a significant, though challenging, advance in the long struggle for racial equality in the American military and education systems. Flipper’s career and legacy continue to inspire efforts towards greater inclusivity and fairness within the military and beyond.

1917 U.S. Congress Passes the Espionage Act

On June 15, 1917, during World War I, the United States Congress passed the Espionage Act. This act made it a crime to convey information with intent to interfere with the U.S. armed forces’ operations or to promote the success of the country’s enemies. Designed to prevent support of U.S. enemies during wartime, the Espionage Act has been a source of controversy, particularly regarding its implications for free speech and the press. It has been used to prosecute a variety of figures, from political activists to whistleblowers, and remains a significant piece of legislation in the context of national security and civil liberties.