On this day – 20th June

1837 – Victoria becomes Queen of the United Kingdom – During the 64 years of her regency, the United Kingdom became one of the world’s most potent powers. The British Empire soon encompassed large parts of the planet. Queen Victoria died in 1901.

1949 – Singer Lionel Ritchie was born. .

1963 – The “Red Telephone” is instituted – The hotline between the U.S. and the Soviet Union was established following Cuban Missile Crisis. Contrary to popular belief, communications between the two superpowers occurred via teletype or fax, and today, via email

1967 – Australian actress Nicole Kidman -who was known for her considerable range and versatility, as well as for her glamorous looks and cool demeanour – was born in Hawaii.

1975 – The film Jaws is premiered – Steven Spielberg’s thriller about a rogue great white shark terrorising a summer resort town is often regarded as one of the greatest films of all time.

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