On this Day in History: June 11

A closer look at key historic events that took place on June 11:

In 2010, Africa hosts the FIFA World Cup

The 2010 FIFA World Cup was held in South Africa, marking the first time the tournament was hosted on the African continent. The tournament featured 32 teams from around the world competing in matches held across various cities in South Africa. Spain emerged as the champions, defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in the final match held at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.

First Game of 2010 FIFA World Cup. Flickr

In 2002, American Idol debuts

The reality television singing competition made its debut on across screens in the United States. Created by Simon Fuller, the show aimed to discover talented singers and provide them with a platform to showcase their skills to a wide audience.

Smithsonian Castle, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. Complete indexed photo collection at WorldHistoryPics.com.

In 2001, Oklahoma City bomber is executed

McVeigh’s bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995, resulted in the deaths of 168 people and remains one of the deadliest acts of domestic terrorism in U.S. history. He was executed by lethal injection on June 11 at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Exhibit: “G-Men and Journalists”…Timothy McVeigh’s (Oklahoma City bomber) Michigan drivers license. Flickr

In 1982, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial is released

Steven Spielberg’s iconic film was a massive critical and commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of all time and winning multiple Academy Awards.

In 1955, Le Mans car race disaster takes place

A tragic collision between two cars resulted in Pierre Levegh’s Mercedes crashing into the crowd, causing a massive inferno. The disaster claimed the lives of more than 80 spectators and injured many others.

Image d’un film 16mm amateur, montrant le décollage de la Mercedes 300 SLR au 24h du Mans 1955, après avoir percuté l’Austin-Healey 100S. Wikimedia Commons

In 1927, Charles Lindbergh is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross

The American aviator achieved worldwide fame for completing the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight from New York City to Paris, France, in his aircraft, the Spirit of St. Louis. He was given the award by U.S. President Calvin Coolidge..

Charles Lindebergh. Picryl

In 1509, Henry VIII wed his first wife, Catherine of Aragon

Their union initially seemed promising, but it later became tumultuous due to their inability to produce a male heir and Henry’s desire for an annulment. The refusal of Pope Clement VII to annul the marriage ultimately led to England’s break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English Reformation, as Henry sought to divorce Catherine in favor of marrying Anne Boleyn.