Hi, I’m Sen, and welcome to another episode of Today in History!

As usual, you’ll hear today’s historical events twice. So, remember, don’t worry too much about focusing on the meaning the first time around. That’s what the second listen is for.

Let’s begin. So, what happened today in history?

On July 21, 1613, Michael I became czar of Russia at the age of 16. This marked the start of the Romanov dynasty, which ruled until 1917. During Michael’s reign, Russia conquered most of Siberia and extended its borders to the Pacific Ocean.

On the same day at the 1954 Geneva Conference, Vietnam was divided into two parts. The North was now governed by the Viet Minh led by Hồ Chí Minh, and the South by an anti-communist government. This separation was only meant to be temporary, however it set the stage for the later Vietnam War.

On July 21, 1967, Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli died. He served as president-general of the African National Congress party for eight years. During this time he led ten million Black Africans in a peaceful struggle for civil rights in South Africa. As a result, he became the first African to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Ok, and now for the second listen. See how many of the historical facts you can understand this time.

On July 21, 1613, Michael I became czar of Russia at the age of 16. This marked the start of the Romanov dynasty, which ruled until 1917. During Michael’s reign, Russia conquered most of Siberia and extended its borders to the Pacific Ocean.

On the same day at the 1954 Geneva Conference, Vietnam was divided into two parts. The North was now governed by the Viet Minh led by Hồ Chí Minh, and the South by an anti-communist government. This separation was only meant to be temporary, however it set the stage for the later Vietnam War.

On July 21, 1967, Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli died. He served as president-general of the African National Congress party for eight years. During this time he led ten million Black Africans in a peaceful struggle for civil rights in South Africa. As a result, he became the first African to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Which words stood out for you? We’ve heard the term ‘dynasty’ a couple of times before. It’s a series of leaders all from the same family. The verb ‘to conquer’ is used a lot when talking about history. It means ‘to overcome something by force’, most commonly a country. Another interesting verb is ‘to extend’. Here, it’s just another way of saying ‘to make something larger’ or ‘increase’. So, Russia ‘conquered’ Siberia and ‘increased’ its borders to the Pacific Ocean. And, finally, what about ‘peaceful struggle’? You might be able to work this one out. It’s a peaceful effort or fight to bring about change.

Remember, you can always rewind and listen to these words again, as many times as you want!

For now though, that’s all. For more historical facts, be sure to join me tomorrow for another episode of Today in History!

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Episode notes:
 
dynasty: a series of rulers or leaders from the same family 
to conquer: to overcome something by force (i.e. a country) 
to extend: to make larger / to increase 
nonviolent struggle: a peaceful effort or fight to bring about change