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 round. That’s what the second listen is for.

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

On July 12, 1971, the Australian Aboriginal flag was flown for the first time. It has become a strong symbol of identity for Aboriginal peoples. It is often flown at political occasions, sporting events and celebrations across the country.

On the same day in 1975, São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation in central Africa, became independent from the Portuguese. Following a coup, a new government came to power in Portugal. This government agreed to give São Tomé and Príncipe its freedom, making it the second-smallest country in Africa.

On July 12, 2002, farmers protesting the building of a new airport in Texcoco, Mexico, kidnapped six police officers and city officials, saying they would let them go in exchange for other protestors who were arrested. The government took over 10,000 acres of land for the airport. They offered farmers money for the land, but the farmers said the price was much too low. They began protesting by marching and blocking highways. Later, they were joined by anti-government, leftist, and anti-globalist groups. In August 2002, because of the protests, the Mexican government agreed not to build the airport.

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

On July 12, 1971, the Australian Aboriginal flag was flown for the first time. It has become a strong symbol of identity for Aboriginal peoples. It is often flown at political occasions, sporting events and celebrations across the country.

On the same day in 1975, São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation in central Africa, became independent from the Portuguese. Following a coup, a new government came to power in Portugal. This government agreed to give São Tomé and Príncipe its freedom, making it the second-smallest country in Africa.

On July 12, 2002, farmers protesting the building of a new airport in Texcoco, Mexico, kidnapped six police officers and city officials, saying they would let them go in exchange for other protestors who were arrested. The government took over 10,000 acres of land for the airport. They offered farmers money for the land, but the farmers said the price was much too low. They began protesting by marching and blocking highways. Later, they were joined by anti-government, leftist, and anti-globalist groups. In August 2002, because of the protests, the Mexican government agreed not to build the airport.

Which words stood out for you? You might remember that we’ve heard the term ‘aboriginal’ before. It refers to people who were the first to live in a country — such as the Aboriginal Australians who lived in Australia long before the Europeans arrived. The word ‘coup’ sounds a little strange — probably because it’s actually French! In this case, it describes an individual or group who suddenly overthrows a government and takes power. And the term ‘kidnap’ means to take someone away against their will. 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:

aboriginal: relating to a person or group of people who were the first to live in a country
coup: a government being suddenly overthrown by a group or individual
to kidnap: to capture or take someone away against their will