June 05

In his commencement address at Harvard University on June 5, 1947, George C. Marshall outlined what would become known as the Marshall Plan. He proposed extensive American assistance to rebuild European economies devastated by World War II. Marshall emphasized that economic stability abroad was essential for lasting peace and the prevention of future conflicts. The speech marked a turning point in U.S. foreign policy, shifting from isolationism to proactive international engagement. The subsequent European Recovery Program funneled billions of dollars in aid to participating nations, spurring rapid reconstruction. Widely credited with revitalizing Europe's battered infrastructure and industries, the Marshall Plan also deepened the emerging Cold War divide between East and West.

On June 5, 1998, 1,200 workers at GM’s stamping plant in Flint walked off the job over wage and benefit disputes with the United Auto Workers. The strike rapidly spread to five additional assembly plants, halting much of GM’s North American production. Workers demanded job security and better compensation in response to corporate cost-cutting measures and outsourcing concerns. Negotiations grew tense over the next seven weeks, drawing national attention to labor rights in the auto industry. The eventual contract agreement addressed key union demands and set a precedent for future labor actions.

On June 5, 2025, Nintendo launched the highly anticipated Switch 2 video game console across global markets. The new system features enhanced processing power, an upgraded OLED display, and longer battery life compared to its predecessor. Players welcomed the improved Joy-Con controllers with better haptic feedback and motion sensing. At launch, the console offered a strong lineup of exclusive titles and backward compatibility with original Switch games. Initial reviews praised its innovative hybrid design, which allows seamless transition between handheld and docked modes. Early sales reports indicated that the Switch 2 quickly became one of the fastest-selling consoles in Nintendo's history. This release underscored Nintendo's continued leadership in blending portable and home gaming experiences.