President James A. Garfield Shot
On July 2, 1881, President James A. Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C. The attack was motivated by Guiteau’s delusional belief that his imagined political influence had been spurned by Garfield’s administration. Garfield succumbed to infections related to the bullet wounds more than two […]
1997: Hong Kong Returned to China
On July 1, 1997, Hong Kong was officially returned to Chinese sovereignty, ending more than 150 years of British colonial rule. This event occurred in accordance with the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, which stipulated that Hong Kong would operate under a “one country, two systems” principle, preserving its legal and economic systems for 50 years […]
PG-13 Rating Debuts
The PG-13 movie rating was introduced by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) on July 1, 1984. This new category was created in response to concerns from parents about films that contained levels of violence and maturity not suitable for younger viewers but not severe enough to warrant an R rating. The first film […]
Canada Day – Formation of Canada
On July 1, 1867, the British North America Act came into effect, uniting the three separate colonies of the Province of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into a single Dominion within the British Empire called Canada. This day, now celebrated as Canada Day, marked the birth of Canada as a nation, with its own […]
Invasion of Iraq Begins
On March 20th, 2003, the United States, along with coalition forces, launched Operation Iraqi Freedom, initiating the invasion of Iraq. The invasion marked the beginning of a long and contentious conflict that would reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and have far-reaching consequences.
Libby Riddles Wins Iditarod
On March 20th, 1985, Libby Riddles made history by becoming the first woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska. Riddles defied expectations and harsh conditions to claim victory in the grueling 1,135-mile race, solidifying her place in the annals of sled dog racing and inspiring future generations of female mushers.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin Published
Harriet Beecher Stowe’s influential novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” was published on March 20th, 1852. The book, which depicted the harsh realities of slavery, became one of the most significant pieces of literature in the abolitionist movement, stirring national debates and further fueling tensions between the North and the South leading up to the American Civil […]
First Academy Awards Telecast on NBC
In 1953, NBC broadcasted the first-ever Academy Awards telecast, bringing the glamor of Hollywood into living rooms across America. This groundbreaking event marked a significant shift in how the Oscars were experienced, allowing viewers to witness the ceremony remotely. The inaugural televised broadcast set the stage for the Oscars to become one of the most […]
Nevada Becomes the First State to Legalize Gambling
On this day in 1931, Nevada became the first state in the United States to legalize gambling, a decision that would profoundly shape its identity. The move was largely driven by the economic hardships of the Great Depression, as Nevada sought to find new sources of revenue. Legalizing gambling in Nevada laid the foundation for […]
The Standard Time Act is Established
On March 19th, 1918, the U.S. Congress passed the Standard Time Act, establishing standard time and daylight saving time in the United States. This act aimed to conserve energy during World War I and has since become a regular practice in many countries worldwide, affecting millions of people’s daily routines twice a year.