Scopes Monkey Trial Begins
The Scopes Monkey Trial, formally known as The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes, commenced on July 10, 1925, and became one of the most famous American legal battles of the 20th century. At the heart of the case was John Scopes, a high school teacher accused of violating Tennessee’s Butler Act, a law […]
Dam Collapse in Switzerland
On July 10, 1887, Switzerland experienced a devastating tragedy when a dam collapsed, causing a catastrophic flood. The dam failure resulted in a torrent of water that surged through the surrounding areas, sweeping away homes, businesses, and farmland. Approximately 70 people lost their lives in the disaster, with many more suffering from injuries and loss […]
Wimbledon Tournament Begins
The first Wimbledon Championship began on July 9, 1877, at the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club in London. Originally started as a fundraising event for the club, Wimbledon has grown into the world’s oldest and arguably most prestigious tennis tournament, celebrated annually. This event not only marked the formalization of the sport but […]
U.S. Takes San Francisco from Mexico
As part of the broader conflict of the Mexican-American War, the United States took control of San Francisco from Mexico on July 9, 1846. This military action was significant in the U.S. expansionist policy known as Manifest Destiny, which aimed at extending its territory across the North American continent. The capture of San Francisco opened […]
Catherine the Great Assumes Power
On July 9, 1762, Catherine the Great became the ruler of Russia following the coup that deposed her husband, Tsar Peter III. Her accession marked the beginning of her long and impactful reign, during which she expanded Russian territories and modernized its society along Western European lines. Catherine’s rule is noted for her efforts to […]
North Korea’s “Great Leader” Dies
On July 8, 1994, Kim Il-sung, the founding leader of North Korea, known officially as the “Great Leader,” died of a heart attack. His death ended nearly half a century of his authoritarian rule, during which he established a pervasive personality cult and a highly centralized, totalitarian regime that has continued under his successors. Kim […]
First Americans Killed in South Vietnam
The Vietnam War reached a grim milestone on July 8, 1959, when Major Dale R. Buis and Master Sergeant Chester M. Ovnand became the first Americans reported killed in South Vietnam, during a guerilla attack at Bien Hoa. Their deaths marked the beginning of increasing American military involvement in Vietnam, which would escalate into one […]
Liberty Bell Tolls to Announce Declaration of Independence
On July 8, 1776, the Liberty Bell rang from the tower of the Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall) in Philadelphia, calling citizens to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. The tolling of the Liberty Bell symbolized freedom and marked the birth of a new nation, resonating as a […]
Building of Hoover Dam Begins
Construction of the Hoover Dam began on July 7, 1930. Located on the Colorado River at the border between Arizona and Nevada, the dam was one of the most ambitious engineering projects of its time and a significant part of the American efforts to control flooding, provide irrigation water, and produce hydroelectric power. Upon completion, […]
Jim Thorpe Begins Olympic Triathlon
Jim Thorpe, one of the greatest athletes in American history, began his Olympic triathlon events on July 7, 1912, during the Summer Olympics in Stockholm. Over the course of two days, Thorpe competed in the pentathlon and the decathlon, excelling in both and ultimately winning gold medals for each. His remarkable performance not only showcased […]