A journey through history: What happened on July 28th
By Elkanah Nyauma
A Journey Through History: What Happened on July 28?
July 28 has seen numerous significant events throughout history, across various fields such as politics, science, and culture. Here are some notable events that occurred on this date:
Historical Events of July 28
- 1794: Robespierre Executed
- Maximilien Robespierre, a key figure during the French Revolution, was executed by guillotine. Consequently, his death marked the end of the Reign of Terror.
- 1821: Peru Declares Independence
- Peru declared its independence from Spain, with José de San Martín as one of the leading figures in the movement. This was a crucial moment in the Latin American wars of independence.
- 1868: The 14th Amendment is Adopted
- The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, granting citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S., was formally adopted.
- 1914: World War I Begins
- Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, marking the official beginning of World War I. This conflict rapidly expanded as other nations joined the war due to various alliances.
- 1932: Bonus Army Evicted
- In Washington, D.C., U.S. troops, under orders from President Herbert Hoover, forcibly removed the Bonus Army, a group of World War I veterans seeking early payment of a promised bonus.
- 1945: USS Indianapolis Sinks
- The USS Indianapolis was sunk by a Japanese submarine in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the greatest single loss of life at sea in the history of the U.S. Navy. The ship’s mission had been to deliver components for the atomic bombs later dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
- 1976: Tangshan Earthquake
- A massive earthquake struck Tangshan in northeastern China, resulting in an estimated 242,000 deaths, thereby making it one of the deadliest earthquakes in recorded history.
- 1996: Centennial Olympic Park Bombing
- A pipe bomb exploded in Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta during the Summer Olympics, killing two people and injuring 111 others. The bombing was an act of domestic terrorism.
Cultural and Scientific Milestones of July 28
- 1933: First Singing Telegram
- The Postal Telegraph Company delivered the first singing telegram in New York City. Additionally, this novel form of communication became a popular way to send celebratory messages.
- 1951: Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Premieres
- Walt Disney’s animated film Alice in Wonderland premiered in London, adding to the company’s legacy of classic animated films.
- 2005: IRA Announces End to Armed Campaign
- The Irish Republican Army (IRA) officially announced an end to its armed campaign in Northern Ireland, aiming to achieve its objectives through political means.
Notable Births
- 1866: Beatrix Potter
- English author and illustrator known for her children’s books featuring animals, such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
- 1929: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
- Former First Lady of the United States, known for her style and grace, and wife of President John F. Kennedy.
- 1943: Bill Bradley
- American basketball player, Rhodes Scholar, and politician who served as a U.S. Senator from New Jersey.
- 1945: Jim Davis
- American cartoonist best known for creating the comic strip Garfield, featuring the famously lazy and lasagna-loving cat.
