This article highlights 20 significant historical events that occurred on July 24th across various centuries and regions.
From key battles and political speeches to notable achievements in exploration and human rights, each event is briefly explored to provide context and significance.
July 24th has witnessed pivotal moments that have shaped history, making it a date of considerable importance.
July 24th – On this Day in History
1132 – Battle of Nocera
The Battle of Nocera, fought on July 24, 1132, was a significant conflict during the reign of King Roger II of Sicily. This battle was part of a larger rebellion against Roger II’s rule, led by Ranulf II of Alife, a powerful baron.
The conflict was sparked by regional nobles who resisted Roger’s attempts to consolidate power throughout southern Italy. The battle took place near the town of Nocera in the Campania region of Italy and ended in a decisive victory for Roger II.
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This victory not only quashed the immediate rebellion but also helped solidify Roger’s control over the southern Italian territories, paving the way for the future expansion and strength of the Sicilian Kingdom.
1148 – Louis VII of France lays siege to Damascus
On July 24, 1148, during the Second Crusade, King Louis VII of France initiated the siege of Damascus, a crucial and strategic city in the Crusader quest to expand Christian territories in the Holy Land.
The siege was part of a broader military campaign led by European monarchs, including Emperor Conrad III of Germany and King Louis VII, aiming to secure key cities in the face of Muslim power.
However, the siege of Damascus was poorly planned and executed, lasting only a few days before the Crusader forces withdrew. This failure resulted in a significant setback for the Crusader states and led to increased infighting and disunity among the Christian allies.
1411 – Battle of Harlaw in Scotland
The Battle of Harlaw, fought on July 24, 1411, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, was one of the bloodiest battles in Scottish history. It was primarily a contest for power between Donald, Lord of the Isles, who claimed the Earldom of Ross, and the Stewart monarchy, represented by the Duke of Albany, Regent of Scotland.
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The battle was characterized by its ferocity and high casualties, reflecting the clannish and feudal nature of Scottish warfare at the time. Although the battle was technically inconclusive, it prevented Donald from overrunning the northeastern Lowlands and maintained the balance of power in Scotland.
1534 – Jacques Cartier claims what is now Quebec for France
On July 24, 1534, French explorer Jacques Cartier landed in what is now Canada and claimed the region for France by planting a cross in the Gaspé Peninsula. This act was part of Cartier’s first voyage to North America, aimed at finding a westward route to Asia and exploring potential areas for colonization and resource exploitation.
Cartier’s claim laid the foundation for French interests in the Americas, which would evolve into the colony of New France. His explorations are significant as they marked the beginning of extensive French influence in North America, which lasted until the mid-18th century.
1567 – Mary, Queen of Scots, abdicates
Mary, Queen of Scots, was forced to abdicate the throne on July 24, 1567, amid rising political pressure and internal conflict.
Her reign had been turbulent, marked by her marriage to Lord Darnley, his subsequent murder, and her marriage to the Earl of Bothwell, which was widely disapproved.
The abdication occurred after Mary was imprisoned in Lochleven Castle by Scottish nobles. She was compelled to abdicate in favor of her one-year-old son, James VI of Scotland (later James I of England), which shifted the balance of power in Scotland and set the stage for significant political and religious shifts in the country during the coming years.
1701 – Founding of Fort Pontchartrain, later Detroit
On July 24, 1701, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, along with a group of settlers and soldiers, established Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit in what is now modern-day Detroit, Michigan.
This strategic move was part of France’s efforts to expand its territories and influence in North America, particularly to control the fur trade and counteract British and Native American pressures.
The fort was named in honor of the Count of Pontchartrain, Louis Phélypeaux, a minister to King Louis XIV. The establishment of this fort marked the beginning of European settlement in the Michigan area, serving not only as a military outpost but also as a major trading center in the region, fostering relationships and trade with various Native American tribes.
1783 – Birth of Simón Bolívar
Simón Bolívar, a central figure in the South American independence movements against Spanish colonial rule, was born on July 24, 1783, in Caracas, Venezuela.
Known as “El Libertador” (The Liberator), Bolívar played a crucial role in the liberation of several South American countries, including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia (which was named in his honor).
His vision of a united South America was characterized by his progressive ideas, which were influenced by the Enlightenment and his experiences in Europe.
Bolívar’s leadership and military campaigns significantly altered the political landscape of Latin America, leading to the emergence of several new nations and the eventual decline of Spanish imperial power on the continent.
1823 – Abolition of slavery in Chile
On July 24, 1823, Chile enacted a significant reform by officially abolishing slavery. This was a part of broader liberal reforms following its independence from Spain.
The decree was promulgated by the Supreme Director of Chile, Ramón Freire, and it granted freedom to slaves in Chile and mandated that any slaves brought to Chile by their masters would automatically become free.
The abolition of slavery in Chile was a progressive move that preceded many other nations in the Americas and reflected the growing sentiments against slavery and the influence of enlightenment ideas among Chilean leaders.
1847 – Brigham Young leads Mormons into Salt Lake Valley
On July 24, 1847, Brigham Young, the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), led a group of Mormon pioneers into what is now Salt Lake City, Utah.
After a long and arduous journey westward to escape religious persecution, Young and his followers entered the Salt Lake Valley.
Upon viewing the valley, Young reportedly declared, “This is the right place,” signaling the end of their search for a safe haven. The settlement of Salt Lake Valley marked the beginning of large-scale Mormon settlement in the region, which became the center of the LDS Church and the eventual establishment of the State of Utah.
1866 – Tennessee readmitted to the Union
Tennessee became the first Confederate state to be readmitted to the Union following the American Civil War on July 24, 1866. This event was significant as it marked a pivotal moment in the Reconstruction era, an effort to rebuild and reintegrate the Southern states after the war.
Tennessee’s readmission was contingent upon its ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment, which granted citizenship and equal civil and legal rights to African Americans and former slaves.
Tennessee’s early readmission set a precedent for the reintegration of other Southern states into the federal Union, highlighting the complex and often contentious nature of post-war recovery and civil rights issues in America.
1911 – Hiram Bingham III re-discovers Machu Picchu
On July 24, 1911, American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham III led an expedition into the Andes Mountains of Peru where he famously re-discovered the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu.
Often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas,” Machu Picchu had been largely forgotten by the outside world until Bingham, guided by local indigenous farmers, reached its ruins.
Bingham’s exploration was sponsored by Yale University and the National Geographic Society, and his subsequent publications brought global attention to this spectacular archaeological site.
Machu Picchu’s re-discovery played a crucial role in understanding Incan civilization and sparked a surge of interest in Andean cultures and archaeology.
1923 – Treaty of Lausanne signed
The Treaty of Lausanne was signed on July 24, 1923, effectively concluding the conflict between the Allied Powers and the Ottoman Empire that had continued after World War I. This treaty replaced the Treaty of Sèvres and recognized the boundaries of the modern Republic of Turkey.
Under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Turkey renounced all claims to the remainder of the Ottoman Empire, and in return, the Allies recognized Turkish sovereignty within its new borders.
This treaty marked the end of the Ottoman Empire and led to significant shifts in regional politics, including the establishment of Turkey as a secular republic, fundamentally shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
1927 – Menin Gate War Memorial unveiled
The Menin Gate War Memorial, located in Ypres, Belgium, was unveiled on July 24, 1927. This imposing structure is dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in the Ypres Salient during World War I and whose graves are unknown.
Designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield, the Menin Gate marks the starting point of one of the main roads out of the town that led countless soldiers to the front lines. Every evening since 1928, the “Last Post” ceremony has been performed at the gate by local buglers, honoring the memory of the fallen soldiers.
1935 – Peak of the Dust Bowl heat wave
July 24, 1935, saw the peak of the severe heat wave during the Dust Bowl era in the United States, with recorded temperatures reaching as high as 109°F in Chicago and 104°F in Milwaukee.
The Dust Bowl was characterized by a series of dust storms and droughts that severely affected the American and Canadian prairies throughout the 1930s.
This extreme heat wave exacerbated the already dire conditions for agriculture in the region, leading to further soil erosion and economic hardship.
The Dust Bowl prompted significant migration from the prairies, influenced new farming techniques and federal policies aimed at recovery and prevention, and remains a powerful symbol of environmental catastrophe.
1959 – “Kitchen Debate” between Nixon and Khrushchev
On July 24, 1959, U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev engaged in the famous “Kitchen Debate.” This series of impromptu exchanges took place at the American National Exhibition in Moscow, within a model American kitchen.
The discussions were centered on the merits and lifestyles of the respective capitalist and communist societies. The debate was marked by a candid and at times confrontational dialogue concerning the economic production of household technologies and the quality of life each superpower provided for its citizens.
This event highlighted the ideological divide between the U.S. and the USSR, capturing the essence of Cold War tensions in a unique and personal setting.
1967 – Charles de Gaulle’s “Vive le Québec libre!” speech
On July 24, 1967, French President Charles de Gaulle made a significant and controversial statement during a speech from the balcony of Montreal’s City Hall by exclaiming “Vive le Québec libre!” (Long live free Quebec!).
This declaration was made during an official state visit to Canada, and it shocked many, including the Canadian government, as it was seen as an endorsement of Quebec’s sovereignty movement. De Gaulle’s statement intensified the discourse around Quebec nationalism and had a lasting impact on Franco-Canadian relations.
His outspoken support emboldened separatist movements in Quebec but also led to diplomatic tensions, resulting in his subsequent early departure from the country.
1969 – Apollo 11 returns to Earth
On July 24, 1969, Apollo 11, the first manned mission to land on the Moon, successfully returned to Earth, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
The mission, carried out by NASA, the United States space agency, marked a significant achievement in the history of human space exploration. Astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins were aboard.
Armstrong and Aldrin had walked on the Moon on July 20, achieving the goal set by President John F. Kennedy to land humans on the Moon and return them safely to Earth. The mission’s success was a major milestone in the Space Race and demonstrated technological and engineering prowess that captivated the world.
1974 – Supreme Court orders Nixon to release recordings
On July 24, 1974, in a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of the United States unanimously ruled that President Richard Nixon must release the tape recordings and other subpoenaed materials related to the Watergate scandal. This ruling was crucial in the sequence of events that led to Nixon’s resignation from the presidency.
The case, known as United States v. Nixon, highlighted the principle that no person, not even the President of the United States, is above the law. The released tapes eventually proved President Nixon’s involvement in the Watergate cover-up, leading to his resignation under the threat of impeachment.
1998 – Shooting at the Capitol
On July 24, 1998, a gunman named Russell Eugene Weston Jr. entered the United States Capitol and opened fire, killing two Capitol Police officers, Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson, who were protecting the building. The attack caused widespread shock and resulted in increased security measures at the Capitol.
Weston, who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, apparently had no clear motive other than delusional beliefs. This tragic incident highlighted the risks faced by law enforcement officers protecting national institutions and prompted a reevaluation of security protocols at major government facilities across the United States.
2005 – Lance Armstrong retires after seventh Tour de France win
On July 24, 2005, American cyclist Lance Armstrong crossed the finish line of the Tour de France to claim his seventh consecutive victory in the race, an unprecedented feat. Shortly after, Armstrong announced his retirement from professional cycling.
His victories were celebrated worldwide and brought him international fame and endorsements. However, his legacy was later tarnished by a doping scandal; in 2012, the United States Anti-Doping Agency concluded that Armstrong had used performance-enhancing drugs over his career, leading to him being stripped of all seven Tour de France titles and banned from professional cycling for life.