The article explores significant historical events that occurred on July 28 throughout the years.
From military battles and political upheavals to groundbreaking discoveries and social movements, these moments have shaped the course of history.
By examining events like the Battle of Göllheim, the creation of NASA, and the discovery of water on Mars, the article highlights the diverse impact of these occurrences on global history and scientific advancement.
July 28th – On this Day in History
1330 – Battle of Göllheim
This battle took place in the region of modern-day Germany, where King Albert I of Germany faced off against his cousin, Duke Frederick the Fair of Austria. The conflict arose from a dispute over the German crown, as both leaders claimed the title of King of the Romans.
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Albert’s forces ultimately defeated Frederick’s, solidifying Albert’s position as king. This victory marked a significant turning point in the power dynamics of the Holy Roman Empire.
1540 – Execution of Thomas Cromwell
Thomas Cromwell, a key advisor to King Henry VIII, played a crucial role in the English Reformation, helping to establish the Church of England and facilitating the king’s marriages and subsequent annulments.
However, he fell out of favor due to his role in arranging Henry’s marriage to Anne of Cleves, which the king found displeasing. Cromwell was arrested, charged with treason and heresy, and executed by beheading. His downfall marked a significant shift in the political landscape of England.
1576 – Discovery of the Solomon Islands
Spanish explorer Álvaro de Mendaña embarked on a voyage across the Pacific Ocean, during which he discovered the Solomon Islands. This expedition was part of Spain’s broader efforts to explore and claim new territories.
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The islands were named in the hope that they would be as rich in resources as King Solomon’s fabled mines. Mendaña’s discovery marked an important moment in the European exploration of the Pacific and contributed to the expansion of Spanish influence in the region.
1794 – Execution of Maximilien Robespierre and Louis Antoine de Saint-Just
During the French Revolution, Robespierre emerged as a leading figure in the radical Jacobin faction, implementing the Reign of Terror to purge France of perceived enemies. However, his increasingly authoritarian rule led to growing opposition.
On July 28, 1794, Robespierre and his ally Saint-Just were arrested and executed by guillotine, marking the end of the Reign of Terror. Their deaths signified a shift in the revolution, moving away from radicalism and towards more moderate governance.
1821 – Peru Declares Independence from Spain
The declaration of independence in Lima, Peru, was led by Argentine general José de San Martín, who played a significant role in the South American wars of independence.
San Martín had arrived in Peru with his army, and after a series of military campaigns and negotiations, he proclaimed Peru’s independence from Spanish rule.
This event was a crucial milestone in the broader struggle for independence across South America, signaling the decline of Spanish colonial power in the region.
1835 – First Sugar Plantation in Hawaii
William Hooper, an American entrepreneur, established the first successful sugar plantation on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. This marked the beginning of the sugar industry in Hawaii, which would become a major economic force in the islands.
The plantation’s success attracted further investment and labor, leading to significant social and economic changes, including an influx of workers from Asia and the development of infrastructure.
1864 – Battle of Ezra Church
The Battle of Ezra Church was part of the Atlanta Campaign during the American Civil War. Union forces, led by General William Tecumseh Sherman, aimed to cut off Confederate supply lines into Atlanta.
The battle saw fierce fighting as Confederate troops attempted to halt the Union’s advance. Despite heavy losses, the Union forces held their ground, contributing to the eventual fall of Atlanta, which was a turning point in the war.
1866 – Metric Act in the United States
The Metric Act of 1866 made the metric system legal for use in the United States, allowing for the voluntary adoption of metric measurements alongside traditional units.
While it did not mandate the use of the metric system, it laid the groundwork for scientific and technical fields to adopt metric measurements, facilitating international trade and cooperation.
1896 – Incorporation of Miami, Florida
Miami was officially incorporated as a city on July 28, 1896, with 344 citizens voting in favor of incorporation. The city’s establishment marked the beginning of its rapid growth, driven by its strategic location as a port and its appeal as a tourist destination.
Miami’s development was further accelerated by the extension of the railroad, which connected the city to the rest of the country.
1914 – Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia
This declaration marked the beginning of World War I, following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria.
Austria-Hungary’s decision to go to war against Serbia set off a chain reaction of alliances and mobilizations, eventually involving most of the major powers of Europe. This conflict would escalate into a global war, fundamentally altering the political and social landscape of the world.
1928 – Summer Olympics Open in Amsterdam
The 1928 Summer Olympics marked the first time the Games were held in the Netherlands. This event was significant for several reasons, including the introduction of the Olympic flame and the official participation of female athletes in track and field events.
The Amsterdam Games symbolized a return to a more peaceful era following World War I, promoting international camaraderie and competition.
1932 – Bonus Army Evicted from Washington, D.C.
The Bonus Army was a group of World War I veterans who marched on Washington, D.C., to demand early payment of a promised bonus for their wartime service. Facing economic hardship during the Great Depression, the veterans set up camps near the Capitol.
President Herbert Hoover ordered their removal, leading to a violent eviction by the military. This event highlighted the economic struggles of veterans and contributed to negative public perception of the Hoover administration.
1943 – Operation Gomorrah
This operation was a series of Allied air raids on Hamburg, Germany, during World War II. The intense bombing created a firestorm, causing widespread destruction and significant civilian casualties.
Operation Gomorrah was one of the most devastating attacks on a German city and aimed to cripple the German war effort. The operation demonstrated the destructive power of aerial bombardment and had a profound psychological impact on both the German population and the Allied forces.
1945 – Bomber Crashes into the Empire State Building
A U.S. Army B-25 bomber, flying in dense fog, accidentally crashed into the Empire State Building in New York City.
The crash caused a fire on several floors, resulting in 14 deaths and significant damage to the building. This incident highlighted the challenges of air navigation in urban environments and led to increased safety measures in aviation and building codes.
1958 – National Aeronautics and Space Act Signed
This act established NASA, the United States’ space agency, in response to the Soviet Union’s advancements in space exploration, notably the launch of Sputnik.
The creation of NASA marked the beginning of the U.S. space program and a new era of scientific research and technological development. It laid the foundation for America’s efforts in space exploration, including the Apollo moon landings and subsequent space missions.