July 7 has witnessed a multitude of pivotal events that have left lasting impacts across various fields.
From medieval retrials and exploration milestones to significant political shifts and cultural breakthroughs, this date encapsulates key moments in history.
This article explores these notable occurrences, offering a chronological glimpse into events that have shaped our world from the Middle Ages to the modern era.
July 7th – On this Day in History
1456 – Joan of Arc’s Posthumous Retrial: A retrial of Joan of Arc, conducted by the Catholic Church, clears her of charges 25 years after her execution
On July 7, 1456, a significant event in the history of medieval France and the Catholic Church occurred: the posthumous retrial of Joan of Arc. Joan, a peasant girl who claimed divine guidance, had been executed for heresy and witchcraft in 1431, after leading French forces to several important victories during the Hundred Years’ War.
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This retrial, ordered by Pope Callixtus III, was conducted after a thorough examination of her original trial and its procedures. The new tribunal, comprising clergymen and legal experts, found that Joan had been wrongfully convicted.
The court declared her innocent of all charges and proclaimed her a martyr. This verdict was not only a restoration of Joan’s reputation but also a condemnation of the political and ecclesiastical machinations that had led to her death.
1534 – European Exploration: French explorer Jacques Cartier makes his first contact with the St. Lawrence River
On July 7, 1534, the French explorer Jacques Cartier became one of the first Europeans to make contact with the St. Lawrence River, a momentous step in the exploration of North America.
Cartier was on his first voyage commissioned by King Francis I of France, seeking a western passage to Asia and new lands to claim for France.
As Cartier navigated the Gulf of St. Lawrence, he encountered the river that would become a vital route for French colonial expansion into the interior of the continent.
This exploration paved the way for future expeditions and the eventual establishment of French settlements in Canada, significantly impacting the history and development of North America.
1863 – American Civil War: The United States begins its first military draft; exemptions cost $300
The enactment of the first military draft in the United States on July 7, 1863, marked a critical moment in the Civil War.
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Facing a severe shortage of volunteers to fight in the Union Army, the government instituted a draft requiring men aged 20 to 45 to serve unless they could find a substitute or pay a $300 commutation fee to avoid service. This measure, known as the Conscription Act, led to widespread discontent and unrest.
Notably, it sparked the New York City Draft Riots, one of the largest civil insurrections in American history. The draft highlighted the deep divisions within Northern society and underscored the challenges of maintaining manpower in a protracted and bloody conflict.
1898 – Hawaii’s Annexation: The United States annexes Hawaii, making it a U.S. territory
On July 7, 1898, Hawaii was formally annexed by the United States, a culmination of a series of events that significantly altered the political landscape of the Pacific. This annexation followed the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893 by American and European settlers, backed by the U.S. military.
Initially, there was considerable debate in the United States about the annexation, driven by both strategic interests and moral concerns.
However, the outbreak of the Spanish-American War and the strategic importance of Hawaii as a mid-Pacific fueling station and naval base ultimately led to its incorporation as a U.S. territory. This move was pivotal in expanding American influence in the Pacific and laid the groundwork for Hawaii’s eventual statehood in 1959.
1928 – Sliced Bread: The Chillicothe Baking Company of Chillicothe, Missouri, produces the first sliced bread using Otto Frederick Rohwedder’s invention
On July 7, 1928, the Chillicothe Baking Company in Missouri made history by selling the first loaf of pre-sliced bread, an innovation that would revolutionize the baking industry and become a staple of American households.
Otto Frederick Rohwedder, an inventor from Iowa, had created the first machine capable of slicing bread into uniform pieces. Initially, bakers were skeptical about this new product, concerned about its freshness and potential impact on sales.
However, consumers quickly embraced sliced bread for its convenience and uniformity, leading to the popular saying “the greatest thing since sliced bread.” This invention not only changed the way bread was sold and consumed but also influenced a range of other food packaging and processing innovations.
1930 – Building Inauguration: The construction of the Hoover Dam begins on the Colorado River
On July 7, 1930, construction began on one of the most ambitious engineering projects of the 20th century: the Hoover Dam. Situated on the Colorado River, between Nevada and Arizona, the dam was intended to provide flood control, water storage, and hydroelectric power to the arid Southwestern United States.
The dam’s construction was a monumental feat, involving thousands of workers and overcoming numerous challenges, including extreme desert conditions and the technical difficulties of constructing a massive concrete structure in a remote location.
The project was completed in 1936, ahead of schedule and under budget, and it quickly became a symbol of American ingenuity and determination during the Great Depression. The Hoover Dam remains a critical component of the region’s infrastructure and a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year.
1941 – Nazi Occupation: The United States occupies Iceland to prevent a Nazi takeover during World War II
On July 7, 1941, as World War II raged, the United States took the strategic decision to occupy Iceland. This move was part of a broader effort to preempt a potential German invasion and secure the North Atlantic’s vital sea routes.
Iceland, though a neutral country, was geographically crucial for controlling the Atlantic shipping lanes, which were essential for the movement of Allied troops and supplies.
The U.S. occupation was agreed upon with the Icelandic government and was initially intended to relieve British forces that had already been stationed there.
The presence of American troops in Iceland helped to secure the North Atlantic and demonstrated the United States’ growing commitment to the Allied cause, even before its formal entry into the war following the attack on Pearl Harbor later that year.
1946 – Mother Teresa: Mother Teresa arrives in Calcutta, India, to begin her work with the destitute and dying
On July 7, 1946, Mother Teresa, a Roman Catholic nun of Albanian descent, arrived in Calcutta, India, to start her lifelong mission of serving the poorest of the poor. Originally sent to India by her convent to teach, she experienced what she described as a “call within a call” to devote her life to helping the destitute and dying in the slums of Calcutta.
This profound calling led her to leave her teaching post and establish the Missionaries of Charity, an order dedicated to caring for the sick, orphaned, and dying. Over the years, Mother Teresa’s work gained international recognition, earning her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
Her compassion and dedication to the marginalized transformed not only lives but also the global understanding of humanitarian service.
1954 – Elvis Presley’s First Single: Elvis Presley makes his radio debut when WHBQ Memphis plays his first recording for Sun Records, “That’s All Right.”
On July 7, 1954, Elvis Presley made his historic debut on the radio with his first single, “That’s All Right,” on WHBQ Memphis. This moment marked the beginning of Elvis’s meteoric rise to fame and his profound influence on the music industry.
Recorded at Sun Studio just a few days earlier, the song was a blend of blues and country, a sound that would become known as rockabilly. Radio DJ Dewey Phillips played the track repeatedly that night, and the overwhelming listener response set the stage for Elvis’s subsequent success.
“That’s All Right” was a pioneering moment in the crossover of African American blues into mainstream American culture, and it signaled the birth of rock ‘n’ roll as a dominant musical force. Elvis’s charismatic style and groundbreaking music would soon make him an icon of American pop culture.
1960 – Soviet Union Achievements: The Soviet Union’s Sputnik 5 returns to Earth safely, carrying a pair of dogs named Belka and Strelka
On July 7, 1960, the Soviet Union achieved a significant milestone in space exploration with the safe return of Sputnik 5. This spacecraft carried two dogs, Belka and Strelka, along with other biological specimens, into orbit and back, marking the first time that living beings had returned safely from space.
The success of Sputnik 5 was a crucial step forward in the Soviet space program, demonstrating that prolonged human spaceflight was possible and paving the way for future manned missions. This mission also contributed to the growing space race between the Soviet Union and the United States, fueling advancements in technology and exploration.
The successful recovery of Belka and Strelka was celebrated worldwide and provided valuable data on the effects of space travel on living organisms, influencing the development of life-support systems for astronauts.
1965 – Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation: The confrontation between Indonesia and Malaysia ends formally with a peace agreement
On July 7, 1965, a significant conflict in Southeast Asia known as the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation formally ended with a peace agreement. This confrontation, often called Konfrontasi, began in 1963 when Indonesia opposed the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, which included the territories of Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore, in addition to Malaya.
Indonesia, under President Sukarno, feared that the creation of Malaysia would strengthen Western influence in the region and threaten Indonesian interests. The conflict involved a series of sporadic military engagements and political maneuvers.
The peace agreement, facilitated by diplomatic efforts and changes in leadership following an attempted coup in Indonesia, marked the cessation of hostilities and the recognition of Malaysia’s sovereignty. This resolution helped to stabilize the region and allowed both nations to focus on their internal development and bilateral relations, setting the stage for future regional cooperation.
1967 – The Beatles: The Beatles’ animated film “Yellow Submarine” premieres in London
On July 7, 1967, The Beatles premiered their innovative and visually stunning animated film “Yellow Submarine” in London. This film was a groundbreaking project that combined the band’s music with psychedelic animation and storytelling, capturing the spirit of the 1960s.
“Yellow Submarine” followed a whimsical journey through the fictional Pepperland, threatened by the music-hating Blue Meanies, with The Beatles embarking on a fantastical adventure to save it. The film’s release was not only a commercial success but also a critical one, praised for its artistic creativity and its ability to appeal to both children and adults.
The music of The Beatles, coupled with the film’s vibrant animation, cemented “Yellow Submarine” as a cultural icon and a landmark in animated filmmaking. It showcased the potential of animation as a medium for mature, experimental storytelling and further solidified The Beatles’ influence beyond music into broader aspects of popular culture.
1981 – U.S. Supreme Court: Sandra Day O’Connor is nominated by President Ronald Reagan to become the first female member of the Supreme Court of the United States
On July 7, 1981, President Ronald Reagan nominated Sandra Day O’Connor to the U.S. Supreme Court, marking a historic milestone as she became the first woman to serve on the nation’s highest court. O’Connor’s nomination was a significant step forward in the fight for gender equality in the United States.
Her appointment followed a distinguished career in law and public service, including her tenure as an Arizona state senator and a judge on the Arizona Court of Appeals. O’Connor’s confirmation by the Senate was unanimous, reflecting widespread bipartisan support.
During her time on the Supreme Court, she was known for her pragmatic approach to the law and often served as a crucial swing vote in important decisions. O’Connor’s influence extended far beyond her rulings; she became a role model for women in the legal profession and helped to pave the way for future generations of women in positions of judicial authority.
1983 – Martial Law in Poland: Martial law in Poland is officially revoked after being in place since December 1981
On July 7, 1983, Poland formally revoked the martial law that had been in place since December 1981. Martial law was initially declared by the communist government to suppress the growing influence of the Solidarity movement, a trade union led by Lech Wałęsa that demanded greater political freedoms and workers’ rights.
The imposition of martial law led to widespread arrests, curfews, and restrictions on civil liberties, causing significant hardship and resistance among the Polish people. The revocation of martial law in 1983 marked a turning point in Poland’s struggle for democracy and indicated a shift in the government’s approach to handling opposition.
Although many of the repressive measures continued informally, the official end of martial law allowed for the gradual re-emergence of political activity and eventually led to the round-table talks between the government and opposition in 1989. These discussions paved the way for Poland’s transition to democracy and the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.
1985 – Live Aid: A worldwide rock concert organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia is announced, leading to the event on July 13
On July 7, 1985, the world learned of an unprecedented event in music and philanthropy: Live Aid. Organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, Live Aid was a global rock concert aimed at raising funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.
The event, scheduled for July 13, 1985, would take place simultaneously at Wembley Stadium in London and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, with numerous other concerts and broadcasts around the world.
Live Aid featured a lineup of some of the most famous artists and bands of the era, including Queen, U2, David Bowie, and Paul McCartney, and was broadcast to an estimated audience of 1.9 billion people across 150 countries.
The announcement of Live Aid highlighted the power of music to unite people for a common cause and demonstrated the potential for popular culture to drive significant social impact. The concert ultimately raised over $125 million for famine relief and left a lasting legacy in the world of humanitarian efforts and entertainment.
2000 – U.S. Abortion Pill: The FDA approves mifepristone (RU-486), the “abortion pill,” for use in the United States
On July 7, 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of mifepristone, commonly known as RU-486 or the “abortion pill,” for terminating early pregnancies. This approval represented a significant milestone in reproductive health and women’s rights. Mifepristone works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for pregnancy to continue. When used in combination with another drug, misoprostol, it induces a medical abortion.
The approval of RU-486 provided a non-surgical option for women seeking to terminate a pregnancy within the first ten weeks, offering more privacy and control compared to surgical procedures. The decision was met with intense debate and controversy, reflecting the deeply polarized views on abortion in the United States.
Proponents hailed it as a safe and effective method to enhance reproductive choice, while opponents decried it as a moral and ethical issue. The availability of RU-486 has since played a crucial role in reproductive health services, expanding options for women worldwide.
2005 – London Bombings: A series of bomb attacks occurs on London’s public transport system during the morning rush hour, killing 52 and injuring hundreds
On July 7, 2005, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks struck London’s public transport system during the morning rush hour, in what would become known as the 7/7 bombings. Four suicide bombers, all British nationals of Pakistani descent, detonated explosives on three London Underground trains and a double-decker bus.
The attacks resulted in the deaths of 52 civilians and injured more than 700 others, making it the deadliest terrorist incident in the United Kingdom since the Lockerbie bombing in 1988. The bombings were a stark reminder of the threat posed by Islamist extremism and brought profound shock and grief to the nation.
In the aftermath, Londoners and the broader British public demonstrated remarkable resilience and solidarity, epitomized by the slogan “London United.” The 7/7 bombings prompted significant changes in security policies and emergency response protocols in the UK and underscored the need for international cooperation in combating terrorism.
2007 – Live Earth: The global concert series Live Earth is held to raise awareness about climate change
On July 7, 2007, the world witnessed Live Earth, a series of concerts held across seven continents aimed at raising awareness about climate change and promoting environmental sustainability. Conceived by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and founded by Kevin Wall, Live Earth sought to engage a global audience with a call to action on the urgent issue of climate change.
The concerts featured performances by a wide array of artists, including Madonna, The Police, Kanye West, and Linkin Park, among others, and were broadcast to an estimated audience of over 2 billion people worldwide. Events were held in cities such as New York, London, Johannesburg, Rio de Janeiro, Shanghai, Sydney, and Tokyo.
Live Earth not only highlighted the environmental challenges facing the planet but also demonstrated the potential of using entertainment as a platform for advocacy and education. The event catalyzed discussions on sustainable practices and inspired many to take personal and collective steps towards mitigating climate change.
2019 – Japan’s Kyoto Animation Arson: An arson attack on Kyoto Animation in Japan results in the deaths of 36 people and injuries to many others, one of the deadliest massacres in Japan’s post-war history
On July 18, 2019 a devastating arson attack occurred at the Kyoto Animation studio in Japan, leading to one of the deadliest massacres in the country’s post-war history.
A 41-year-old man set fire to the studio, claiming that the company had plagiarized his work. The fire quickly engulfed the building, resulting in the tragic deaths of 36 people and injuries to many others.
Kyoto Animation, known for its high-quality anime productions such as “K-On!” and “Violet Evergarden,” was widely respected in the industry for its artistic excellence and positive working environment. The attack sent shockwaves through Japan and the global anime community, prompting an outpouring of support and condolences from fans and industry professionals around the world.
The incident highlighted the vulnerability of creative communities to acts of violence and underscored the need for greater security measures. The loss deeply affected the anime industry and fans, marking a dark chapter in the history of Japanese animation.