What happened on July 1st?

Hey there! 

Are you ready to kick off July with a bang? July 1st isn't just any day—it's a blockbuster date in the annals of history!

On this day, the Battle of Gettysburg began. This crucial clash during the American Civil War not only marked a turning point in the conflict but also reshaped the course of American history, setting the stage for the eventual Union victory.

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Here’s July 1st through the ages:

⚔️ 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg Starts

On July 1, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg began in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It marked a turning point in the American Civil War. Union and Confederate forces clashed in what would become one of the bloodiest battles of the conflict, lasting three days and resulting in a decisive Union victory. This battle halted General Robert E. Lee's invasion of the North and set the stage for the Union's eventual triumph in the war. Read more in The American Civil War: Dates, Causes, and People.

⚖️ 1535: Sir Thomas More Is Taken on Trial for Treason

Sir Thomas More, a respected scholar and former Lord Chancellor of England, was tried for treason after refusing to acknowledge King Henry VIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England. His steadfast loyalty to the Roman Catholic Church and refusal to endorse the king's divorce from Catherine of Aragon led to his conviction and execution.

⚔️ 1690: The Battle of the Boyne Is Fought

The Battle of the Boyne fought in Ireland, was an important moment in Irish and British history. This conflict between the deposed King James II of England, a Catholic, and his Protestant son-in-law and nephew, King William III, solidified William's power in England and Ireland, significantly affecting the political and religious landscape of the region.

🚴 1903: The First Tour de France Begins

The first Tour de France started on July 1, 1903. This grueling cycling race covered 2,428 kilometers and was an immediate hit. Maurice Garin won this inaugural event, which has since become the most prestigious and famous cycling race globally, and it is celebrated annually.

⚔️ 1916: Battle of the Somme Begins at Verdun

The Battle of the Somme was intended to alleviate pressure on the French forces at Verdun and break through German defenses. Despite its high casualties, the battle facilitated developments in military tactics, including the first use of a tank in warfare by the British in September 1916. The Somme also exposed the futility of trench warfare and prompted military and political leaders to rethink offensive strategies.

📪 1963: The U.S. Postal Service Institutes the Zone Improvement Plan Code

The introduction of ZIP Codes by the U.S. Postal Service was part of a larger effort to streamline and mechanize mail sorting and delivery, as mail volume had increased dramatically due to population growth and business usage. The ZIP Code system used a five-digit numerical code that accurately directed mail not just to geographic areas but to individual post offices, enhancing the postal service's efficiency.

✍️ 1968: Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Is Signed

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) emerged during intense Cold War tensions and the nuclear arms race. It established a framework for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, distinguishing between nuclear-weapon states (the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, France, and China) and non-nuclear-weapon states, which were prohibited from developing or acquiring nuclear weapons.

🎧 1979: Sony Begins Selling its Walkman

The Sony Walkman TPS-L2, the first model introduced, offered portability and personalization of the listening experience, a novel concept at the time. Its success spurred a wide range of similar products from competitors and influenced the development of portable music players, leading eventually to digital devices like the iPod.

1997: Hong Kong Is Returned to China

The handover of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to China was conducted under the Sino-British Joint Declaration, signed in 1984, which established the conditions of the handover and the principle of "one country, two systems." This arrangement was meant to maintain Hong Kong's economic and administrative systems for 50 years post-handover.

⚖️ 2002: The International Criminal Court Begin Sittings

The International Criminal Court (ICC) held its first sittings in The Hague, Netherlands, tasked with prosecuting individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC) culminated efforts initiated at the United Nations Conference on International Organization in 1945. 

📜 2020: NAFTA Is Replaced by the USMCA

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) became a modernized trade agreement, which included new provisions on digital trade, stricter labor and environmental standards, and changes to rules of origin for automotive manufacturing. It aimed to address trade imbalances and was negotiated to support North American workers, farmers, and businesses in a more balanced, reciprocal trade framework.

🌟 Born on This Day in History

1893: Walter White, US rights activist

Walter White was a prominent African American civil rights activist and leader of the NAACP from 1931 to 1955. He is renowned for his courageous investigations into lynchings and his relentless advocacy for racial equality and justice in the United States.

1899: Thomas Andrew Dorsey, Musician

Thomas Andrew Dorsey, known as the "Father of Gospel Music," greatly influenced the development of gospel music with his compositions and performances.

1961: Diana, Princess of Wales

Diana, Princess of Wales, was a beloved figure known for her humanitarian work and iconic presence. Her marriage to Prince Charles and untimely death brought her worldwide fame.

💔 Died on This Day in History

23: Drusus Julius Caesar, Roman Consul

Drusus Julius Caesar was the son of the Roman general Nero Claudius Drusus and Antonia Minor, and a prominent Roman consul. He was groomed as a potential successor to the emperor Tiberius but died under suspicious circumstances in AD 23, leading to speculation of political intrigue and poisoning.

1566: Nostradamus, French Astrologer

Nostradamus, born Michel de Nostredame, was a French astrologer, physician, and reputed seer best known for his book Les Prophéties, a collection of 942 poetic quatrains often claimed to predict future events. His enigmatic and cryptic prophecies have fascinated and puzzled readers for centuries.

1896: Harriet Beecher Stowe, Writer and Educator

Harriet Beecher Stowe was an American writer and educator best known for her influential novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, which depicted the harsh realities of slavery and fueled abolitionist sentiment in the pre-Civil War United States. Her powerful storytelling and activism made her a significant figure in American literature and social reform.

2004: Marlon Brando, Actor

Marlon Brando, one of the greatest actors in cinematic history, is known for his roles in films such as A Streetcar Named Desire, On the Waterfront, and The Godfather.

Thank you for joining me in exploring these historical milestones. Stay tuned for more insights and updates in our upcoming newsletters.

Matt

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