What happened on July 13th?

Good morning!

If you look through history, Europeans, particularly Western Europeans, have a habit of drawing and redrawing the maps of different parts of the world. Starting in 1492, these countries started sailing the world and conquering new lands, building vast empires. Often, different countries claimed the same lands, and war broke out.

Probably the most famous was the Berlin Conference, which took place in 1884 and is also known as “The Scramble for Africa" During this conference, the major European powers rattled out how they would divide up the African continent. Interesting since no one from the African continent was actually there…

However, just six years prior, many of these same European powers also met in Berlin to bring an end to the Russo-Turkish War and redraw the map of the Balkans.

There they go again. Drawing maps of lands they don’t own.

But I digress. Here’s everything cool that happened on July 13th.

✍️ 1878: The Treaty of Berlin Was Signed

The Treaty of Berlin, signed on July 13, 1878, was a significant diplomatic agreement aimed at reorganizing the countries of the Balkans after the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. The treaty was an outcome of the Congress of Berlin, which was attended by major European powers including Britain, France, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Italy, Russia, and the Ottoman Empire. The primary objective was to revise the earlier Treaty of San Stefano, which had been imposed on the Ottoman Empire by Russia and was perceived as overly favorable to Russian interests.

The Treaty of Berlin significantly altered the map of Southeastern Europe. One of its key provisions was the recognition of the independence of Romania, Serbia, and Montenegro, which had previously been vassal states under the Ottoman Empire. Bulgaria was established as an autonomous principality under Ottoman suzerainty, but its size was considerably reduced from what had been stipulated in the Treaty of San Stefano. This division aimed to curb Russian influence in the Balkans and maintain a balance of power in the region.

Additionally, the treaty granted Austria-Hungary the right to occupy and administer Bosnia and Herzegovina, though these territories formally remained under Ottoman sovereignty. This arrangement was intended to stabilize the region and prevent further conflicts. The Treaty of Berlin also addressed the interests of other ethnic and religious groups in the Balkans, although many of these provisions were not fully implemented, leading to future tensions and conflicts.

In essence, the Treaty of Berlin was an attempt by the Great Powers to maintain stability and order in Europe by addressing the "Eastern Question" and managing the decline of the Ottoman Empire.

✍️ 713: Spain and Britain Signed one of the Treaties of Utrecht

In 1713, Spain and Britain signed one of the Treaties of Utrecht, marking the end of the War of the Spanish Succession. This treaty significantly reshaped the political landscape of Europe. Among its key provisions, Spain ceded Gibraltar and Minorca to Britain, granting Britain strategic naval bases in the Mediterranean. Additionally, Spain recognized the Protestant succession in Britain, and Britain acknowledged Philip V as the legitimate king of Spain, ending the conflict over the Spanish throne. This series of treaties helped establish a new balance of power in Europe and laid the groundwork for the subsequent rise of the British Empire.

📜 1787: The U.S. Congress Passed the Northwest Ordinance

The U.S. Congress passed the Northwest Ordinance, establishing a framework for governing the Northwest Territory and setting a precedent for the creation of future states. It also prohibited slavery in the territory, making it a significant legislative act in early American history.

🔪 1793: French Revolutionary Jean-Paul Marat Was Assassinated

Jean-Paul Marat, a prominent and radical journalist and politician during the French Revolution, was assassinated in his bath by Charlotte Corday, a Girondin sympathizer. Marat was known for his fierce advocacy for the rights of Paris's poorest and his vitriolic attacks on opponents of the revolution through his newspaper, L'Ami du peuple. Corday's act was motivated by her belief that Marat was contributing to the increasing violence of the revolution.

🪖 1861: George B. McClellan and Union Troops Defeated Confederate Forces

During the American Civil War, Union General George B. McClellan achieved a significant victory at the Battle of Rich Mountain in West Virginia. This battle was part of McClellan's strategy to secure the western part of Virginia to prevent Confederate access to valuable resources and strategic railroads. The success at Rich Mountain was important as it not only improved Union morale but also enhanced McClellan's reputation, leading to his later appointment as the commander of the Army of the Potomac. Read more in The American Civil War: Dates, Causes, and People.

⚽ 1930: Uruguay Clinched the First FIFA World Cup Ever

The inaugural FIFA World Cup kicked off in Uruguay, marking the beginning of the world's premier international football tournament. Uruguay, celebrating its centenary of independence, hosted and won the tournament, beating Argentina 4-2 in the final to become the first World Cup champions. The tournament featured thirteen teams from three continents, invited by FIFA, and its success fostered a new era in global sports, highlighting football's ability to bring together nations in competitive and cultural exchange.

1960: John F. Kennedy Was Nominated for Presidency

John F. Kennedy secured the Democratic nomination for the presidency of the United States at the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles. His nomination set the stage for his eventual election as the 35th President of the United States.

🌟 Born on This Day in History

1821: Nathan Bedford Forrest, US Confederate General

Nathan Bedford Forrest was a controversial Confederate general known for his tactical brilliance during the American Civil War and his post-war involvement with the Ku Klux Klan. Read about him in Nathan Bedford Forrest: Life and Service of the Military Genius.

1940: Patrick Stewart, British Actor

Patrick Stewart is an acclaimed British actor renowned for his roles as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film series.

1942: Harrison Ford, Actor

Harrison Ford is an iconic American actor known for his roles as Han Solo in the Star Wars franchise and the titular character in the Indiana Jones series. His career spans decades and includes numerous blockbuster films.

💔 Died on This Day in History

1951: Arnold Schoenberg, Composer

Arnold Schoenberg was a pioneering composer known for developing the twelve-tone technique, which had a profound influence on 20th-century music. His works include Pierrot Lunaire and A Survivor from Warsaw.

1954: Frida Kahlo, Mexican Painter

Frida Kahlo was a renowned Mexican painter known for her deeply personal and emotive self-portraits. Her work explored themes of identity, postcolonialism, and the female experience. Read about Frida Kahlo and how her life changed in a single in Frida Kahlo Accident: How a Single Day Changed an Entire Life.

This day has been marked by significant events that have shaped history, from treaties that redrew maps to other noteworthy occurrences. See you tomorrow with more interesting historical moments!

Matt