What happened on July 21st?

Good morning! 

On this day in 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte's army achieved a decisive victory over the Egyptian forces in the Battle of the Pyramids. This significant event not only highlighted Napoleon's military prowess but also left a lasting impact on the course of Egyptian and European history.

Here's what else happened today: 

⚔️ 1798: Egyptians Lose the Battle of the Pyramids

In 1798, the Battle of the Pyramids was a significant clash between the forces of Napoleon Bonaparte's French Revolutionary Army and the Mamluk forces of Egypt. Napoleon, having landed in Egypt with ambitions to disrupt British trade routes to India and establish French influence in the region, faced the Mamluk rulers who controlled Egypt at the time.

The Mamluks, who were skilled cavalry warriors, confronted Napoleon's army near the Pyramids of Giza on July 21, 1798. Despite their reputation as formidable fighters, the Mamluks were at a disadvantage against the disciplined and technologically advanced French troops. Napoleon's forces, using superior tactics and firepower, including artillery and infantry squares, quickly gained the upper hand.

During the battle, the Mamluks launched several charges against the French lines, attempting to break their formations and exploit any weaknesses. However, the French infantry squares, well-trained and equipped with muskets and bayonets, proved resilient against the cavalry assaults. The French artillery, positioned strategically, inflicted heavy casualties on the Mamluk ranks.

Ultimately, the Battle of the Pyramids ended decisively in favor of the French. Estimates of casualties vary, but the Mamluks suffered significant losses, while Napoleon's army, though victorious, also incurred notable casualties. The battle showed Napoleon's military prowess and marked a key moment in his campaign in Egypt.  It also solidified French control over the region for a time despite the challenges that followed. 

Read more about Napoleon and how he died in How Did Napoleon Die: Stomach Cancer, Poison, or Something Else?.

👑 1613: Michael Romanov Was Crowned Tsar of Russia

In 1613, Michael Romanov ascended to the Russian throne as Tsar, marking the beginning of the Romanov dynasty that would rule Russia for over three centuries. His coronation followed a period of political turmoil known as the Time of Troubles, during which Russia experienced dynastic disputes, famine, and foreign intervention. Michael's reign brought stability and initiated a dynasty that would play an important role in shaping Russian history and lead the country through periods of expansion, reform, and cultural flourishing.

✍️ 1774: The Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca Was Signed

The Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca was signed between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire, ending the Russo-Turkish War (1768–1774). The treaty granted Russia significant territorial gains and increased influence in the Black Sea region.

⚔️ 1861: The First Battle of Bull Run Was Fought

The First Battle of Bull Run, fought on July 21, 1861, near Manassas, Virginia, marked the first major land battle of the American Civil War. It pitted Union forces commanded by Brigadier General Irvin McDowell against Confederate troops led by Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard. Initially, the Union Army seemed to gain the upper hand but was ultimately repulsed by Confederate reinforcements led by General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, resulting in a Confederate victory. Read more about the war in The American Civil War: Dates, Causes, and People.

📜 1954: The Geneva Accords Effectively Divided Vietnam at the 17th Parallel

The Geneva Accords of 1954 aimed to resolve the First Indochina War and temporarily divided Vietnam at the 17th parallel into two zones. North Vietnam, under the control of the communist Viet Minh led by Ho Chi Minh, and South Vietnam, under a US-backed regime led by Ngo Dinh Diem, were established. The Accords also called for elections in 1956 to reunify the country, but these were never held which led to the escalation of tensions that ultimately resulted in the Vietnam War. Read about what was after the Vietnam War in Interchange: Legacies of the Vietnam War.

🔎 1955: President Eisenhower Presented His “Open Skies” Plan

President Dwight D. Eisenhower presented his "Open Skies" plan at the Geneva Summit. The proposal called for mutual aerial surveillance between the U.S. and the Soviet Union to prevent surprise nuclear attacks, but the Soviets rejected it.

🚿 1970: Aswan High Dam in Egypt Was Completed, Improving Egypt’s Economy

The Aswan High Dam in Egypt was completed. The dam, built across the Nile River, aimed to control flooding, generate hydroelectric power, and provide water for irrigation. It significantly impacted Egypt's economy and agriculture.

🚀 2011: The U.S. Space Shuttle Program Ended after 30 Years of Flights

The U.S. Space Shuttle program officially ended with the landing of the Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-135. This concluded 30 years of shuttle flights, which included significant milestones such as the deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope and the construction of the International Space Station.

🌟 Born on This Day in History

1899: Ernest Hemingway, Writer

Ernest Hemingway was an American novelist and short-story writer known for works such as The Old Man and the Sea, A Farewell to Arms, and For Whom the Bell Tolls. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.

1951: Robin Williams, Comedian and Actor

Robin Williams was an American comedian and actor renowned for his improvisational skills and versatile performances in films like Good Will Hunting, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Dead Poets Society. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Good Will Hunting.

💔 Died on This Day in History

1796: Robert Burns, Scottish Poet

Robert Burns, also known as Rabbie Burns, was a Scottish poet and lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is best known for his works, such as Auld Lang Syne and To a Mouse.

2023: Tony Bennett, Singer

Tony Bennett was an American singer known for his smooth voice and enduring career in jazz and pop music. His signature song, I Left My Heart in San Francisco, won Grammy Awards, and he was celebrated for his collaborations with contemporary artists.

That’s all for today! Have a good day and stay tuned for more interesting facts from the past!

Matt