What happened on July 26th?

Good morning! 

On this day in 1953, Fidel Castro launched the Cuban Revolution by attacking the Moncada Military Fortress. This bold move marked the beginning of a revolution that would reshape Cuba and the world in the 20th century.

Here are other events from this day in history:

✊ 1953: Fidel Castro Started the Cuban Revolution

On July 26, 1953, Fidel Castro led a group of approximately 160 rebels in an attack on the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba, marking the beginning of the Cuban Revolution. The goal was to seize weapons and spark a nationwide uprising against the dictator Fulgencio Batista. However, the attack was poorly planned and executed, resulting in disaster. Many of the rebels were killed, and Castro, along with his brother Raúl and others, were captured and imprisoned.

Despite the failure of the Moncada attack, it became a significant turning point in Cuban history. Castro used his trial as a platform to deliver his famous speech, "History Will Absolve Me," in which he defended his actions and outlined his vision for a free Cuba. This speech gained widespread attention and began to build his reputation as a revolutionary leader. After serving less than two years of a 15-year sentence, Castro was released in a political amnesty in 1955.

Following his release, Castro went into exile in Mexico, where he regrouped with other exiled revolutionaries, including Ernesto "Che" Guevara. Together, they planned a return to Cuba to continue the struggle against Batista. On December 2, 1956, Castro and 81 rebels landed on the southeastern coast of Cuba aboard the yacht Granma. 

Although this landing also faced significant challenges and losses, it marked the beginning of a guerrilla warfare campaign in the Sierra Maestra mountains. Over the next two years, Castro's forces gained popular support and strength, ultimately leading to the successful overthrow of Batista on January 1, 1959, and the establishment of a communist state in Cuba.

Read about Fidel Castro in Fidel Castro: Life, Work, and Death of an Intriguing Cuban Leader

📬 1775: The Second Continental Congress Established the U.S. Postal Service

On July 26, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the United States Postal Service, appointing Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General. This move was crucial for ensuring reliable communication between the colonies during the American Revolution. Franklin's leadership helped lay the foundation for a national postal system, providing a vital service for the fledgling nation.

🧑‍💻1908: FBI Was Founded

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was founded as the Bureau of Investigation (BOI). It was later renamed the FBI in 1935. The agency was created to investigate federal crimes and enforce federal laws.

☁️ 1943: Los Angeles Experienced First Major Smog Event

On July 26, 1943, Los Angeles experienced its first major smog event, which marked the beginning of widespread air pollution problems in the city. The thick, eye-burning smog reduced visibility and caused health issues, leading to the realization of the impact of industrial and vehicular emissions on air quality. This event spurred efforts to address air pollution and eventually led to the development of air quality regulations.

1945: Winston Churchill Resigned as Prime Minister of the UK

Winston Churchill resigned as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after his party lost the general election to the Labour Party led by Clement Attlee. Churchill's resignation marked the end of his wartime leadership.

✍️ 1947: President Truman Signed the National Security Act

On July 26, 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act into law, significantly restructuring the United States' military and intelligence agencies. This act created the National Security Council (NSC), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and the Department of Defense, which unified the previously separate military departments under a single executive department. The legislation aimed to improve coordination and efficiency in national security and defense operations in response to the emerging Cold War tensions.

📜 1948: Harry S. Truman Issued the Executive Order 9981, Mandating Equality

On July 26, 1948, President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9981, which mandated equality of treatment and opportunity for all members of the armed forces, regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin. This landmark order initiated the desegregation of the U.S. military, reflecting Truman's commitment to civil rights and setting a significant precedent for future integration efforts in American society.

⚓ 1956: The Andrea Doria Sank

On July 25, 1956, the Italian ocean liner Andrea Doria collided with the Swedish ship Stockholm near Nantucket, Massachusetts. The collision caused significant damage to the Andrea Doria, and despite efforts to save the vessel, it sank the following morning. Remarkably, due to a well-executed rescue operation, 1,660 passengers and crew members were saved, although 46 people lost their lives in the incident. The sinking of the Andrea Doria remains one of the most famous maritime disasters of the 20th century. Read more about it in The 1956 Andrea Doria Sinking: Catastrophe at Sea.

1965: The Republic of Maldives Gained Its Independence

On July 26, 1965, the Republic of Maldives gained independence from British rule after being a British protectorate since 1887. The transition to independence was peaceful, with an agreement signed by the Maldivian Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir and British officials. This historic event marked the beginning of full sovereignty for the Maldives, allowing the nation to control its own affairs and join the international community as an independent state.

🩼 1990: George H.W. Bush Signed the Americans with Disabilities Act 

President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law prohibiting discrimination based on disability. The ADA improved access to jobs, public services, and transportation for disabled individuals.

💲 2004: The U.S Imposed Economic Sanctions against Sudan

The United States imposed economic sanctions on Sudan in response to the ongoing conflict and human rights abuses in the Darfur region. The sanctions aimed to pressure the Sudanese government to end the violence and negotiate peace.

🦅 2016: Hillary Clinton Was Nominated for President

Hillary Clinton was officially nominated as the Democratic candidate for President of the United States, becoming the first woman to be nominated for president by a major U.S. political party.

🌟 Born on This Day in History

1856: George Bernard Shaw, Irish Dramatist and Critic

George Bernard Shaw was an Irish playwright, critic, and polemicist. He wrote more than 60 plays, including Pygmalion and Man and Superman, and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925.

1875: Carl Jung, Swiss Psychologist

Carl Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology. He introduced the collective unconscious, archetypes, and psychological types.

1894: Aldous Huxley, British Author

Aldous Huxley was a British writer and philosopher best known for his novel Brave New World, which explored dystopian themes and the impact of technology on society.

1928: Stanley Kubrick, US Director

Stanley Kubrick was an influential American film director, screenwriter, and producer. His notable works include 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Shining, and A Clockwork Orange.

1943: Mick Jagger, British Singer

Mick Jagger is an English singer, songwriter, and the lead vocalist of the Rolling Stones. Known for his distinctive voice and energetic performances, he has been a major figure in rock and roll for decades.

💔 Died on This Day in History

1863: Sam Houston, President of the Republic of Texas

Sam Houston was an American soldier and politician who played a key role in the history of Texas. He served as the first and third President of the Republic of Texas and was instrumental in Texas's admission to the United States.

2023: Sinéad O’Connor, Irish Singer-Songwriter

Sinéad O’Connor was an Irish singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and emotional delivery. Her hit song Nothing Compares 2 U brought her international fame. O’Connor was also known for her outspoken views on social and political issues.

We’ll talk tomorrow!

Matt