What happened on July 28th?

Good morning,

On this day in 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, setting the stage for World War I.

Here’s more about this and the other events that happened today:

⚔️1914: Austria-Hungary Declared War on Serbia

In 1914, Austria-Hungary's declaration of war on Serbia marked a critical escalation that would soon engulf Europe in World War I. The declaration came in response to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary and his wife Sophie in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist.

Austria-Hungary, viewing the assassination as an affront to its sovereignty, issued an ultimatum to Serbia on July 23, 1914, demanding strict compliance with a series of demands aimed at curtailing Serbian nationalism and influence in the region.

Serbia, fearing the loss of sovereignty and unwilling to accept all terms of the ultimatum, responded with partial acceptance. This partial response, coupled with Russia's support for Serbia as a fellow Slavic nation, intensified the crisis. On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, viewing the Serbian response as inadequate and escalating the situation to a full-scale military conflict.

The declaration of war on Serbia set off a chain reaction of alliances and mobilizations across Europe. Russia, as Serbia's ally, began mobilizing its forces against Austria-Hungary. Germany, in support of Austria-Hungary, declared war on Russia on August 1, 1914, and subsequently on Russia's ally, France. This cascade of declarations triggered the complex web of alliances known as the Triple Entente (France, Russia, and later Britain) and the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and later the Ottoman Empire).

The declaration of war by Austria-Hungary on Serbia was thus a crucial moment that swiftly escalated regional tensions into a global conflict. It marked the beginning of World War I and reshaped the political and social landscapes of Europe and the world for years to come.

Read more in What Caused World War 1? Political, Imperialistic, and Nationalistic Factors.

👑1540: King Henry VIII Married Catherine Howard

Henry VIII, notorious for his tumultuous marriages, wed his fifth wife, Catherine Howard. He divorced Catherine of Aragon, executed Anne Boleyn, lost Jane Seymour to childbirth, and annulled his marriage to Anne of Cleves. At around 19, Catherine brought fleeting rejuvenation to the aging king. However, rumors of her infidelity surfaced, and an investigation revealed her premarital and extramarital affairs. Less than two years later, Henry ordered her execution, adding another tragic chapter to his relentless quest for a stable marriage. Learn more about Henry VIII in How Did Henry VIII Die? The Injury That Costs a Life.

🎉1821: Peru Declared Its Independence from Spain

General José de San Martín proclaimed Peru's independence in Lima after a successful military campaign against Spanish forces. This declaration followed years of struggle in South America against colonial rule. San Martín, a key figure in the fight for freedom, sought to liberate Peru as part of a larger movement to free the continent from Spanish control. 

📜1868: The Fourteenth Amendment Was Adopted

Following the devastation of the Civil War, the United States faced the monumental task of rebuilding and addressing the rights of formerly enslaved people. The amendment granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S., directly addressing the status of formerly enslaved people. It established equal protection under the law and was a crucial step in the Reconstruction era, aiming to integrate formerly enslaved individuals into society as full citizens. Read about the Civil War in The American Civil War: Dates, Causes, and People.

✌️2005: The Irish Republican Army Ended Its Armed Campaign

For decades, the IRA had engaged in violent tactics to end British rule in Northern Ireland and achieve a united Ireland. This decision followed years of peace negotiations, including the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which aimed to bring an end to the Troubles—a conflict that had caused immense suffering and loss. 

🌟Born on This Day in History

1635: Robert Hooke, British Scientist

Robert Hooke is best known for his contributions to physics, particularly his work on elasticity, and for his observations using microscopes, where he coined the term "cell" to describe biological structures. Hooke's investigations also extended to architecture, astronomy, and mechanics, making him an important figure in the scientific revolution of the 17th century.

1929: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, First Lady of the United States

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, born in 1929, became First Lady of the United States when her husband, John F. Kennedy, was inaugurated as President in 1961. Known for her elegance and cultural contributions, she played a significant role in shaping the image of the Kennedy administration and remained a prominent figure in American public life for decades.

💔Died on This Day in History

450: Theodosius II, Roman Emperor

Ruled the Eastern Roman Empire and was known for his scholarly pursuits and the construction of the Theodosian Walls. Read his full life story: Theodosius II.

1540: Thomas Cromwell, English Statesman

A key architect of the English Reformation, he facilitated Henry VIII's divorce and the establishment of the Church of England before his execution after falling out of favor with the king.

1741: Antonio Vivaldi, Italian Composer

A virtuoso violinist and prolific composer, he left a lasting legacy with works such as The Four Seasons.

1750: Johann Sebastian Bach, German Composer

A master of the Baroque era, profoundly shaped Western classical music with his intricate compositions and innovative techniques.

1794: Maximilien Robespierre, French Revolutionary

Maximilien Robespierre, a key figure of the French Revolution, rose to prominence as a radical leader advocating for republicanism and social justice. As a member of the Committee of Public Safety during the Reign of Terror, he oversaw the execution of perceived enemies of the revolution, before being arrested and executed in July 1794, marking the end of his tumultuous and controversial political career.

Until tomorrow,

Matt