What happened on July 3rd?

Good morning!

Today, we're diving into a significant moment in American history: the end of the Battle of Gettysburg. The most famous battle of the US Civil War, it marked a turning point in the conflict and signaled the beginning of the end for the Confederacy, though it would take another two years to finially get peace.

Here’s more about this key battle as well as all the other things that happened on July 3rd.

⚔️1863: Battle of Gettysburg Ended

Union forces, led by General George G. Meade, triumphed over Confederate troops commanded by General Robert E. Lee, concluding the three-day Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania. This clash, one of the largest and deadliest of the Civil War, involved around 165,000 soldiers and resulted in approximately 51,000 casualties.

Throughout 1863, General Robert E. Lee, commander of the Confederare Army of Northern Virginia, had been marching into Union territory in an attempt to bring the war to the Northern states and hopefully secure a signficint enough victory to change Northern attitudes and let the Southern states move forward with their independence.

The two sides wound up meeting in a field just outside Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The Union's victory thwarted Lee's invasion of the North, marking a significant turning point by halting Confederate momentum and all but destroying the Army of Northern Virginia.

After this defeat, Lee’s army posed much less of a threat, and Lincoln and his advisors were able to focus on the Western theater, securing several key victories that made a Confederate victory all but impossible.

President Lincoln himself visited Gettysburg after the battle and delivered his famed Gettysburg Address, which has become a rallying cry for supporters of American unity ever since. Read more about the Civil War in The American Civil War: Dates, Causes, and People.

🏰1608: Samuel de Champlain Founded the City of Quebec

The French explorer started building a settlement at a strategic point on the St. Lawrence River, naming it Quebec. This move began the permanent French presence in North America, boosting the fur trade and establishing crucial alliances with Indigenous peoples. Champlain's diplomacy ensured the colony's survival, making Quebec the central hub for New France and expanding French influence across the continent.

🗡️1775: George Washington Took Command of the Continental Army

This moment came amid the early stages of the American Revolutionary War, with colonists seeking to break free from British rule. Washington's leadership unified the ragtag militia into a more effective fighting force, crucial for challenging the well-trained British troops. His strategic acumen and resolve boosted morale and solidified the commitment to American independence. Read more in The American Revolution: The Dates, Causes, and Timeline in the Fight for Independence.

🗳️1856: The U.S. House of Representatives Voted to Admit Kansas to Statehood

This vote followed the violent conflicts known as "Bleeding Kansas," where pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions clashed brutally. The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 had allowed territories to decide on slavery through popular sovereignty, leading to widespread turmoil. The House's approval represented a critical step in the nation's escalating tensions, directly contributing to the political and social divides that would soon erupt into the Civil War. Read about the Bleeding Kansas in Bleeding Kansas: When, How, and Why Did It Happen?.

🌄1890: Idaho Became the 43rd State

President Benjamin Harrison signed the bill admitting Idaho as the 43rd state, furthering westward expansion. The region, originally inhabited by Native American tribes like the Nez Perce and Shoshone, saw increased settlement after the discovery of gold in the 1860s. Idaho's admission came after years of development in mining, agriculture, and railroads, contributing to its economic growth.

🎬1985: The Comedy Back to the Future Was Released

This groundbreaking film combined humor, science fiction, and adventure, captivating audiences with its story of time travel facilitated by a DeLorean car modified by the eccentric scientist Dr. Emmett Brown, played by Christopher Lloyd. The film's innovative special effects, engaging plot, and memorable characters made it an instant hit, spawning two successful sequels and leaving a lasting impact on popular culture.

🌟Born on This Day in History

1878: George M. Cohan, Composer and Dramatist

Cohan created numerous Broadway classics, including "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and "Give My Regards to Broadway," significantly shaping American musical theater.

1883: Franz Kafka, German Writer

Franz Kafka was a Bohemian writer renowned for his surreal and often nightmarish stories that explore themes of alienation, existential dread, and bureaucratic absurdity. His most famous works, including The Metamorphosis and The Trial, have left a lasting impact on modern literature.

1962: Tom Cruise, Actor

Tom Cruise became a Hollywood icon through blockbuster films like Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, and Jerry Maguire" earning him acclaim for his dynamic performances.

💔Died on This Day in History

1918: Mohammed V, Sultan of Turkey

Mohammed V, Sultan of Turkey, reigned from 1909 to 1918, during a tumultuous period marked by World War I and the eventual dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. During his rule, significant internal and external challenges, including the empire's alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary happened, which ultimately led to its defeat and the signing of the Armistice of Mudros shortly before his death.

1971: Jim Morrison, Singer and Songwriter

As the legendary frontman of The Doors, Morrison left behind a lasting legacy with iconic hits like Light My Fire and Riders on the Storm, profoundly influencing rock music.

2012: Andy Griffith, Actor

Remembered fondly for his iconic role in The Andy Griffith Show, which left a lasting impact on American television and endeared him to generations of viewers.

That’s it for today.

If you enjoy this newsletter, I would highly recommend Sh*t I Should Know That, a daily newsletter covering those important facts you probably should know but have forgtotten.

Matt