What happened on July 8th?

Good morning! Ready to rewind to some truly standout moments this July 8th?

It’s a day when Vasco da Gama started his voyage to India which marked the beginning of the Age of Exploration and fundamentally altered global trade, politics, and cultural exchanges.

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Here are other significant events that occurred on this day in history: 

🚢 1497: Vasco da Gama's First Voyage to India Began

On July 8, 1497, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama embarked on his first voyage to India, which was an important moment in the Age of Exploration. Sponsored by King Manuel I of Portugal, the expedition aimed to establish a direct sea route to India, thereby bypassing the overland trade routes controlled by Ottoman and Arab traders and securing a profitable spice trade for Portugal.

Da Gama's fleet consisted of four ships. The voyage took them down the west coast of Africa, around the Cape of Good Hope, and up the east coast to the island of Mozambique, where they encountered both welcoming and hostile locals.

After several months, the expedition reached Calicut (modern-day Kozhikode) on the southwestern coast of India in May 1498. There, da Gama sought to negotiate trade agreements with the Zamorin (ruler) of Calicut. He managed to secure some trading rights, marking the start of a direct European presence in the Indian Ocean trade network.

The return journey proved arduous, with many crew members succumbing to scurvy and other hardships. Despite these challenges, Vasco da Gama successfully returned to Lisbon in September 1499. His voyage established a direct sea link between Europe and Asia and heralded the beginning of an era of global maritime trade dominated by European powers.

🔔 1776: The Liberty Bell In Philadelphia Tolled to Announce the Declaration of Independence

On July 8, 1776, the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia tolled to announce the public reading of the Declaration of Independence. The historic bell, housed in the Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall), rang out to summon citizens to hear the newly adopted document, which proclaimed the Thirteen Colonies' independence from British rule. This event marked the birth of a new nation founded on the principles of liberty and equality. The Liberty Bell, with its iconic crack, has since become an enduring symbol of American freedom and independence. Read more about it in our newsletter from July 4th.

✍️ 1833: The Treaty of Hünkâr İskelesi Is Signed Between the Ottoman Empire and Russia

The Ottoman Empire and Russia signed the Treaty of Hünkâr İskelesi, establishing a defensive alliance. This treaty provided Russia with significant influence over Ottoman affairs and ensured mutual support against common enemies.

📖 1889: The First Issue of The Wall Street Journal Was Published

The Wall Street Journal, a leading financial newspaper, published its first issue. The publication has since become a primary source of business and economic news worldwide.

🎤 1896: William Jennings Bryan Delivered His “Cross of Gold” Speech

William Jennings Bryan delivered his famous "Cross of Gold" speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The speech advocated for bimetallism and criticized the gold standard, earning Bryan the Democratic nomination for president.

🧾 1941: German General’s Diary Reveals Hitler’s Plans for Russia

A captured diary of a German general disclosed Adolf Hitler's strategic plans for Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union. This revelation revealed the scale and ambition of the German military campaign in Eastern Europe. Read more about Hitler’s plans and his rise to power in Beer Hall Putsch: Causes, Outcomes, and Hitler’s Rise to Power.

1950: Douglas MacArthur Was Appointed Commander of United Nations Forces

General Douglas MacArthur was appointed as the Commander of United Nations forces during the Korean War. This appointment came in response to the North Korean invasion of South Korea, which began on June 25, 1950. MacArthur, already a prominent military leader with a distinguished career, was tasked with leading a coalition of forces from multiple countries to repel the communist advance and restore peace in the region. His leadership played a crucial role in the early stages of the conflict, including the successful Inchon Landing, which significantly shifted the momentum in favor of the UN forces.

🚀 2011: The Orbiter Atlantis Was Launched on the Last Space Shuttle Mission

NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on STS-135, the final mission of the Space Shuttle program. This mission marked the end of an era in American space exploration, concluding 30 years of shuttle flights.

🌟 Born on This Day in History

1839: John D. Rockefeller, US Industrialist

John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil, became one of the wealthiest individuals in history and a major philanthropist. His business practices and charitable contributions left a lasting impact on the American economy and society. Read more about him in John Rockefeller: Early Life, Family, Philanthropy, and More!.

1944: Jeffrey Tambor, Actor

Jeffrey Tambor is an acclaimed actor known for his roles in television series such as Arrested Development and Transparent, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards for his performances.

1951: Anjelica Huston, Actress

Anjelica Huston, an Oscar-winning actress, is celebrated for her roles in films such as Prizzi's Honor, The Addams Family, and The Grifters. She is also known for her work as a director and author.

1958: Kevin Bacon, Actor, Director, and Musician

Kevin Bacon is a versatile actor, director, and musician known for his roles in films such as Footloose, A Few Good Men, and Apollo 13. He is also the subject of the popular Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon game.

💔 Died on This Day in History

975: Edgar, King of England

Edgar the Peaceful was a king of England noted for his effective and stable reign, which helped consolidate the English kingdom. His leadership laid the groundwork for future monarchs to build upon.

1822: Percy Bysshe Shelley, English Poet

Percy Bysshe Shelley, a major figure in the Romantic movement, is known for his lyrical and visionary poetry, including works such as Ode to the West Wind and Prometheus Unbound. He died in a boating accident at the age of 29.

1999: Pete Conrad, Astronaut

Pete Conrad, an astronaut who commanded the Apollo 12 mission, became the third person to walk on the moon. He also served on Gemini and Skylab missions, making significant contributions to space exploration.

What a day, filled with such interesting events! Hope you enjoyed reading about them and see you tomorrow with other interesting facts from the past!

Matt

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