Today in history July 28

  1. July 28, 1540 – King Henry VIII Marries Anne of Cleves
    On July 28, 1540, King Henry VIII of England married Anne of Cleves, his fourth wife. The marriage was politically motivated, intended to form an alliance with the Protestant states of Germany. However, Henry found Anne unattractive and the marriage was never consummated. Within six months, the marriage was annulled, and Anne was given a generous settlement. Despite the annulment, Anne remained in England and was treated as the king’s sister.
  2. July 28, 1776 – Battle of Long Island Begins
    The Battle of Long Island, also known as the Battle of Brooklyn, began on July 28, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War. It was one of the first major battles after the Declaration of Independence was signed. British forces, led by General William Howe, outflanked and decisively defeated the American troops under General George Washington. Despite the loss, Washington’s strategic retreat saved much of the Continental Army. This battle demonstrated the British military strength but also the resilience of the American forces.
  3. July 28, 1821 – Peru Declares Independence from Spain
    On this day, Peru officially declared independence from Spanish colonial rule. The declaration was part of the larger Latin American wars of independence that swept the continent in the early 19th century. Key figures such as José de San Martín played a critical role in liberating Peru. The independence movement was fueled by the desire for self-governance and the end of Spanish exploitation. Peru’s independence marked a significant step in the decline of Spanish power in the Americas.
  4. July 28, 1914 – World War I Begins
    World War I officially began on July 28, 1914, when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. This declaration triggered a complex web of alliances, pulling many European countries into the conflict. The war was characterized by trench warfare, massive casualties, and new military technologies. It lasted for four years and drastically altered the political landscape of Europe. The aftermath of the war led to significant social and economic changes worldwide.
  5. July 28, 1928 – Alexander Fleming Discovers Penicillin
    Although Alexander Fleming made the discovery in September 1928, July 28 is sometimes noted for the early stages of his research leading to penicillin. Fleming noticed that a mold called Penicillium notatum had antibacterial properties. This discovery revolutionized medicine by providing the first true antibiotic. Penicillin has saved millions of lives by effectively treating bacterial infections. Fleming’s work laid the foundation for modern antibiotics and changed the course of healthcare.
  6. July 28, 1945 – Start of the Battle of Guam
    The Battle of Guam began on July 28, 1945, when U.S. forces launched an offensive to recapture the island from Japanese control during World War II. Guam was a strategically important location in the Pacific theater. The battle involved intense fighting, with American troops facing fierce resistance. After several weeks, the U.S. successfully liberated the island, providing a critical base for further operations against Japan. The victory was an essential step toward the end of the Pacific War.
  7. July 28, 1953 – Korean War Ceasefire Signed
    On July 28, 1953, a ceasefire agreement was signed, effectively ending the Korean War. The armistice was signed by representatives of North Korea, China, and the United Nations Command led by the United States. The agreement established the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a buffer zone between North and South Korea. Although the ceasefire ended active combat, a formal peace treaty was never signed. The Korean Peninsula remains divided to this day, with ongoing tensions.
  8. July 28, 1976 – The Tangshan Earthquake
    On July 28, 1976, a devastating earthquake struck the city of Tangshan in northeastern China. Measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, it resulted in a catastrophic loss of life and widespread destruction. Estimates of fatalities vary, but it is believed that over 240,000 people died. The earthquake destroyed much of the city’s infrastructure and buildings. It remains one of the deadliest earthquakes in recorded history, prompting improvements in disaster preparedness and response.
  9. July 28, 2005 – Live 8 Concerts Held Worldwide
    On this day, the Live 8 concerts took place simultaneously around the world to raise awareness about global poverty. Organized by Bob Geldof, Live 8 aimed to pressure world leaders ahead of the G8 summit to address issues such as debt relief and aid for Africa. The concerts featured performances by renowned artists and attracted millions of viewers. The event successfully brought global attention to poverty and development challenges. It demonstrated the power of music and celebrity activism in influencing international policy.
  10. July 28, 2013 – Croatia Joins the European Union
    Croatia officially became the 28th member of the European Union on July 28, 2013. This marked a significant milestone in the country’s post-war recovery and integration into the European community. Membership offered Croatia access to the EU’s single market and structural funds. It also required the country to adopt EU legislation and standards. Croatia’s accession represented the continued expansion of the EU into Southeastern Europe.

Related Posts