Historic Events of July 9th
July 9 has been marked by a series of significant historical events that have shaped the course of nations, altered the balance of power, and advanced civil rights. Here are some of the most notable occurrences on this date.
Political and Military Events
- In 1412, Thomas of Lancaster was created Duke of Clarence by King Henry IV of England, marking a significant step in his political career. However, his fortunes would change drastically, as he was killed in early 1421 during an ill-fated attack at Baugé, while commanding English forces in France.
- Thomas of Lancaster played a leading role in the captures of Caen, Alencon, Falaise, and Rouen during the 1415 invasion of France.
- Fast forwarding to 1793, the legislative assembly of Upper Canada passed the Act Against Slavery, prohibiting the importation of new slaves and promising freedom to children born to slaves at the age of 25.
- On July 9, 1810, Napoleon annexed the kingdom of Holland to the French empire after forcing his brother, Louis Bonaparte, to abdicate the Dutch throne.
- In 1863, the Siege of Port Hudson ended in a Union victory during the American Civil War, giving the Union complete control of the Mississippi River alongside the fall of Vicksburg.
- The start of Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily in World War II, occurred on July 9, 1943. This event pressed Mussolini’s regime and had a substantial impact on the Eastern Front.
Social and Cultural Events
- The first Wimbledon tennis tournament was held on July 9, 1877, at the All England Club, with Spencer Gore winning the title. This event established a major global sporting tradition.
- On July 9, 1877, Kaye Don, a Dublin-born racing driver, set a new world water speed record of 110.22 miles per hour on Lake Garda, Italy, with the Miss England II powerboat.
Independent Nations
- Argentina declared independence from Spain through the Congress of Tucumán on July 9, 1816, marking the birth of the nation. This day is celebrated annually as Argentina’s national holiday.
- The United States took control of the settlement of Yerba Buena, later renamed San Francisco, on July 9, 1846, marking the start of U.S. dominion over the area formerly under Mexican control.
- The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees African Americans citizenship and due process under the law, was ratified on July 9, 1868.
Miscellaneous Events
- In 1821, the execution of 470 prominent Cypriots, including Archbishop Kyprianos, took place following their support of Greek independence efforts.
- The execution of the Persian prophet Báb in Tabriz, Persia (modern Iran), occurred on July 9, 1850.
- The beginning of the Herzegovina Uprising against Ottoman rule occurred on July 9, 1875, an event that influenced Balkan politics.
- Iranian student protests erupted after a police raid on a dormitory in Tehran on July 9, 1999, sparking a national movement for reform and freedom of speech.
These events span political, military, and social history, reflecting July 9 as a day marked by significant shifts in power, nationhood, and civil rights.
- The first Wimbledon tennis tournament was held on July 9, 1877, establishing a major global sports tradition.
- Spencer Gore won the first Wimbledon tennis tournament on July 9, 1877, at the All England Club.
