The month of July is often one of the most fun and interesting months of the year. The weather is warmer, school is out, we celebrate the 4th of July and more!
July also contains many fun historical moments. From landing on the moon to the release of a popular game, there are many fun things to learn about.
Let’s dive into ten of them. They may make you one of the smartest people in the room this month.
10 Historical Moments
1. Stone of Destiny Returned
Sometimes, countries misplace some of their most important things. Other countries sometimes take them. That’s what happened with Scotland’s Stone of Destiny.
England took the Stone of Destiny, an oblong block of red sandstone, in 1296. They returned it on July 3, 1996.
During that time, British kings and queens used it in crowns. This is despite how ancient the stone was, and how important it was to Scotland. It caused a lot of arguments.
2. Declaration of Independence Published
The Continental Congress published the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It stands as one of the most important documents in United States History.
John Hancock was the first to sign it. You may hear people today saying, “Give me your John Hancock,” when asking for a signature.
After it went to print, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and other well-known historical names added their signatures.
The Declaration of Independence helped make America the country that it is today. Our national holiday, Independence Day, commemorates this amazing feat.
3. Pokémon GO Released
Released on July 6, 2016, Pokemon Go became one of the most popular games on the planet.
Pokemon Go has garnered over 1 billion downloads since its launch.
4. Hollywood Sign Constructed
They first put up the Hollywood Sign on July 13, 1923. In 1949, they temporarily took it down to make it look nicer and fix some damage.
The sign originally read Hollywoodland. In 1949 they removed the last four letters.
5. Amazon is Born
Amazon is a global online store. The largest online retailer and technology provider in the world.
Surprisingly, Amazon is younger than most people realize. Jeff Bezos founded it on July 5th, 1994. It began as an online book marketplace and quickly grew into what it is today.
6. First Test-Tube Baby Born
On July 25, 1978, Lesley Brown gave birth to the first successful test tube baby, Louise Brown. Her birth became a turning point in the treatment of infertility. Millions of couples, unable to have children, began hoping for a child of their own.
Since then, doctors have helped birth more than four million babies using this treatment.
7. Isaac Newton Publishes Principia
First published on July 5, 1687, Principia is one of the most influential scientific books ever released.
The book contains Newton’s most famous works. It includes his laws of motion, the law of universal gravity, and more.
Newton’s physics accounts for many facts of the observed world today.
8. The Office Released
Everyone loves a great TV show, and there are plenty to watch. One that stands out among them as a fan favorite is, The Office.
The Office first came out in the U.K. on July 9, 2001. It became so popular that filmmakers remade it in the United States, where it achieved even greater success.
As one of the most popular comedies ever released, it’s worth bringing up as a fun July fact.
9. One Giant Leap for Mankind
Space is one of the most interesting things people can think of. You just need to look up in the night sky to understand the fascination.
In July, space plays a significant role in history. On July 20, 1969 astronaut, Neil Armstrong first set foot on the moon. You may recognize the phrase, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
10. Spanish Armada Sets Sail
Unfortunately, countries don’t always get along, and tensions between them become high. That was certainly the case between Spain and England in 1588.
On July 20, 1588, the Spanish Armada set sail for England. They were hoping to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I and restore Catholic rule.
The Armada consisted of over 130 ships. When their ships met England a week-long naval battle began. England defeated the Spanish.
More History in July!
History in July is fun for more than a few reasons. From moon landings to scientific discoveries, and even new games, there are many interesting things to learn.
Be sure to share them with your friends and families this July. Learning something new together is always fun!
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