On July 28, history marks significant turning points and remarkable events that shaped the world. From the outbreak of World War I in 1914 with Austria-Hungary’s declaration of war on Serbia to the tragic Tangshan earthquake of 1976, this date holds a spectrum of human experiences. Births of influential figures and pivotal sports achievements also define it. What other defining moments await on this historic day?
History
Major Historical Events
1866 – First Woman Appointed to U.S. Federal Service: Beatrix Potter is often celebrated for her children’s books. However, she marks a different milestone on this date. On July 28, 1866, Vinnie Ream became the first woman to receive a commission from the U.S. government for a statue. She created a life-sized marble statue of Abraham Lincoln for the Capitol Rotunda. Her groundbreaking achievement opened doors for women in federal art commissions.
1914 – Austria-Hungary Declares War on Serbia: On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary officially declared war on Serbia. This marked the formal beginning of World War I. The declaration came after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand a month earlier. It ignited a chain reaction of alliances and conflicts across Europe.
1932 – Bonus Army Evicted in Washington, D.C.: On July 28, 1932, U.S. federal troops forcibly evicted the Bonus Army. This was a group of World War I veterans protesting for early payment of bonuses. They were removed from their encampment in Washington, D.C. Under orders from President Herbert Hoover, the violent clash resulted in injuries. It deepened public discontent during the Great Depression.
1945 – B-25 Bomber Crashes into Empire State Building: On July 28, 1945, a U.S. Army B-25 Mitchell bomber, lost in heavy fog, crashed into the Empire State Building in New York City. It struck between the 78th and 80th floors. The accident killed 14 people, including the crew and office workers. It caused significant damage, though the building’s structural integrity held firm.
1976 – Tangshan Earthquake Devastates China: On July 28, 1976, a massive earthquake struck Tangshan, China. It had a magnitude of 7.6. The earthquake killed an estimated 242,000 people and injured hundreds of thousands more. It remains one of the deadliest earthquakes in recorded history. The event leveled much of the industrial city.
Famous Birthdays
1866 – Beatrix Potter: On July 28, 1866, Beatrix Potter, the beloved English author and illustrator, was born in London. She is best known for her children’s books like “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.” These works combined her love of nature with charming storytelling. They have inspired generations of young readers.
1902 – Karl Popper: On July 28, 1902, Karl Popper, an influential Austrian-British philosopher, was born in Vienna. He is renowned for his work in the philosophy of science. Particularly, his theory of falsifiability shaped critical thinking and scientific methodology in the 20th century.
1929 – Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: On July 28, 1929, Jacqueline Bouvier, later known as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, was born in Southampton, New York. As First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963, she became an icon of style and grace. She later contributed to historic preservation and the arts.
1954 – Hugo Chávez: On July 28, 1954, Hugo Chávez, the Venezuelan politician and president from 1999 until his death in 2013, was born in Sabaneta, Venezuela. He was known for his socialist policies and polarizing leadership. Chávez reshaped Venezuela’s political and economic landscape during his tenure.
Notable Deaths
1655 – Cyrano de Bergerac: On July 28, 1655, Cyrano de Bergerac, the French playwright and duelist, passed away in Paris at the age of 36. He was known for his wit and larger-than-life persona. His life inspired later works, including Edmond Rostand’s famous play about the poet with a prominent nose.
1741 – Antonio Vivaldi: On July 28, 1741, Antonio Vivaldi, the Italian Baroque composer and violinist, died in Vienna at the age of 63. He is famous for his concertos, especially “The Four Seasons.” Vivaldi’s music remains a cornerstone of classical repertoire.
1939 – William James Mayo: On July 28, 1939, William James Mayo, co-founder of the Mayo Clinic, died in Rochester, Minnesota, at the age of 78. His pioneering work in surgery and medical collaboration helped establish one of the world’s leading healthcare institutions.
Today in Music History
1741 – Death of Antonio Vivaldi: On July 28, 1741, Antonio Vivaldi, the masterful Baroque composer, passed away in Vienna. His innovative compositions, particularly for the violin, continue to influence classical music. Works like “The Four Seasons” are performed worldwide.
1973 – Grand Funk Railroad’s Chart-Topping Hit: On July 28, 1973, American rock band Grand Funk Railroad reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with their single “We’re an American Band.” The song became an anthem of the era. It showcased their raw energy and patriotic flair.
1990 – Elton John’s Health Scare: On July 28, 1990, Elton John checked into a Chicago hospital to address a vocal cord issue. This temporarily halted his tour. It highlighted the physical toll of his extensive performing career. He soon returned to the stage with renewed vigor.
Today in Sports History
1931 – First Night Game in Minor League Baseball: On July 28, 1931, the first night game in minor league baseball history took place in Des Moines, Iowa. It was between the Des Moines Demons and the Wichita Aviators. This innovation paved the way for widespread night games. It transformed the sport’s accessibility.
1984 – Opening of the Los Angeles Olympics: On July 28, 1984, the Summer Olympics officially opened in Los Angeles, California. The games were notable for a Soviet-led boycott. They still showcased remarkable achievements. For example, Carl Lewis won four gold medals in track and field.
1991 – Dennis Martinez’s Perfect Game: On July 28, 1991, Montreal Expos pitcher Dennis Martinez threw a perfect game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He became the first Latin American pitcher to achieve this rare feat in Major League Baseball history. His performance remains a celebrated milestone.
2012 – Michael Phelps Breaks Medal Record: On July 28, 2012, during the London Olympics, Michael Phelps won his 17th Olympic medal. This surpassed gymnast Larisa Latynina’s record for the most Olympic medals ever. Phelps solidified his status as one of the greatest Olympians with this achievement.
Today in Military and Naval History
1914 – World War I Begins with Declaration of War: On July 28, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. This triggered the cascading alliances that led to World War I. It was a pivotal moment that triggered one of the deadliest conflicts in human history.
1943 – Operation Gomorrah Intensifies: On July 28, 1943, during World War II, Allied forces continued their bombing campaign on Hamburg, Germany. This was part of Operation Gomorrah. The relentless air raids created a devastating firestorm. It caused massive civilian casualties and destruction.
1965 – U.S. Escalates Vietnam War Troop Commitment: On July 28, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced an increase in U.S. military forces in Vietnam. The troops went from 75,000 to 125,000. This signaled a major escalation in American involvement in the conflict.
Today in Tech and Science History
1851 – First Photograph of a Solar Eclipse: On July 28, 1851, the first successful photograph of a total solar eclipse was taken by Johann Julius Friedrich Berkowski in Königsberg, Prussia. This marked a significant advancement in astronomical documentation. It also advanced photography.
1976 – Tangshan Earthquake Recorded: On July 28, 1976, the catastrophic Tangshan earthquake in China was recorded as one of the deadliest natural disasters in history. Seismological data from the event has since informed modern earthquake preparedness. It has also informed engineering.
2005 – Discovery of Dwarf Planet Eris: On July 28, 2005, astronomers announced the discovery of Eris, a dwarf planet in the Kuiper Belt. It is larger than Pluto. This finding contributed to the reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1866 – Beatrix Potter’s Birth: On July 28, 1866, Beatrix Potter was born in London. She was destined to become a cultural icon through her whimsical children’s stories and illustrations. Her work, including “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” remains a beloved part of literary history.
1929 – Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Born: On July 28, 1929, Jacqueline Bouvier, later Kennedy Onassis, was born. Her influence as First Lady extended to cultural preservation. Particularly, she made efforts to restore the White House and promote the arts in America.
1951 – Release of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland: On July 28, 1951, Walt Disney’s animated film “Alice in Wonderland” premiered in London. It was adapted from Lewis Carroll’s classic. The movie became a cultural touchstone despite initial mixed reviews. It enchants audiences with its surreal charm.
1982 – Premiere of An Officer and a Gentleman: On July 28, 1982, the romantic drama “An Officer and a Gentleman,” starring Richard Gere and Debra Winger, premiered in the United States. The film’s emotional depth and iconic scenes made it a box office hit. It became a cultural staple.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1821 – Peru’s Unusual Independence Celebration: On July 28, 1821, Peru declared independence from Spain. General José de San Martín reportedly celebrated by walking through Lima with a llama adorned in ceremonial garb. This quirky moment added a lighthearted note to a historic day.
1945 – Empire State Building’s Odd Survival: On July 28, 1945, after a B-25 bomber crashed into the Empire State Building, an elevator operator named Betty Lou Oliver survived a 75-story fall. This happened when the cables snapped. Miraculously, she lived to tell the tale. It set a record for the longest survived elevator fall.
1972 – The Great Cheese Robbery: On July 28, 1972, a bizarre theft occurred in Wisconsin. Thieves stole over 40,000 pounds of cheese from a storage facility. The heist, valued at over $100,000 at the time, remains one of the largest cheese thefts in history.
Today in History for Kids
1866 – Beatrix Potter’s Birthday: On July 28, 1866, Beatrix Potter, the creator of Peter Rabbit, was born in England. She wrote and drew stories about cute animals. These taught kids to love nature and use their imagination through her fun books.
1945 – A Plane Hits a Tall Building: On July 28, 1945, a big airplane accidentally flew into the Empire State Building in New York. This was because of thick fog. Even though it was a scary accident, the building stayed standing. It showed how strong it was built.
1951 – Alice in Wonderland Movie: On July 28, 1951, Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland” came out. It tells the story of a girl who falls into a magical world full of talking animals and weird characters. It’s a movie that makes kids laugh and dream of adventure.
1976 – A Huge Earthquake in China: On July 28, 1976, a giant earthquake shook the city of Tangshan in China. It caused a lot of damage. It taught people around the world how important it is to build safe houses and be ready for natural disasters.
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
1914 – A War That Changed the World: On July 28, 1914, the declaration of war by Austria-Hungary on Serbia started World War I. This conflict involved over 70 million soldiers. It reshaped global politics for decades to come.
1943 – Hamburg’s Firestorm Horror: On July 28, 1943, during Operation Gomorrah, the Allied bombing of Hamburg created a firestorm. It was so intense that it sucked oxygen from the air. This made it nearly impossible for people to breathe. It remains one of the most devastating air raids of World War II.
1976 – Tangshan’s Unimaginable Loss: On July 28, 1976, the Tangshan earthquake in China struck without warning in the early morning. It flattened 85% of the city’s buildings in mere seconds. The scale of destruction shocked the world. It spurred advances in disaster response.
2005 – A New Celestial Discovery: On July 28, 2005, the discovery of Eris, a dwarf planet larger than Pluto, was announced. This sparked debates about what defines a planet. The finding reshaped our understanding of the solar system’s outer reaches.